Year-ender 2025: Top 20 safest countries in the world

From Iceland to Germany, these 20 countries rank as the world’s safest in 2025, proving that stability and peace still thrive despite global uncertainty.

As 2025 draws to a close, global travel and lifestyle choices are increasingly shaped by one question: how safe is the world really? With conflicts intensifying, geopolitical tensions deepening and economic uncertainty becoming the norm, safety has emerged as a defining benchmark for countries—and for people deciding where to live, work or travel.

Against this backdrop, the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) offers a rare note of reassurance. While overall global peacefulness declined by 0.36% this year, a small group of countries continued to stand out for their stability, low conflict levels and resilient institutions. These nations rank highest not just because of low crime or military restraint, but due to what experts call “Positive Peace”—the social attitudes, governance structures and systems that sustain long-term peace.

How the Global Peace Index Ranks Safety

Compiled annually, the Global Peace Index (GPI) evaluates 163 countries, representing 99.7% of the world’s population, using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators. These indicators span three core areas—societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and levels of militarisation. Even as global instability increased in 2025, the countries topping the index managed to maintain or improve their peace scores, defying broader regional and global headwinds.

According to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), these countries rank as the safest in the world based on overall peace scores—where a lower score reflects higher levels of safety, stability and societal harmony, measured across indicators such as crime rates, political stability, militarisation and internal conflict.

1. Iceland | GPI Score: 1.095

Retaining its position as the world’s most peaceful country, Iceland is marked by negligible crime rates, no standing army and virtually no internal conflict. Strong social cohesion, gender equality and deep public trust in institutions further reinforce its unmatched safety profile.

2. Ireland | GPI Score: 1.260

Ireland’s strong democratic framework, independent judiciary and stable political environment contribute to its high peace ranking. Consistently low violent crime rates and minimal external conflict exposure make it one of Europe’s safest nations.

3. New Zealand | GPI Score: 1.282

Geographic isolation, limited exposure to global conflicts and effective governance help New Zealand maintain its reputation for peace. The country also benefits from high social trust, transparent institutions and a strong community-oriented culture.

4. Austria | GPI Score: 1.294

Austria’s long-standing political neutrality plays a major role in its safety record. Low crime levels, efficient public services and a well-functioning legal system ensure a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

5. Switzerland | GPI Score: 1.294

Renowned for neutrality and political stability, Switzerland combines high living standards with strong institutions and effective law enforcement. Its low levels of internal unrest and conflict reinforce its position among the world’s safest countries.

6. Singapore | GPI Score: 1.357

Asia’s safest country in 2025, Singapore stands out for strict law enforcement, highly efficient policing and strong governance. Low crime rates, political stability and a disciplined social structure contribute to exceptional public safety.

7. Portugal | GPI Score: 1.371

Portugal continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Europe’s safest destinations. Low violent crime, social tolerance and a peaceful political climate have made it increasingly attractive for retirees, digital nomads and long-term migrants.

8. Denmark | GPI Score: 1.393

Denmark’s high levels of public trust, low corruption and comprehensive welfare system underpin its strong peace performance. A stable political environment and effective governance further enhance everyday safety.

9. Slovenia | GPI Score: 1.409

Often under the radar, Slovenia consistently performs well across peace indicators. Low crime, limited militarisation and a secure social environment place it among Europe’s safest and most stable nations.

10. Finland | GPI Score: 1.420

A regular top performer, Finland excels in governance quality, education and social trust. Strong internal security, low crime and resilient institutions reinforce its global reputation for safety and stability.

11. Czechia | GPI Score: 1.435

Czechia’s solid peace ranking reflects political stability, low levels of violent crime and minimal involvement in external conflicts. Effective policing and steady economic conditions further support its safety credentials.

12. Japan | GPI Score: 1.440

Globally admired for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, Japan benefits from strong social order, community accountability and efficient institutions. Public safety, even in major urban centres, remains remarkably high.

13. Malaysia | GPI Score: 1.469

Ranking just behind Singapore in Southeast Asia, Malaysia scores well for internal peace and low conflict intensity. Improvements in governance and societal safety continue to strengthen its regional standing.

14. Netherlands | GPI Score: 1.491

Progressive governance, strong democratic institutions and low levels of internal conflict keep the Netherlands firmly within the global top tier. High social trust and effective public services further enhance safety.

15. Canada | GPI Score: 1.491

Tied with the Netherlands, Canada’s peaceful standing is driven by political stability, low crime rates and strong civic institutions. Its inclusive social fabric and minimal conflict exposure add to long-term safety.

16. Belgium | GPI Score: 1.492

Despite political complexity and regional divisions, Belgium maintains low internal conflict and dependable security systems. Strong institutions and effective law enforcement support its consistent peace ranking.

17. Hungary | GPI Score: 1.500

Hungary’s position reflects relatively low crime levels, limited external conflict involvement and stable internal conditions. While political debates persist, everyday safety remains high by global standards.

18. Australia | GPI Score: 1.505

Geographic isolation, effective governance and robust institutions continue to bolster Australia’s peace credentials. Low violent crime and strong public trust contribute to its secure social environment.

19. Croatia | GPI Score: 1.519

Croatia shows steady improvement, with declining violent crime and growing political stability. Its peaceful internal environment has strengthened significantly in the post-conflict era.

20. Germany | GPI Score: 1.533

Rounding out the global top 20, Germany’s safety is supported by strong institutions, effective policing and resilient internal security systems, despite its central role in European and global affairs.

Why These Rankings Matter in 2025

In a year marked by uncertainty, the GPI’s safest countries highlight an important takeaway: peace is not accidental. It is built over time through effective governance, social cohesion, economic resilience and trust in institutions.

As people rethink travel, relocation and long-term lifestyle choices heading into 2026, these 20 countries offer a compelling blueprint for what stability looks like in an increasingly unpredictable world.