The Safest Countries In The World In 2025

When moving abroad, safety is one of the most important considerations. From crime rates and personal security to healthcare access and digital safety, various factors determine how safe a country is for expats. Infrastructure also plays a key role—transportation, utilities, and emergency services can all impact day-to-day life.

However, safety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some countries pose greater risks for women due to gender-based violence and inequality, while others may not offer strong protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Natural disaster risks, political stability, and healthcare quality also influence how safe a country truly is.

What are the safest countries in the world?

We’ve ranked the safest countries in the world based on key factors such as personal security, public health, infrastructure, environmental safety, and digital security. These elements play a crucial role in determining overall safety, especially for expats.

Our analysis is based on the 2024 Global Peace Index and the World Risk Report which assess factors like crime rates, political stability, terrorism risks, and natural disaster resilience. We also consider healthcare access and quality, as well as digital security, which is increasingly important in a world where cyber threats are on the rise.

Which countries are the safest in 2025?

The Global Peace Index 2024 ranks 163 countries—covering 99.7% of the world’s population—based on 23 qualitative and quantitative factors, such as perceived criminality, military expenditure, internal conflicts, and political instability. Each country is given a score out of five, with lower scores indicating a more peaceful nation.

Safety is one of the most important factors for expats to investigate when moving to a new country, and it isn’t just about crime rates. The GPI evaluates peace across three key domains:

1. Societal safety and security
2. Ongoing domestic and international conflict
3. Militarisation

Additionally, the 2024 report introduces a new measure of global military capability, assessing factors such as military sophistication, technology, and battle readiness.

The top 10 safest countries in the world in 2025

Since 2023, there has been some minor re-shuffling of the safest countries in the world, with Austria climbing from fifth to third. On top of that, more than 90 countries have seen a decline in their score from 2023, the most since the Peace Index began in 2008.

However, one fact that remains firm is that the majority of the top 10 (60%) and over half of the top 20 are EU or EAA member countries.

Top 20 safest countries in the world in 2025

How has the safety of countries around the world changed since 2023?

Countries that have seen their Peace Index score decline since 2023

127 different countries have seen their peace score decline since 2023. Declines in global peacefulness are due to various factors, including internal conflicts, political instability, and economic challenges.

Countries with the biggest declide in their peace score include Ecuador, Haiti, Israel, Palestine, and Gabon. Israel and Palestine should come as no surprise here and likely had one of the largest influences on this year’s peace index, with the ongoing conflict having caused a lot of devastation and loss of life.

However, Ecuador has the largest decline in its peace score, with an almost 50% increase. A lot of this has been attributed to a lot of gang and drug-related violent crime in the region, with 70% of Ecuadorians admitting to not feeling safe in their city or neighbourhood at night. In fact, it reached such heights that the new President, Daniel Noboa, declared a state of emergency, officially branding 22 gangs as terrorist organisations.

Top 10 countries with the biggest decline in their peace scores since 2023

Countries that have improved on their previous Peace Index score

Only 35 countries saw an improvement in their 2023 Peace Index Score. The five countries that saw the biggest improvement are Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Greece, and Mauritania.

In 2019, Syria and Afghanistan were the two least peaceful nations according to that year’s Peace Index score due to the conflicts happening within each country. Since then, the war in Afghanistan has officially ended, though the region is still plagued by smaller internal conflicts. However, the country has made improvements in areas such as its terrorism impact indicator, and deaths from internal conflicts have fallen since 2017.

Syria, however, has recorded more than 400,000 deaths since the beginning of the civil war, and over half of the refugees under the UNHRC’s mandate were from Syria during 2023, as the country saw 56.7% of its population displaced by the war.

Top 10 countries that have improved on their previous Peace Index score

The safest countries in the world 2025

Unchanged from 2023, 14 of the top 20 safest countries, according to the Global Peace Index 2024, remain European countries. In fact, three of the five Nordic countries placed in the top 20—Finland, Denmark, and Iceland—and Sweden and Norway both placed within the top 40. This is unsurprising as these countries are known for their high levels of safety and happiness.

Some other countries have made significant improvements in their Global Peace Index ranking. Malaysia, which ranked 19th in 2023, climbed up to 10th and saw an 8.6% improvement in its index score.

Below, we’ll provide an overview and some insights into the top 10 safest countries in the world, examining each country’s personal safety levels, public health, infrastructure, environmental safety, and digital security.

1/ Iceland

Peace Index score 2024: 1.112

Iceland remains the number one country in the Global Peace Index, a position it has held since 2008, with a score of 1.112. Iceland has a low crime rate and usually stays out of external conflicts, with no army. It is also known for its high life expectancy and high air quality, as well as its acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality, with no pay gap between men and women.

Personal safety

While Iceland’s crime rates are low, this does not mean that crime does not exist. Petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing can occur. To be on the safe side, don’t leave valuables in your car overnight, and be aware of your surroundings.

Public health

Iceland’s life expectancy is currently 82.6 years, higher than the EU average of 80.9 years. In terms of accessing healthcare, Icelanders generally report low levels of unmet medical needs. The majority of Iceland’s healthcare costs are paid for by taxes. However, patient contributions also make up some of the expenses, though these have a cap of €251 per month.

Infrastructure

Iceland has extensive infrastructure, with roads starting to be built in 1900. However, there are still many gravel roads. There are no railways in the country, though there are 13 airports, four of which are international. Due to the country’s reliance on fishing revenues, Iceland has nine major ports. The country’s Ministry of Infrastructure also works closely with the OECD, Council of Europe, and Nordic Council of Ministers to make further improvements.

Environmental safety

In terms of environmental safety, Iceland currently meets and even exceeds, in some respects, the World Health Organisation’s guidelines for air quality. Additionally, Iceland has few dangerous wildlife, which is why hiking is so popular. You may see Icelandic horses, sheep, arctic foxes, seals, and seagulls. However, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur, though they are rarely dangerous in the case of earthquakes. And many of the country’s live volcanoes are located far from populated areas.

Digital security

Digital security has increased dramatically in recent years, with the International Telecommunications Union’s Cybersecurity Index 2024 ranking it as a role-model country in tier one. The report cites the country’s strengths in this field as legal measures taken to offer protection, technical measures, and cooperative measures.

2/ Ireland

Overall score: 1.303

Ireland comes in second place, scoring 1.303, improving upon its third-place ranking in 2023. The life expectancy of those living in Ireland is currently at 82.2 years, which is higher than the aforementioned EU average. The Garda Síochána, the national Irish police force, oversees matters of safety in the country, meaning residents are guarded. Ireland also has a strong and stable economy, low occurrence of internal conflicts, and tolerance of migrants.

Personal safety

Crime rates in Ireland have been trending down in recent years, but there are still some areas of concern. Theft, fraud, and recorded crime increased in 2023. While Ireland has a complex history, the country today is considered very safe, with no significant risk from conflict-related remnants such as landmines or unexploded ordnance.

Public health

Recently, the Ministers of Health in Ireland announced that in 2025, there will be a €25.8 billion budget for health services—a €2.94 billion increase on the 2024 budget. €33 million of this will improve and increase access to cancer treatment, and €35 million will go to hormone replacement therapy treatments for women experiencing menopause. The most recent estimate states that the number of practising physicians in Ireland is 20,135.

Infrastructure

Ireland has made significant improvements to its infrastructure in recent years, though it still faces some issues. One is a lack of affordable housing, with political parties pledging to build between 60,000 and 300,000 new homes by 2030. Ireland also has the most car-reliant travel infrastructure in the EU, with roads carrying more than 97% of passenger traffic. This is without full inter-city motorways in place, making links between Dublin and other major cities subject to significant traffic congestion.

Environmental safety

In recent years, progress has been made to improve the air quality in major cities in Ireland. The country has also reduced its reliance on landfills but now exports a high level of waste. The country also has its Climate Action Plan 2024, providing a roadmap for the country to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

Digital security

October 2024 saw Ireland’s cyber security laws undergo rather drastic changes in order to boost the overall level of national cyber security. The biggest change is the implementation of the EU’s Network and Information Security Directive, 2022/2555 (NIS 2), which essentially means that organisations have to use more robust cybersecurity protocols. It also covers a broader array of sectors than it previously did, including healthcare finance, energy, transport, and water supply.

3/ Austria

Peace Index score 2024: 1.313

Austria takes third place, scoring 1.313. The country performed well on a range of Global Peace Index domains. Most notably, it has one of the lowest economic costs of violence in the country, making up just 4.23% of its GDP. The country also has low crime rates and a strong judicial system to reinforce those rates. It also performed well on the N26 quality of life index, ranking fourth.

Personal safety

Austria has a low crime rate for serious crimes, but petty crime has seen a slight increase. These crimes include pickpocketing and bag snatching, and they primarily take place in larger cities like Vienna, most notably on public transport and tourist areas. As such, in these areas, you should mind your personal possessions, avoid placing valuables in overhead storage on trains, and be alert to suspicious behaviour.

Public health

In Austria, the health system has almost universal coverage, and accessibility is considered to be generally good. The healthcare system is funded by taxation (around 40%), with the rest coming from social health insurance contributions. These contributions tend to protect those more financially vulnerable, with exemptions in places, and those with higher incomes contribute more to protect those on lower incomes.

Infrastructure

The country has an incredibly extensive rail system, which spans a total of 6,123 kilometres and ranks as the 35th largest globally. There are also many airports in the country, including six international airports, such as the one in the capital, Vienna. However, its energy infrastructure can be problematic, as, in recent years, the country has been heavily reliant on Russian oil, which is even more of an issue, given the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Environmental safety

The environmental state of Austria has been poor in recent years, with a report from early 2021 showing that greenhouse gas emissions had increased by 5% in the last 30 years. This makes Austria one of just six EU countries that made no improvement over that time period. However, you can expect the country to improve on this as they have set a target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2040.

Digital security

The IT sector has grown rapidly in Austria over recent years, with the market estimated to be worth around €710 million by 2028. However, this has also inadvertently caused a surge in cybercrime, with a 30.4% increase in such crimes from 2021 to 2022. The National Cyber Security Coordination Center, working with the Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, is now making every effort to implement innovative measures to improve the country’s cybersecurity.

4/ New Zealand

Peace Index score 2024: 1.323

New Zealand is the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region and the fourth most peaceful globally, with a score of 1.323. Its score has had a very slight drop since 2023, largely due to an increase in military expenditure as a percentage of the country’s GDP. However, the country has a small population of just 5.1 million, giving it a low population density. This means people tend to be more invested in their community, which is seen as a reason for the low crime rates.

Personal safety

For expats moving to New Zealand, particularly those with families, safety is a primary concern, and New Zealand is about as safe as it gets. The country has a remarkably low crime rate compared to global averages. The people of New Zealand are also renowned for their friendly and accepting nature. Communities also tend to have a real sense of solidarity.

Public health

New Zealand has a universal healthcare system that is free or subsidised for most residents. This also applies to expats with residency status or a working visa of at least two years. Furthermore, New Zealand’s Vote Health package means the country will have a budget of $16.68 billion New Zealand dollars for 2024, 2025, and 2026. This means the annual budget is more than NZ$5 billion each year, which is a NZ$1.774 billion increase.

Infrastructure

New Zealand is another country that faces some challenges in its infrastructure, namely an affordable housing shortage. Recent policies implemented in Auckland have recently led to around a 28% reduction in rent prices. A lot of the infrastructure is outdated and in need of renovation, especially as the population continues to grow. One example of how the outdated infrastructure leaves the residents of New Zealand vulnerable is the June 2024 power outage that left around 180,000 people without power.

Environmental safety

New Zealand’s sea levels are slowly rising, meaning that flooding in coastal areas is becoming much more frequent. As such, homeowners and expats in these areas could face costs related to these environmental challenges. Aotearoa, New Zealand’s national environmental regulator, is working to improve environmental markers in the country, including a target to be net zero by 2050.

Digital security

Cybercrime reported in New Zealand has dropped over the last year. During Q2 2023, 1,950 crimes were reported, compared to 1,203 in Q2 2024. However, New Zealanders reported a total of NZ$6.8 million lost due to cybercrime during Q2 2024.

5/ Singapore

Peace Index score 2024: 1.339

Singapore is a newcomer to the Global Peace Index top five, having previously ranked sixth in 2023. It is also the second-most peaceful nation in the Asia-Pacific region, just behind New Zealand. Singapore also ranked at the top of the index for safety and security and ongoing conflict domains.

Personal safety

Although crime rates in Singapore for serious crimes are pretty low, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, so it’s best to keep your belongings as secure as possible. However, the low crime rates are largely due to the strict laws and how severely they’re enforced. You should familiarise yourself with these laws before moving, as jaywalking and littering could land you a hefty fine.

Public health

Singapore is compared to being at least on par with Australia in terms of the quality of healthcare. However, healthcare is not free, and costs can be quite high. As such, before moving, it is essential to get a comprehensive insurance plan set up for you and your family. Additionally, bringing any of your pre-existing medications over to Singapore may need prior approval from the proper authorities; you should always check beforehand. Dengue fever is also endemic in Singapore, so you should take measures to repel mosquitos, such as repellent sprays, wearing long sleeves, and installing screens on your doors and windows.

Infrastructure

The city-state is renowned for its efficient infrastructure, which has been pivotal in establishing itself as a hub for business, trade, and tourism. Singapore’s ports are among the busiest in the world, serving as transshipment hubs, but recent congestion challenges have led to delays. Its digital infrastructure is also set to undergo some radical improvements, as there are plans to lay undersea fiber optic cables to enhance connectivity to support the region’s data center industry.

Environmental safety

Singapore’s air quality is generally considered good; however, it can be affected by the rather common forest fires, especially during the monsoon season from August to October. Industrial pollution is also becoming more of a threat to the country’s air quality. As mentioned, Singapore has monsoons, which can bring heavy rain and winds that often destroy homes.

Digital security

Singapore, with its intricate digital infrastructure, is one of the most digitally secure countries in the world. In fact, it ranked fifth globally among nations that use technology to improve the lives of its residents. Furthermore, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore recently released its 2.0 version of the Safe App Standard. This makes significant improvements in the security of high-risk mobile apps, such as those that handle financial transactions.

Countries with the biggest threat of natural disasters

This section will examine the countries that rank the highest on the World Risk Report Index, an annual report on which countries are most vulnerable to natural disasters.

It will also examine the links between extreme natural events, the negative impacts of climate change, societal inequalities, and disaster risk reduction.

Which country has the highest risk of natural disasters?

1/ The Philippines

The Philippines comes out on top, with many coastal cities and more than 7,000 islands known to be vulnerable to natural disasters. On average, the Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons, many of which have the potential to develop into super typhoons.

The difference is that typhoons are classified as having winds of around 74mph, and super typhoons have winds of around 150mph. In 2023, typhoons caused around 18.1 billion Philippine pesos (£241 million) worth of damage.

2/ Indonesia

Indonesia is in second place, and it is vulnerable to a range of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and forest fires.

This is due to the country’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where there are many active volcanoes and the intersection of three tectonic plates: the Indian-Australian, Eurasian, and Pacific.

3/ The United States of America

The United States is also featured in the top 20, as it is susceptible to hurricanes, flooding, and forest fires. In fact, during 2023, more than half of the mainland US states, including California, Texas, and Wisconsin, experienced tornadoes.

In fact, there were 28 weather and climate disasters, totalling US$92.9 (£73.07) billion in damages. In January 2025, a series of wildfires devastated Los Angeles, fueled by dry, hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. The expected costs of damages estimated from these wildfires alone are somewhere between US$250 billion-$275 billion.

Top 20 countries with the highest risk of natural disasters

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

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At William Russell, we have been providing worldwide health cover for over 30 years, helping expats like you and their families to settle into their new homes. Speak to us today to find out more about how international health insurance could support you.

Methodology

We used Vision of Humanity’s annual release to access the Global Peace Index scores for each country in 2024. Countries scoring lower are more peaceful, allowing us to reveal the safest and most peaceful countries in the world this year.

We then accessed the scores from the previous year (2023) in order to calculate the difference in scores for each country. This allowed us to show which countries are increasing or decreasing in safety in 2024.

Using IFHV’s World Risk Index 2024, we also examined which countries are most at risk from natural disasters. In this index, countries with a higher score have a great risk and vulnerability to natural disasters.