Based on the 2024 and 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) rankings, Iceland is consistently recognized as the safest country in Europe and the world. It has held the number-one spot for over 15 consecutive years due to its extremely low crime rates, high societal trust, and absence of a standing army.
Iceland has extremely low rates of violent crime compared to most countries in the world, including one of the lowest murder rates in Europe, with just six reported homicides in 2025. There is also a strong sense of togetherness, with most towns comprising of less than 10,000 people.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, holding the top spot on the Global Peace Index (GPI) for many years, including 2024 and 2025, due to its low crime, lack of military, political stability, and strong community focus. Other top contenders often include Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Denmark, depending on the specific report's criteria, with Singapore also ranking highly for personal safety.
The best countries to live in are the Netherlands, Iceland and Luxembourg, based on the current data from the Global Happiness Index, Global Peace Index, and GDP per capita league table.
Iceland remains the most peaceful country in 2022, a position it has held since 2008. It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark and Austria.
What is the cheapest and safest European country to live in?
The cheapest and safest country to live in Europe is often considered to be Portugal. Other affordable AND safe options include Bulgaria and Slovakia, which also provide a welcoming atmosphere and low living costs.
What Is The Safest Country In The World? For 2026, the Netherlands takes the No. 1 spot, rising from 14th place last year to become the safest country in the world.
Singapore ranks as the world's safest country. The rankings are based on surveys across 144 nations, measuring the share of residents who feel safe walking alone at night. That is according to Gallup's 2025 Global Safety Report.
Ranked number one since 2008, Iceland remains the world's most peaceful nation, leading across all three domains: safety and security, ongoing conflict and militarisation.
France is the most visited country within Europe, attracting an impressive 81,411,000 foreign sightseers each year – more than any other country in the world. You will find in Paris, the capital, iconic structures such as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
Prague, Czechia. Prague has long been known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but also as one of the least friendly. The blunt, straightforward nature of the Czechs can often be read as impolite.
The Netherlands plays an active role in preventing armed conflict worldwide and strengthening the international legal order by, for instance, participating in peace missions and supporting reconstruction in post-conflict countries.
There's no single "best," as it depends on priorities, but Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia consistently rank at the top in recent global indices for overall performance, balancing infrastructure, costs, and outcomes. Other highly-rated systems include Singapore (efficiency/tech), Japan (quality), Canada, Sweden, and Netherlands, often praised for universal access, high quality, or specific strengths like preventative care, though rankings vary by report.
