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GPI 2023

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Safest Countries in Europe 2024

Whether one measures safety by the annual Global Peace Index, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, or my other metrics such as rates of violent crime, Europe is the safest continent in the world. In fact, 14 of the top 20 safest countries in the world in 2022 were located in Europe. Nevertheless, the level of safety varies from one European country to another—and some European countries are much safer than others.

Top 10 Safest Countries in Europe

Country
GPI 2023
GPI 2022
Iceland1.1241.107
Denmark1.3101.296
Ireland1.3121.288
Austria1.3161.300
Portugal1.3331.301
Slovenia1.3341.316
Switzerland1.3391.357
Czech Republic1.3791.318
Finland1.3991.439
Croatia1.4501.440

1. Iceland

Opening the list of the safest countries in Europe is Iceland, which has ranked as the safest country worldwide for more than 10 consecutive years. This Nordic country has a very low crime rate thanks to its low population (about 340,000 people), high living standards, stellar social attitudes against crime, educated police units, and lack of hatred between people of different economic and social classes. Iceland has no army, and its police are unarmed.

2. Denmark

Besides being one of the safest countries in Europe, Denmark is among the world's happiest countries. Denmark has extremely low crime rates, and people, including children, report feeling safe every time. The high safety level is attributed to equality and a shared sense of responsibility for social welfare. Also, the country is a welfare state, implying that all citizens get services and benefits that help improve their lives. Denmark has no risk of natural disasters like some European nations, and its capital, Copenhagen, is one of the world's safest cities.

3. Ireland

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the country known for its lush green hills has very few red flags. Ireland has very little risk of natural disasters, boasts safe and reliable mass transportation, and has low instances of petty crimes (such as pickpocketing and muggings) and even lower rates of violent crime. The few troubles that do arise are often alcohol-fueled, so exercise caution when out at night.

4. Austria

Mozart's home country ranks as the third-safest in both Europe and the world as a whole. Austria has a very low crime rate, few violent protests, very little terrorist activity, and remarkably few natural threats such as hazardous weather, natural disasters, or dangerous wildlife.

5. Portugal

Portugal is second among the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates in Portugal are very low. Unlike Iceland, Portugal has a military force, and its police units are armed. The presence of security officers in the southwestern European nation is partly responsible for the high safety levels. The political stability also makes Portugal a safe country. It has harmonious relationships with other countries.

6. Slovenia

Yet another of the world's safest countries, this Central European country is known for its abundance of medieval castles, rugged natural beauty, and tendency to incorporate dragons into its cultural identity. It is not known for any type of crime or unrest, both of which are quite rare in the country.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland is a safe country in continental Europe, given its low crime rates. People feel safe walking and staying outside, even in isolated areas, at any time of the day or night. The chances of terrorist incidents are low in the nation. Although Switzerland is one of the largest exporters of firearms, getting weapons in the country is extremely difficult. Natural disasters are also infrequent in Switzerland.

8. Czech Republic

Nested in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is a very safe country. The nation has safe communities where people live in harmony. Crimes are seldom and are often minor. Accessing weapons in the Czech Republic is difficult, and the risk of terrorist attacks is meagre. There is high equality in the nation, and health care, as well as other essential services, are relatively cheaper.

9. Finland

As long as one knows how to dress warmly and either stay inside or drive in snow during the winter, Finland is quite a safe place. Its capital, Helsinki, is often considered one of the world's safest cities, transportation is easy and reliable, and risk of even petty crime is quite low.

10. Croatia

Croatia boasts low violence and strict gun laws post its 1990s independence war. Close community ties in this country mean kids can play outside safely, and crime is rarely a concern. Despite occasional natural disasters like earthquakes, the country's proactive response and community resilience ensure a safe environment for residents and travelers alike.

Note: Lower peace index scores are preferable. Therefore, year-on-year changes that have a negative value are improvements, whereas year-on-year changes with a positive value indicate a decrease in peacefulness and safety. A handful of lower-scoring countries, such the transcontinental Russia, could arguably be considered either Eastern Europe or Western Asia and are included here for the sake of comprehensiveness.

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Country
GPI 2023
GPI 2022
GPI 2021
Iceland1.1241.1071.100
Denmark1.3101.2961.256
Ireland1.3121.2881.326
Austria1.3161.3001.317
Portugal1.3331.3011.267
Slovenia1.3341.3161.315
Switzerland1.3391.3571.323
Czech Republic1.3791.3181.329
Finland1.3991.4391.402
Croatia1.4501.4401.480
Germany1.4561.4621.480
Netherlands1.4901.5221.506
Hungary1.5081.4111.494
Belgium1.5231.5261.496
Norway1.5501.4651.438
Estonia1.5631.6621.612
Slovakia1.5781.4991.557
Latvia1.5821.6731.686
Sweden1.6251.5641.460
Poland1.6341.5521.524
Bulgaria1.6431.5411.577
Spain1.6491.6031.621
Romania1.6491.6401.530
Italy1.6621.6431.652
Lithuania1.6711.7241.689
United Kingdom1.6931.6671.658
North Macedonia1.7131.7041.744
Albania1.7451.7611.824
Montenegro1.7721.8011.847
Moldova1.8731.8821.909
Greece1.8901.8381.932
Bosnia and Herzegovina1.8921.8501.970
Cyprus1.9041.9031.912
Serbia1.9211.8321.797
France1.9391.8951.868
Belarus2.2482.2592.285
Ukraine3.0432.9712.660
Russia3.1423.2752.993
Total1.6801.6651.654
showing: 38 rows

What is the safest country in Europe?

The safest country in Europe is the country of Iceland, which is also considered the safest country in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

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