What is the safest country to live in?

Feeling safe is one of the most important factors when deciding where your going to live, we understand how critical this is. We have put together a list of the top ten safest countries to live in based on 23 different indicators, such as social factors, international conflict, and security and political instability.

10. Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the least dangerous countries in Europe and worldwide. Why is this? –

• The population here are generally fairly wealthy and well educated, which consequently leads to lower crime rates.
• They also have an effective criminal justice system, which prevents high levels of crime from being carried out.
• They have the oldest policy of military neutrality in the world. The country has not participated in an international war since neutrality was established in 1815 (Treaty of Paris).
• They are a strong welfare state that ensures people don’t have to steal to live their lives.
• It is home to one of the most stable democracies in the world.

9. Japan

Japan has ranked in the top ten safest countries for over 13 years, but why is this? –

• The children are taught from a very young age to know the differences from right and wrong.
• They have a zero tolerance policy towards knife crime, as well as gun crime.
• They have a low tolerance drug policy and celebrities who have previously been convicted for drug related offences, such as Paris Hilton and the Rolling Stones, have previously been denied entry into Japan.
• They have a zero tolerance policy towards drinking and driving.
• They have a stable and prosperous economy, which doesn’t encourage citizens to commit crimes to make a living.

8. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is the second safest country in the middle and eastern European region. Why is this? –

• They have low crime rates due to stable economy and good education.
• They find it very difficult to access weapons and therefore have a low impact on terrorism.
• They are amongst the most stable and prosperous markets in Central Europe so the people don’t feel the need to steal in order to make money.
• They have an efficient health care system, which is a state run insurance system which is relatively inexpensive and the coverage is universal. This means that citizens don’t have to find money immorally to afford to look after themselves.
• Their violent crimes rate is decreasing.

7. Singapore

Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but why is this? –

• They have pretty severe penalties that are charged for small crimes.
• There is a very strict ban on weapons for those who are not involved in law enforcement. The government and the police strictly control guns and other firearms, so violent and confrontational crimes are rare in Singapore.
• They have a reliable police force who are supported by the people of Singapore. This means that they won’t go out of their way to break the law just to emphasise their dislike towards them.
• Most people are well paid and therefore they don’t need to commit crimes, such as stealing, to earn money to make a living.
• The people are educated from a young age to follow and respect the law.

6. Canada

It is said that Canada is home to some of the friendliest people in the world,  so comes out as one of the safest countries in the world, but why is this? –

• They have a great police system, who are easy to contact and quick to responding. Because of this, the people trust them and therefore they are more likely to obey the law.
• They have a liberal government which brings them political stability.
• They are known for their peacekeeping tendencies and therefore don’t get involved in acts of terrorism.
• They are very tolerant and respectful of human rights.
• Their minimum wages are typically higher than those of the USA.

5. Denmark

Did you know that as well as being one of the safest, Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world? Why is this? –

• They have a high level of equality so the people don’t feel like they have to commit crime to compete with one another.
• They have a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare.
• The people are taught from a young age the importance of honesty and trust, so committing crimes is seen as very immoral.
• It is also a welfare state, which means that everyone receives services and perks that help them to live fairly comfortable lives.
• Their healthcare and education services are free, meaning people don’t have to resort to crime in order to fund their lifestyle.

4. Austria

The quality of life in Austria is regarded as one of the best in the world due to their low crime rates, but why is this? –

• They have high social welfare values, so committing crimes is seen to be morally wrong.
• They have a thriving economy, so crimes of monetary gain are very rare.
• They rarely get involved in acts of terrorism.
• They are have a fairly stable political system, which means social unrest is kept low.
• Their political system is based on democracy so the people feel heard and therefore don’t need to commit crimes to get their point across to the government.

3. Portugal

Over the years Portugal has dramatically increased it’s position in the safety rankings, but why is this? –

• They have increased their police presence on the streets of Portugal, meaning potential crimes are identified before they become a problem to society.
• They have minimal incidents of terrorist attacks and violent demonstrations.
• They have very harmonious relationships with their neighbouring countries, so peace is kept internationally and conflicts are avoided.
• They have a stable political scene so rebellion is rare.
• Their unemployment rates have improved, meaning less people are having to revert to crime in order to make money to fund their lifestyle.

2. New Zealand

Although NZ is the complete other side of the world, it is one of the safest countries to live in. Why is this? –

• The people are fairly open minded and have laws in place to prevent the abuse of anyone’s freedom of speech.
• They are not allowed to carry personal firearms, which reduces violent crimes and murders.
• The locals are very friendly people and are more than happy to help one another.
• They don’t have any deadly animals to worry about… unlike Australia!
• They have a good police system, which has the support of the people.

1. Iceland

Iceland is officially the safest country in the world and has been ranked as highest for thirteen years! Why is this? –

• They have a high standard of living and therefore crimes are not committed to gain an income.
• They have a small population, so there is a lower chance that crimes will be committed.
• They have strong social values against crime.
• They have laws in place to guarantee equality such as same-sex marriages and equal pay for men and women.
• They have a high level of trust in their police force.
• There is a lack of political, social and economical tension between the people, so no one feels like they are competing against each other.

If you are looking to move abroad to one of these countries, then check out our International Removals pages for more information.