10 safest countries in the world to live

Every traveler thinks about his safety when planning a trip abroad. How many tourists prefer to visit unstable, conflict zones or war-torn countries? A little, if their instinct of self-preservation works. For example, only 300 thousand people visited Syria last year, and this is another 25% more than in 2016.

The Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) publishes a list annually most peaceful countries in the worldby choosing them according to 23 different parameters. These countries are safe to visit at any time of the year.

Let's take a closer look at the 10 safest countries in the world and the complete Global Peace Index 2018.

10. Ireland

The land of leprechauns, shamrocks and St. Patrick is ranked tenth on the list of the world's most peaceful countries to live in. Ireland is not directly involved in any external conflicts or wars. It has a very low crime rate, high levels of political stability and good results in funding UN peacekeeping operations.

9. Japan

Second Asian country to be included in the 2018 Global Peace Index. Japan is not involved in any major conflict, external or internal. The people of Japan are known for their hard work, courtesy and honesty.

Last year, kind people from Tokyo returned a staggering 3.7 billion yen (or $ 32.7 million) to the Metropolitan Police Department in lost money. It is difficult to imagine such a civic consciousness in many other countries around the world.

8. Singapore

This tiny city-state is for the first time in the top 10 safest countries in the world. The Republic of Singapore is not involved in hostilities and is one of the richest states on Earth. It has moved up 13 positions compared to last year. The creators of the Global Peace Index explain such a rapid leap by high scores on such parameters as social security and the level of internal and international conflicts.

Low crime rates, excellent job prospects and amazing business opportunities have put Singapore at the top of the IEP list. This means that instead of worrying about your safety, your energy can be directed towards choosing which shopping malls and museums you want to visit first.

7. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is another European country included in the list of the most peace-loving states. This is one of smallest countries in the worldand she is least interested in any conflict. The Czech Republic is home to 10.5 million people and boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union (2.2%).

The Czech Republic is also known for its hospitality and excellent beer.

6. Canada

The homeland of modern hockey is not directly involved in any external conflict. She is not up to it, because she needs to maintain her image as one of the richest countries in the world.

Add to that great job opportunities, well-functioning healthcare facilities, and good governance and you have one of the best countries on the planet.

5. Denmark

Homeland LEGO ranked fifth due to its progressive policies, low crime rates, and few internal and external conflicts. It is a completely safe country to travel and live in.

The people of Denmark believe in a peaceful life instead of war. No wonder the Danish nation is one of the happiest, which, however, did not stop the Danish government from introducing one of the the strangest bans in the world.

4. Portugal

Another country that is not directly involved in any major conflict is ranked fourth on the 2018 list of the most peaceful states. Recently Portugal has been struggling with low population growth rates. But the crime rate in it is low compared to other countries with a lower rating.

What's more, there is no need to rob a bank to enjoy the Portuguese lifestyle. The republic remains one of the most affordable tourist destinations on the European continent.

3. Austria

Robert Frost wrote that “a neighbor is good when the fence is good,” and this is true of Austria, whose neighbors (including Germany and the Czech Republic) also scored high on the 2018 Peace Index.

The third most peaceful state in the IEP ranking does not participate in either external or internal conflicts. Austria became a very calm country after World War II. It has picturesque Alps, rich culture, low crime rate and active encouragement of business - is it here before the war?

2. New Zealand

The crime rate in the "land of the hobbits" (both "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" were filmed there) is one of the lowest in the world. It possesses limited military forces and has no internal or external conflicts, making it an ideal place for a quiet life. This country is also the most popular tourist destination with many beautiful mountains, stunning beaches and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

However, there are a number of problems behind the quite prosperous facade. Among them - a lack of affordable housing, and a significant gap in incomes between rich and poor.

1. Iceland

Here is the answer to the question: "What is the most peaceful country in the world?" There are three reasons for this.

1. On the one hand, Iceland has no standing army and very few armed police.
2. On the other hand, although about a third of the population owns weapons - usually shotguns or rifles designed for hunting. There are almost no pistols in Iceland, and deaths from firearms are extremely rare. The last murder with a weapon occurred in 2007.
3. Thirdly, Icelandic society itself is progressive and peaceful, and the country's isolated position in that part of the world where there are no aggressive countries means that Iceland is more or less free from worries about possible military aggression.

Overall results of the Global Peace Index 2018

Over the course of eight of the past ten years, the world has gradually become a less peaceful place, thanks in large part to increased terrorism and internal conflicts. In 2017 alone, the global level of peacefulness fell 0.27%, the fourth consecutive fall. This is due to the growing tension among the leading players in the global political arena and unresolved conflicts, mainly in the Middle East.

Syria is the most dangerous country on Earth, and it has held this title for five years. Afghanistan, South Sudan, Iraq and Somalia make up the rest of the top five most troubled countries.

Russia is also one of the dangerous states... It is located on the 154th line, between Sudan and the Central African Republic. This is mainly due to the high degree of weapons and nuclear potential.

The region in which there was the greatest increase in peace-loving sentiment was South Asia. Countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka have become safer.

The Gambia showed the highest growth in the Global Peace Index. She moved up to 35th place from the previous 75th line in connection with the election of new president, Adama Barrow. This increased political stability and improved relations between the country and its neighbors.

Qatar has dropped the most in the ranking due to political instability and deteriorating relations with its neighbors. This was due to the political and economic boycott by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain.