These Are the World’s 10 Safest Countries in 2025, According to a New Study
The 2025 Global Peace Index just dropped, and the global picture is not exactly rosy.
Peace has slipped for the 13th time in the past 17 years. In fact, this is the sixth year in a row the world became less peaceful. Conflicts are widespread, with 59 active state-based wars right now, the highest number since the end of World War II. Military spending is also climbing, hitting its highest level since 2010.
Yet, some countries are showing that peace can hold even when the bigger picture looks grim. The Index ranks 163 countries based on factors like political stability, homicide rates, conflict deaths, and military expenditure. Let’s look at the ten countries that came out on top this year.
10. Finland
Finland closes out the top ten and continues to be one of Europe’s anchors of stability. Its homicide rate is among the lowest in the world and trust in government remains high. The GPI noted that Europe as a region is becoming more militarised, with many countries boosting their defense budgets in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Finland has felt some of that pressure, but its strong institutions keep it ranked among the safest countries on the planet.
9. Slovenia
Slovenia is often overlooked, but it quietly ranks as one of the safest nations in Europe. Western and Central Europe remains the most peaceful region in the world, even though the overall score has dipped slightly in recent years. Slovenia has avoided much of the fallout from rising militarisation and continues to perform well on measures of societal safety and security. For travelers and residents alike, it is a reminder that smaller, well-governed nations can hold their ground even as global tensions rise.
8. Denmark
Denmark slips one spot this year but still lands firmly in the top ten. Its strong social systems and low crime rates keep it among the most peaceful nations, even as Europe overall records a slight decline in peace. While it isn’t immune to debate or controversy, a recent story about a Denmark zoo inviting people to donate pets as predator meals made international headlines, the bigger picture is a country that balances safety with progressive policies.
For travelers, there are also plenty of lighter reasons Denmark stands out, including new things to do in Denmark in 2025 that go well beyond Copenhagen’s famous canals.
7. Portugal
Portugal continues its steady climb upward, moving into the seventh spot this year. It has been a consistent performer on the Peace Index, and for good reason. Political stability is strong, violent demonstrations are rare, and the country has low levels of crime compared to much of the world. The GPI highlighted that Europe’s challenge is not just about how much it spends on defense but also how fragmented its militaries are. Portugal has managed to keep its spending under control while maintaining high levels of social trust, which helps explain why it remains one of the world’s safest countries.
6. Singapore
Singapore holds on to its spot in the top ten, thanks to its extremely low crime rates and high scores in political stability. It also ranks among the best globally in the Ongoing Conflict domain, with no major conflicts and minimal internal unrest. Singapore is often described as one of the safest cities in the world, and was also recently named the cleanest city in the world.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland may be famous for neutrality, and the numbers back it up. It ranks fifth overall, even though much of Europe is trending toward higher militarisation. The country still avoids external conflicts and maintains strong social cohesion, which the Peace Index calls “Positive Peace.” That concept is basically the institutions and attitudes that make a society resilient even in turbulent times. Switzerland’s ability to stay outside of major conflicts while keeping a balanced domestic environment explains why it remains one of the world’s safest places.
4. Austria
Austria holds steady near the top of the rankings. While many European nations are spending more on defense in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, Austria has managed to limit those pressures. The country still benefits from strong political stability, low levels of violent demonstrations, and relatively low crime. Western and Central Europe is the most peaceful region globally, and Austria is one of the countries keeping it there, even as tensions mount just beyond its borders.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand has climbed back into the third spot this year, showing resilience despite global instability. The report noted improvements in its Safety and Security domain, with significant reductions in violent demonstrations and terrorism impact. New Zealand’s ongoing challenge is maintaining its defense forces, which have faced issues with outdated equipment and personnel retention. Even with those hurdles, the country continues to perform exceptionally well on peace indicators, making it the most peaceful nation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Of course, “peaceful” doesn’t mean boring. Queenstown is a hub for adventure sports, from skiing and jet boating to bungy jumping. I have a full guide to Queenstown for anyone planning a trip, and if you need a laugh, here’s my video of how not to bungy jump (don’t worry, I was fine). It’s proof that even in one of the world’s most peaceful countries, you can still find heart-pounding thrills.
2. Ireland
Ireland holds on to the number two spot, where it has firmly sat in recent years. Its strong institutions, low levels of crime, and general absence of conflict keep it among the very safest countries. While global militarisation is rising, Ireland has not followed the same trajectory, which has helped it stay near the top. The Peace Index shows that countries with consistently high levels of “Positive Peace” tend to weather global volatility better, and Ireland is a good example of that trend.
1. Iceland
Iceland holds onto the number one spot for the 17th year in a row, and it is not even close. The gap between Iceland and Ireland in second place is as wide as the gap between Ireland and Finland in tenth. Iceland scores at the top across all three domains of the Global Peace Index: safety, conflict, and militarisation.
With low crime rates, political stability, and no standing army, it continues to set the global standard for peaceful living. Visitors often notice the same qualities on the ground — life moves at a calm pace, and even Reykjavík feels safe at any hour. If you are planning a trip, this full guide on what to see, do, and eat in Iceland offers a closer look at how this peaceful country can also be an unforgettable destination.
If you are curious about safety closer to home, you can also take a look at the safest states in the United States to live in.
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