Safest Countries to Live in and Travel to Revealed
Safety is always a key factor for individuals and families when deciding where to live, travel, or invest—especially if you are a woman or identify as LGBTQ+.
The team at Seven Seas Worldwide has ranked the world’s 195 countries from most to least peaceful and most to least safe.
“Evaluating countries on parameters like crime rates, political stability, and access to reliable healthcare helps to identify which countries are safe for activities like overseas travel and investment,” says Wayne Mills, Head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide, a shipping company for international movers.
Mills continues: “Safety is the foundation of any sound decision when choosing a destination, whether it’s for personal travel, relocating as an expat, or investing in a new market.
“For travelers, a secure destination allows for fun, relaxation, and exploration without constant and stressful concerns for personal safety. For expats and investors, safety translates into confidence that their day-to-day lives will be stable and predictable, with access to essentials like healthcare, law enforcement, and a stable government.”
And we’ve added our own notes on the state of LBGTQ+ acceptance after each nation.
The Safest Countries in the World
Using data from the Global Peace Index, Seven Seas Worldwide obtained a Global Peace Index (GPI) score. The GPI is calculated using 23 indicators across three domains: Ongoing Conflict (35%), Societal Safety and Security (40%), and Militarization (25%). The overall score is a weighted average of these indicators, reflecting the country’s level of peace. The ‘Change’ represents the ranking changes since 2023.
Table 1: The Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries Around The World
| Rank | Country 2024 | Score | Change |
| 1 | Iceland | 1.112 | – |
| 2 | Ireland | 1.303 | – |
| 3 | Austria | 1.313 | ⬆️1 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 1.323 | ⬇️1 |
| 5 | Singapore | 1.339 | ⬆️3 |
| 6 | Switzerland | 1.35 | ⬆️3 |
| 7 | Portugal | 1.372 | ⬇️1 |
| 8 | Denmark | 1.382 | ⬇️3 |
| 9 | Slovenia | 1.395 | ⬇️2 |
| 10 | Malaysia | 1.427 | ⬆️2 |
Table 2: Five Safest Countries In The World, by Safety and Security Domain
The safest countries were determined based on the ‘safety and security domain’ from the GPI. This domain evaluates internal factors affecting personal and community safety within a given country, including crime, violence, political instability, and social unrest. Each factor is given a weighting, and these scores are then combined according to the weights to generate the Safety and Security domain score, which contributes to 60% of the overall GPI score.
| Rank | Country 2024 | Score | Score Change | Rank Change |
| 1 | Singapore | 1.213 | -0.06 | ⬆️2 |
| 2 | Iceland | 1.238 | 0.032 | ⬇️1 |
| 3 | Norway | 1.267 | -0.01 | ⬆️1 |
| 4 | Switzerland | 1.303 | -0.001 | ⬆️2 |
| 5 | Finland | 1.308 | -0.021 | ⬆️2 |
What Makes These Countries So Safe?
Singapore was ranked the world’s safest country with a score of 1.213, although it came only fifth in the GPI index, with a score of 1.339. “One contributing factor to Singapore’s high safety rating is likely the city state’s famously strict and extensive laws,” says Mills. “The police are highly visible and known for their efficiency, often deterring crime before it happens.”
Singapore has made progress in recognizing LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. However, there are still challenges that remain. There are limitations to our full bill of legal rights there, despite the efforts of activists and advocates. Singapore does not recognize same-sex marriage. It also does not legally offer adoption rights to same-sex couples. However, same-sex relationships and activities are not criminalized.
Iceland ranked first in terms of peacefulness, with a score of 1.112, and second in terms of safety, with an overall score of 1.238. Violent crime is very rare in Iceland, and as an island country quite some distance from most neighbors, Iceland rarely has problems with things like border disputes, which can often lead to war.
Iceland is known as very welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ people, and it has had marriage equality since 2010. Iceland allows adoption for same-sex couples, among many other rights equal to heterosexuals. Iceland supports transgender individuals and provides access to gender reassignment surgery. Former Icelandic Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was the first openly lesbian head of government in modern history.
Although Norway was the third country on the safety list, scoring 1.267, it came way down in 28th place in terms of peacefulness. This could be a result of increased military spending in response to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, given Norway’s proximity to the conflict. “Norway’s healthcare is among the best globally, ensuring efficient services and comprehensive care to all residents,” says Mills. “This safeguards the health of their population.”
Nevertheless, Norway has robust rights for LGBTQ+ people and a supportive environment for our community. It has had same-sex marriage since 2009, and adoption is allowed by same-sex couples. Gender reassignment t surgery is available.
Switzerland came fourth in safety with a score of 1.303. This European country is famous all over the world for its policy of neutrality, which was first formally recognized in 1815, so it’s no surprise Switzerland was also sixth in terms of peacefulness, with a score of 1.35. “This longstanding neutrality, along with Switzerland’s unique political system, ensures its stability,” says Mills.
Switzerland has made significant strides in ensuring equal rights for LGBTQ+ people. It has had same-sex marriage since 2021, and the country generally supports the community. Adoption is allowed for same-sex couples. Gender reassignment surgery is also available.
Finland is the final country on this top five list by safety, with an overall score of 1.308. It came a little further down the list in terms of peacefulness, sitting in 13th place. Like many other European countries, Finland has very restrictive gun laws, meaning gun-related crimes and deaths are very low. Finland also has a proactive social welfare system, providing a safety net for all citizens.
Finland has equal rights for LGBTQ+ people. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, and there are strong legal protections in place for LGBTQ+ people, including access to transgender health care, same-sex adoption, and more.
Table 3: The Top Ten Least Peaceful Countries In The World
| Rank | Country 2024 | Score | Change |
| 1 | Mali | 3.095 | ⬇️ 2 |
| 2 | Israel | 3.115 | ⬇️ 11 |
| 3 | Syria | 3.173 | ⬆️ 2 |
| 4 | Russia | 3.249 | ⬆️ 2 |
| 5 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 3.264 | ⬆️ 4 |
| 6 | Ukraine | 3.28 | ⬇️ 3 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 3.294 | – |
| 8 | South Sudan | 3.324 | ⬆️ 2 |
| 9 | Sudan | 3.327 | ⬇️ 5 |
| 10 | Yemen | 3.397 | ⬇️ 2 |
Table 4: Five Least Safe Countries In The World, by Safety and Security Domain
| Rank | Country 2024 | Score | Score Change | Rank Change |
| 1 | South Sudan | 3.903 | 0 | – |
| 2 | Yemen | 3.878 | 0.101 | ⬇️3 |
| 3 | Afghanistan | 3.794 | 0.011 | ⬇️1 |
| 4 | Colombia | 3.755 | 0.011 | ⬇️2 |
| 5 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 3.737 | -0.062 | ⬆️3 |
What Makes These Countries Unsafe?
South Sudan was named the least safe country in the world, with a score of 3.903, and it was also the eighth least peaceful country. “South Sudan has been devastated by civil conflicts that have been ongoing since the country of Sudan as a whole gained independence from Britain in 1956,” says Mills. “While South Sudan is now an independent nation, ongoing violence and instability remain significant concerns.”
The recent civil war in Sudan to the north has intensified regional pressures and strained South Sudan’s limited resources as refugees cross the border. A staggering 72% of South Sudan’s population is currently in need of some type of humanitarian assistance.
South Sudan punishes and criminalizes same-sex relationships and activity. Rights are not protected in any way, and imprisonment may occur. In Sudan, women’s rights are limited, but there have been some improvements in recent years, with women being allowed to participate in employment and education. However, customs like child marriage and female genital mutilation are still practiced in some parts of South Sudan.
Yemen is the second least safe country in the world, scoring 3.878. This is due to the ongoing civil conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis in the region. The country is also the tenth least-peaceful country in the world. “Saudi Arabia and Iran have been accused of backing opposing groups, essentially engaging in a proxy war,” says Mills. “It’s estimated that 377,000 people have died as a result of both direct violence and related issues like famine, destruction of healthcare facilities, and displacement.”
Yemen also punishes same-sex relationships with laws. Penalties can be severe, including imprisonment. The situation there is dangerous for out gay people. Also, for women, rights are quite limited with legal and social restrictions. Many women experience discrimination and violence.
Afghanistan is the third least safe country, with a score of 3.794. It is also the seventh least peaceful country in the world. Afghanistan has suffered from near-constant conflict since the early 1970s, including various civil wars, the rise of Islamic militant group the Taliban, and the invasion by Western forces led by the USA in 2001. The country is currently led by the Taliban, leading to an unsafe situation for many civilians, especially women and those from religious or ethnic minorities.
Afghanistan has laws that punish LGBTQ+ people. Along with imprisonment, there is a significant risk of violence as the community sentiment towards LGBTQ people is extremely hostile. Specific numbers of LGBTQ+ homicides in Afghanistan are hard to determine, although reports indicate violence is a serious issue in the country. Women’s rights have been severely restricted since the Taliban took control.
For more information, read the full study here.
