Iceland has ranked as the safest country to live in the world since 2008. And as of this year Iceland remains number 1. The other top rankers include Ireland, New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland.
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According to Lindsey Galloway of BBC News, the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) indicates that the number of state-based conflicts (meaning at least one government fighting against another state or non-state armed group) around the globe has reached its highest level since World War Two, with three more breaking out this year alone.
At the other end of the spectrum, based on the Global Peace Index (GPI) from the Institute for Economics and Peace, you have these countries as well as Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia and Finland. These are countries that, according to Galloway, “Have been remarkably consistent” in showing the stabilities that peace policies can bring to residents over the long term. This actually spanning over 20 years.
The GPI measures 23 factors ranging from involvement in external conflicts and military spending to level of homicides and safety and security including again terrorism. For locals of Iceland the sense of safety internalized in everyday life. With locals give examples like feeling safe walking alone at night, and babies in seen sleeping in strollers outside cafes and shops while parents enjoy themselves inside.
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Some on the list like Austria and Ireland have embedded in their constitutions literal mandates of neutrality preventing them from joining military alliances like NATO. And, policies of military noninvolvement in global military conflicts also translate to investing more their people and socially beneficial programs like world-class healthcare and educations. This focus in and of itself instill a sense of security, trust and peace of mind. As Austrian Armin Pfurtscheller, owner of SPA-Hotel Jagdhof puts it, “Austria’s decades-long policy of neutrality means the nation invests in its people instead of conflicts.” He goes on to say, “Safe isn’t just a statistic, it’s the way life feels.” And, that this sense of ease can even be observed in visitors after a few days. “Their shoulders drop, the stress melts away, and they sleep like they did as children,” he said. “They start to notice the sound of the river.”
Some are likely surprised Singapore is on the list because of its reputation of stringent laws, which does limit some freedoms, and the conservative position on LGBTQ+. Yet, per, Galloway of BBC News, “It ranks especially high for safety and security, even while maintaining one of the world’s highest levels of military expenditure per capita.” Locals tend to trust a system which creates and environment where walking home is not overwhelming or stressful as in most large metropolitan areas. One resident Xinrun Han explains it this way, “ Visitors should embrace the freedoms that come this conservative government security like being able to walk along the river at 2 am, or safely enjoy food late night from a street vendor.”
As far as safest cities go Forbes, CEOWorld Magazine, Savory Partners and World Population Review mentions cities including Tokyo, Copenhagen, Singapore, Vienna, Abu Dabi, Honolulu and Montreal.