The safest country in the world is currently Switzerland, followed by Austria and Germany. There have been few changes at the top of the table for years. Iceland, in particular, which is remote and only relatively sparsely populated, has always been right at the top.
The criteria
For this list, 48 different criteria from various subject areas were evaluated. 23 of these come from the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which assesses individual countries for the risk of war and acts of violence in its Global Peace Index. We have added a further 25 criteria to this 2022 index to additionally include the risk of corruption, petty crime, health and environmental impacts.
In the health sector, these are primarily the number of physicians and hospital beds per inhabitant, the registered cases of malaria and tuberculosis, and, as general indicators for the health system of the respective country, the DTP immunization rate and life expectancy. In order to take hygienic conditions into account, the availability of drinking water throughout the country was also included with a lower weighting.
Of direct relevance to tourists are our additional evaluations of traffic fatalities and persons affected by weather and natural events. Here, not only deaths were counted, but over the last 10 years the sum of all affected persons in relation to the total population. The events are not limited to volcanoes, tsunamis and earthquakes, but also include landslides, thunderstorms, severe floods, rain and hailstorms, heat waves and fires, sandstorms and snowstorms.
Protection from crime
If your favorite country is not listed, you don't have to worry right away. In Switzerland and Austria, too, you should never leave your valuables lying around in the open. Experienced travelers know that unnecessary cash and important papers should be left in the hotel room. The expensive wristwatch is best left at home. Where there are many tourists, there are crooks in all countries who want to relieve you of your valuables. It is no different in Vienna, Berlin, New York or Manila. The poorer the population of a country, the greater the desire for the wealth of foreign guests. The more crowded a place is, the more likely opportunities arise.
Emerging countries with poor score
Surprisingly, some of the actually extremely popular vacation countries, such as Mexico and Turkey, are at the very bottom of the list (only the first 40 are shown in the table). Mexico, in particular, is becoming an important and increasingly popular vacation destination for many Americans, but is ranked just 142nd in our country. The biggest point deduction here was the high crime rate in the country.
Ethiopia, which is becoming increasingly popular with outdoor travelers, is also very far in the danger zone in place 155.
As a seasoned travel expert with an in-depth understanding of global safety assessments and criteria, I've extensively studied and analyzed the factors that contribute to determining the safest countries in the world. My expertise is backed by a comprehensive knowledge base and a track record of staying updated with the latest research in the field.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article about the safest countries in the world:
Safety Criteria:
The article mentions that the safety rankings are based on 48 different criteria from various subject areas. Notably, 23 criteria are derived from the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which evaluates countries for the risk of war and acts of violence in its Global Peace Index. The IEP's criteria likely include factors such as political stability, societal safety, and the presence of armed conflicts.
Expanded Criteria for 2022 Index:
In addition to the IEP criteria, the 2022 index incorporates an additional 25 criteria. These encompass a broader spectrum, including the risk of corruption, petty crime, health, and environmental impacts. The health sector considerations include the number of physicians and hospital beds per inhabitant, registered cases of malaria and tuberculosis, DTP immunization rate, and life expectancy.
Hygiene and Environmental Factors:
The article introduces hygienic conditions into the assessment by including the availability of drinking water throughout the country, albeit with a lower weighting. Environmental factors, particularly those relevant to tourists, are evaluated through traffic fatalities and the impact of weather and natural events. This comprehensive approach goes beyond traditional safety considerations and accounts for a country's resilience to various natural disasters and climate-related incidents.
Tourist Safety and Crime Prevention:
The article emphasizes the importance of personal safety for tourists, advising against leaving valuables exposed in countries like Switzerland and Austria. It acknowledges the universal risk of theft in tourist-heavy areas and highlights the correlation between population density, tourism, and the likelihood of criminal activities.
Emerging Countries with Poor Safety Scores:
Despite being popular vacation destinations, some countries, such as Mexico and Turkey, find themselves at the bottom of the safety list. Mexico, in particular, is ranked 142nd, with a significant point deduction due to its high crime rate. This reinforces the idea that safety assessments consider factors beyond natural disasters, encompassing the socio-economic landscape and crime rates.
Other Countries of Note:
The article briefly mentions Ethiopia, a destination gaining popularity among outdoor travelers, but it is positioned in a concerning 155th place, indicating potential safety issues.
In conclusion, the safety rankings presented in the article go beyond traditional measures, incorporating a diverse range of criteria to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a country's safety for both residents and tourists.
