Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and an Affiliate of other programmes, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. There is never an additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
Welcome to our blog post “What are the safest countries to visit?”
In 2017 the World Economic Forum (WEF) listed in order the Safest Countries in the world. Top of the list, meaning the safest, was Finland. Not that surprising to many. However, in 9th place is Rwanda, which may well surprise some people.
In the report countries are ranked according to their safety and security. The criteria to measure a country’s safety includes a handful of indicators, the index of terrorism incidence being perhaps the most obvious. For this, they used third-party data that looked at how many terrorist incidents occurred between 2010 and 2012, and how many fatalities and injuries happened in this same period.
All countries with a score in the top 95th percentile tied as having the lowest incidence of terrorism. The report also looked at the cost of terrorism on businesses, as well as the cost of crime and violence on business. Other indicators included the reliability of police services and the homicide rate.
Here are the top 10 in order.
1. Finland – rating: 6.65
This great country is deemed to be the safest country in the world. With tourist attractions such as the Northern Lights and it’s famous Fjord’s we already knew it is a beautiful country, but now we can assume it’s terribly safe too. Just one more reason to visit then!
2. UAE – Rating 6.6
A slight surprise for me and a few others no doubt. There’s no doubting its beauty, but 2nd safest country nevertheless. With Dubai & The Khalifa, along with the beautiful deserts and forts, we knew it was beautiful, but now we know its safe also, lets book some tickets today!
3. Iceland – 6.57
Iceland being at number 3 won’t be a massive surprise. I know from friends that it really is a great country to visit. While there check out the Blue Lagoon, The Ásbyrgi Canyon & The Krafla Volcano (last eruption 1984).
4. Oman – 6.49
I have never been to Oman, but at no 4 on the World’s safest countries I am a bit surprised. But then having just Googled it, it does look incredible. Lot’s of sand & Forts and the Cities look incredible. So one for my bucket list. Especially now we know it’s also very safe! 
5. Hong Kong – 6.47
Having been to Honk Kong, I knew it was safe anyway, but it’s nice to read it comes in at number 5. You gotta get yourself there, real soon. While there, check out The Clock Tower, the Avenue of Stars, Ladies Market, The Peak, oh I could go on forever. I feel another article coming on do you?
6. Singapore – 6.45
Another on my bucket list. Heard great things about this place and no real surprise its number 6 on the list. I already knew about Marina Bay, Clarke Quay & Universal Studios but there are lesser known gems to be found like Sentosa, which is a purpose-built Island off the Southern tip of Singapore, built with relaxation & leisure in mind. Sounds good to me. A must visit place!
7. Norway – 6.41
Again, why haven’t I been to Norway?. It looks incredible. Don’t Google it now as you will be booking straight away. Just looking at this picture makes me want to go right now. I have heard that the places you must see are The Geirangerfjord (Mountains, waterfalls & clear blue water) & The Svalbard Islands (All Ice & Polar Bears). Yep, added to my list!
8. Switzerland – 6.41
OK, I’m getting bored now. “Why haven’t I been to Switzerland ANYONE?). Duly added to list. Look at it! Or maybe these are just great photos. No, I have long known it’s a beautiful place to visit from friends who have been. One told me “It’s so clean, you could eat off the pavement” “And beauty beyond belief” is what I remember from him. Apparently, The Matterhorn as to be seen to be believed, along with the Towns of Lucerne & St Moritz. But Lake Geneva would be on my top list also
9. Rwanda – 6.39
At number 9, this is a big surprise for me personally. I guess because of all the trouble there back in the 90’s where ethnic cleansing took place. But I’ve always thought of it as a beautiful country, but now also apparently very safe. I would love to hear from anyone who has visited just to confirm (I don’t always believe everything I read do you?). Apparently, The National Parks & Lake Kivu are up there with the top attractions.
10. Qatar – 6.33
Again, never been, but duly added to my ever-increasing list. I now think I need one of those “Sail around the world and see everything cruises” maybe? Anyway, again, slightly surprised at Qatar being 10th safest country in the world, but again, it does look incredible. Looks like the places to see are very many, but especially the ancient town of Souq Al Wakrah and the modern metropolis of Doha are just 2 “must see places”
Equally remarkable is the UK’s lowly position. It’s down in 78th, below the likes of Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua, among others. That does make me raise eyebrows as here in the UK, you are generally safe. Indeed, I have just checked out the murder rate of all countries and the UK is way down the list at no 183 with a 1% rate, meaning less than 1% of 100,000 people are killed in the UK. The top country for murders is El Salvador with 108 murders per 100,000 people. Nicaragua beat the UK by a mile in the safest countries list, but looking at their murder rate, they are 36th worst with 11 murders per 100,000. Here is the list of top 10 countries of murder!
- El Salvador 108 murders per 100,000 people
- Honduras 63 murders per 100,000 people
- Venezuela 57 murders per 100,000 people
- Virgin Islands 52 murders per 100,000 people
- Jamaica 43 murders per 100,000 people
- Lesotho 38 murders per 100,000 people
- Belize 34 murders per 100,000 people
- South Africa 34 murders per 100,000 people
- Saint Kits & Nevis 33 murders per 100,000 people
- Guatemala 33 murders per 100,000 people
183. UK 0.92 murders per 100,000 people
I know the WEF uses other considerations such as the potential of Terrorist attacks, which the UK has suffered with more than most, but still seems way off to me. I think in general a tourist is pretty safe in the UK, apart from Terrorism of course. But couldn’t that happen anywhere?
Thanks for reading our blog post “What are the safest countries to visit?”
You may wish to view our other post “20 Safety Tips For Travelling Alone”