Originally published at: Safest Countries in the World in 2022 | GoVisaFree
The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) released its annual Global Peace Index. The report ranks 163 independent states and territories based on their level of peacefulness. In the last year, the global peacefulness average dropped by 0.07 percent. This is possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdowns and economic uncertainty caused civil unrest in various countries.
As in previous years, European countries dominated the top 10. Iceland managed to remain the most peaceful country in the world. Iceland is followed by New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia. So if you’re looking to relocate to Europe soon, make sure to check out the list below.
Take a detailed look at the top 10 countries, and make sure to check out the end of the article to see a list of the top 20 safest countries.
Discover the 10 Safest Countries in the World
Eight of the 10 countries at the top of the list are located in Europe.
1. Iceland
#1 in the Safest Countries
Iceland is still on the top of the list of the most peaceful countries in the world. The country has maintained its position since 2008. In Iceland, perceptions of criminality indicators improved. Iceland’s incarceration rate of 33 per 100,000 people is the lowest in Europe.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Reykjavik
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$59,261 (2020)
2. New Zealand
#2 in the Safest Countries
New Zealand ranks second on the global list. With a stable politics and economy and respect for human rights, New Zealand is the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pasific region. The country has been relatively unaffected by COVID-19.
REGION
Oceania
CAPITAL
Wellington
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$41,791 (2020)
3. Denmark
#3 in the Safest Countries
With a population of approximately 5.98 million inhabitants (2020 estimate), Denmark stands out for its economic stability and low level of corruption. It’s the third safest country in this year’s index.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Copenhagen
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$60,908 (2020)
4. Portugal
#4 in the Safest Countries
Portugal has succeeded to rank among the top five countries this year, too. With low crime rates, good quality of life, and a stable political climate, Portugal portrays a perfect country to live in. Check out our article on Being an Expat in Portugal for a better insight.
Portugal also sets an example for LGBT rights in Europe, thanks to its LGBT-friendly environment.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Lisbon
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$22,439 (2020)
5. Slovenia
#5 in the Safest Countries
Last year Slovenia ranked 10th in the Global Peace Index. This year, it has jumped five places. This is mainly due to low crime rates, and a stable atmosphere. The country is also known as one of the cleanest countries. It also has many natural beauties, adding to the quality of life. The country is also known as one of the cleanest countries.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Ljubljana
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$25,179 (2020)
6. Austria
#6 in the Safest Countries
Austria is again among the top 10 countries. The crime rate in the country is very low, while the Human Development Index is very high. In Austria income per capita is very high and this affects the country’s rankings.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Vienna
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$48,105 (2020)
7. Switzerland
#7 in the Safest Countries
Switzerland is among the countries where the crime rate is very low, despite being an industrialized country. The country has a strong economy and income per capita is very high, too.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Bern
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$86,601 (2020)
8. Ireland
#8 in Safest Countries
Ireland jumps three places this year and ranks as the 8th safest country in the world. The country has low crime rates, a good economy, and a friendly population.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Dublin
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$83,812 (2020)
9. The Czech Republic
#9 in Safest Countries
The Czech Republic is the 9th safest country in the world. The country stands out for its social equality and low crime rates.
REGION
Europe
CAPITAL
Prague
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$22,762 (2020)
10. Canada
#10 in Safest Countries
Canada is the tenth safest country according to the index. The crime rate is low in the country, even in big cities. The income per capita is very high, too.
REGION
North America
CAPITAL
Ottawa
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$43,241 (2020)
Analysis of the Global Peace Index
The analysis of the Global Peace Index is based on several indicators. Some of them are:
- Impact of terrorism,
- Number of violent deaths
- Nuclear capability
- Condition of peace
- Social security
- Internal conflicts
- International relations
Safest Countries – Top 20
| Rank | Country | Score | Change |
| 1 | Iceland | 1.1 | – |
| 2 | New Zealand | 1.253 | +1 |
| 3 | Denmark | 1.256 | +2 |
| 4 | Portugal | 1.267 | -2 |
| 5 | Slovenia | 1.315 | +5 |
| 6 | Austria | 1.317 | -2 |
| 7 | Switzerland | 1.323 | +2 |
| 8 | Ireland | 1.326 | +3 |
| 9 | Czech Rep. | 1.329 | -1 |
| 10 | Canada | 1.33 | -3 |
| 11 | Singapore | 1.347 | -5 |
| 12 | Japan | 1.373 | – |
| 13 | Finland | 1.402 | – |
| 14 | Norway | 1.438 | +1 |
| 15 | Sweden | 1.46 | – |
| 16 | Australia | 1.47 | -2 |
| =17 | Croatia | 1.48 | +6 |
| =17 | Germany | 1.48 | +1 |
| 19 | Hungary | 1.494 | +3 |
| 20 | Belgium | 1.496 | -3 |
Read Next