Safest countries to visit in 2023: When traveling, few reasons trump the utmost importance of personal safety. Travelers always check first-hand whether the place they are traveling to is one of the safest countries to visit or not. The Global Peace Index, an annual evaluation conducted by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), comes into the picture.
With viruses and hurricanes disrupting tourism in several countries, here is a list of the safest countries to visit in 2023:
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Canada
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland tops the list of the safest countries to travel to in 2023.
Several countries on this list are not only the safest countries in the world in 2023, but they are also beautiful, which makes traveling to these countries even more amazing. From picturesque Iceland to bustling Canada, each country has its own culture and traditions along with beautiful places to visit.
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The safest countries in the world to visit in 2023
Here’s the full list:
1. Iceland
Iceland has consistently held the title of the world’s safest travel destination for the past decade. With a score of 1.124 in the latest Global Peace Index 2023, Iceland’s enviable position is further strengthened by its lack of natural disasters and strong policies that promote gender equality. Moreover, Iceland’s beautiful and breathtaking natural landscapes, with glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls, add to its appeal, making it a good country to visit.
2. Denmark
Several factors make Denmark a safe country to visit.
- It has a low crime rate. In 2018, only 127 murders were reported in Denmark, which is an extremely low number.
- Denmark has a strong economy and welfare system that helps reduce inequality and social unrest.
- It is a small country with a relatively homogeneous population, which makes it easy to maintain law and order. All these factors make Denmark a haven for its citizens.
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3. Ireland
Ireland remains the third safest country in the world, having achieved this position in 2022 and retained it in the latest version of the Global Peace Index. So what exactly makes Ireland so safe?
- The country has a low homicide rate. In 2018, there were only 33 murders in the whole of Ireland. This is less than one per 100,000 people, which is well below the world average.
- Ireland also has a low rate of violent crime. In fact, it had the second lowest violent crime rate in the European Union in 2017, according to Eurostat.
- As well as being one of the safest countries in terms of crime, Ireland is also largely free of conflict and terrorism. Despite Ireland’s troubled history, there have been no major terrorist incidents in recent years.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand is often praised as one of the safest countries in the world. Many factors contribute to the safety of traveling in New Zealand.
- It has a relatively small population and a low crime rate. Furthermore, the government is stable and there is little political unrest in the country.
- New Zealand is also rated as one of the freest countries in the world. New Zealand is extremely safe from external threats, such as war, due to its isolated location in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
- In terms of natural disasters, there are strict building codes to help protect against earthquake damage. Most New Zealanders are well prepared for any potential disaster.
5. Austria
Austria is ranked as the fifth safest country in the world, and the third safest of the 27 EU countries.
- It has a low crime rate. Violent crimes are few and property crimes are relatively rare. This makes Austria a very safe place to travel.
- The Austrian economy is strong. There is less crime overall because people are less likely to turn to criminal activities when they have a stable income.
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6. Singapore
Singapore rose from ninth to sixth place in the 2023 ranking, making it Asia’s safest country. This safety index ranking is attributed to strict law enforcement, a zero-tolerance policy for crime, a strong police force, strict gun control laws, and a culture of respect for authority and order, all of which foster a safe environment.
7. Portugal
Portugal is popular for its stunning scenery, Mediterranean climate and relaxed atmosphere. But in recent years, Portugal has also attracted attention for another reason: its security.
Portugal has a low level of income inequality. In Portugal, the richest 20% of households earn only 7.5 times more than the poorest 20%. This compares favorably with other developed countries such as the United States, where the richest 20% earn almost 12 times more than the poorest 20%. Income inequality has always been associated with higher levels of crime and violence, so the relatively equal distribution of wealth in Portugal helps explain its low crime rate.
8. Slovenia
Slovenia is a small, almost landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of just over 2 million people. It has a short coastline along the Adriatic Sea, between Italy and Croatia. Several factors contribute to Slovenia’s security order:
- There is a low level of crime and the rate of petty crime – such as theft and vandalism.
- Another factor contributing to Slovenia’s high security position is its high level of political stability. It currently has a centre-left government, the Freedom Movement (GS). Slovenia has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
- Slovenia also benefits from its position. Located between Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy, it is far from any areas of conflict or unrest.
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9. Japan
Japan moved up one place compared to last year’s ranking. The reasons behind Japan’s security are:
- It has a very low crime rate. People have even heard stories of people dropping their wallets on the street, only to be quickly returned by a kind passerby.
- In 2019, there were only 2.3 homicides per 100,000 people in Japan, compared to 5 per 100,000 people in the United States.
- Japan also has strict gun control laws that make it difficult for criminals to obtain firearms.
- The Japanese government has invested heavily in security measures such as CCTV cameras and metal detectors, which help deter crime.
10. Switzerland
Switzerland is called heaven on earth because of its picturesque beauty, and travelers visit it all year round.
- Switzerland’s long-standing neutrality is a key factor in preserving the country’s security. The country has not been involved in a war since 1815, and this has helped it avoid much of the violence and turmoil experienced by other nations.
- He is also known for his stance on guns. While the country has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, it also has an extremely low rate of street crime or gun-related mass shootings. Guns in Switzerland are much more tightly regulated than most people think. And that is why it is the best country to travel and enjoy your free time in peace.
11. Canada
Canada ranked 11th this year, a testament to its low crime rate, stable political climate and well-functioning social systems.
- A contributing factor to Canada’s security is its commitment to multiculturalism. The nation embraces diversity, fostering a sense of unity and tolerance among its citizens. This led to a state of harmonious coexistence among people from different backgrounds, reducing the likelihood of conflict and social unrest.
- Canadian police forces are generally well-resourced and focused on community engagement, ensuring that crimes are prevented and dealt with quickly when they do occur.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education