In a turbulent world, some nations manage not only to endure but to thrive in calm. The latest Global Peace Index identifies 10 societies where safety, public welfare, and environmental stewardship combine to offer a quality of life many only dream of, from Nordic islands to the tropics of Southeast Asia.

Human beings spend quite a bit of their lives worrying: the safety of their streets, the stability of their government, the health of themselves and their families, and whether the air they breathe and the water they drink will safely sustain them.

Yet in a handful of countries, these worries are minimal — or at least far less acute than in most corners of the world. These are the places where leaving your door unlocked isn’t folly, where public services function smoothly, and where environmental policies help preserve air, water, and natural landscapes for future generations.

The Global Peace Index (GPI) considers 23 indicators — from violent crime and political instability to militarization, social conflict, and more — to compute a global score. The lower the score, the safer and more peaceful the country. Below are the top 10 safest countries for 2025. Each is evaluated not just on the GPI score and safety, but also on public health and environmental stewardship — a reminder that peace is multidimensional.

THE TOP 10 GLOBAL LEADERS IN PEACE, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY

1. Iceland — 1.112

• Personal safety: Violent crime is exceptionally rare; social trust remains high, and policing is minimal but effective.
• Public health: Iceland maintains universal health coverage; care is accessible and standards rank among the world’s best.
• Environmental stewardship: With geothermal energy, clean air and strict environmental protections, the island nation preserves its nature even as it modernises.

Iceland’s hold on the top spot has become tradition. Its small, tightly knit communities, deep social trust and minimal external threats make everyday life feel almost idyllic. Iceland’s reputation for tranquillity is not accidental; it is the product of long-standing social cohesion, transparent governance, and an environment that encourages community-minded living. Even in Reykjavík, the pace remains measured, and large gatherings feel safe without heavy security. The country’s natural hazards are well managed, and emergency responses are swift and organized. With a population that values fairness and open dialogue, Iceland offers a model of how trust and civic participation can shape everyday life.

2. Ireland — 1.303

• Personal safety: Urban and rural areas alike are generally safe; the national police force enjoys high public confidence, and serious crime remains low.
• Public health: Ireland invests significantly in healthcare; public and private systems combine to ensure broad access and improving outcomes.
• Environmental stewardship: Ireland balances development with conservation, preserving many rural and natural areas, and increasingly enforcing environmental protections.

Ireland’s strong performance is strengthened by effective institutions, steady economic growth and a population that places a premium on community welfare. The country has invested heavily in social services since the 1990s, and the benefits are now visible in low levels of violent crime and a broadly stable political climate. While urban pressures persist, especially in Dublin, the overall environment remains predictable and supportive. Ireland’s cultural emphasis on hospitality also shapes public behaviour, helping maintain a sense of openness and safety in both cities and small towns.

3. Austria — 1.313

• Personal safety: High levels of public order and efficient law enforcement keep crime rates low, even in densely populated cities.
• Public health: Universal health coverage works well; healthcare is reliable and widely used.
• Environmental stewardship: Austria favours green energy and sustainable development — although climate goals remain a work in progress.

Austria stands out for the consistency of its public order, the reliability of its infrastructure and a long tradition of civic responsibility. Crime levels remain low thanks to a justice system that is efficient but not heavy-handed, allowing daily life to unfold with little friction. Its cities blend historic charm with modern planning, and public transit is extensive and secure. Austria’s geographic position at the heart of Europe makes it a hub for travel and commerce, yet it still manages to retain a calm, almost orderly rhythm that underpins its high GPI ranking.

4. New Zealand — 1.323

• Personal safety: A relaxed pace of life, tight-knit communities and low violent crime contribute to a deep sense of security.
• Public health: Universal healthcare and preventive care offer stable health outcomes even in remote areas.
• Environmental stewardship: Strong conservation policies and natural resource protections preserve New Zealand’s iconic landscapes and ecological integrity.

New Zealand’s stability reflects both its geographic isolation and its careful management of social policies. Communities are close-knit, and social mobility is relatively high, reducing the kinds of tensions seen elsewhere. Public institutions enjoy broad trust, which helps during times of crisis, whether natural disasters or economic shocks. While the country continues to navigate debates on housing and migration, the underlying fabric of society remains resilient. This combination of open spaces, reliable services and neighbourly culture contributes to a lasting sense of security.

5. Singapore — 1.339

• Personal safety: Strict laws and consistent enforcement mean crimes — especially violent ones — are rare; public transport and late-night streets are widely regarded as very safe.
• Public health: Singapore’s medical standards are world-class, with excellent public hospitals and comprehensive preventive care systems.
• Environmental stewardship: The city-state invests heavily in sustainable urban design, water management and green infrastructure.

As the highest-ranked Asian nation, Singapore shows how dense urban centres can still prioritize safety, health, and sustainability. Singapore’s position in the top tier comes from an approach that blends strict enforcement with efficient administration and long-term planning. People move through the city with confidence, whether commuting late at night or navigating crowded public spaces. The strength of its healthcare system adds another layer of assurance, particularly in times of regional uncertainty. Though tightly regulated, Singapore is also known for its orderliness, clean streets and public trust in institutions. The result is an environment where residents and visitors feel consistently protected and supported.

6. Switzerland — 1.350

• Personal safety: Low crime rates, social stability and efficient policing create a secure environment even in its major cities.
• Public health: Swiss health services are among the best in the world, blending quality and accessibility.
• Environmental stewardship: Rigorous environmental regulations, clean energy investments and strong conservation efforts help protect Alpine environments and urban areas alike.

Switzerland continues to leverage its political neutrality, strong rule of law and high living standards to maintain a peaceful society. Public transport is not just efficient but dependable to an almost legendary degree, reflecting broader national expectations of precision and reliability. Residents benefit from well-funded public services and a civic culture that prizes stability. Even with diverse linguistic and cultural regions, social cohesion remains strong, making Switzerland a place where safety is embedded in the rhythm of everyday life.

7. Portugal — 1.372

• Personal safety: Violent crime is rare and community cohesion is strong in towns and cities alike.
• Public health: Universal health access and consistent service provision make Portugal’s health system dependable.
• Environmental stewardship: Coastal preservation, renewable energy initiatives and sustainable land-use practices position Portugal as a European leader in green transition.

Portugal’s calm atmosphere is evident in both its cities and coastal towns. The country has worked hard to stabilise its economy and improve public services over the past decade, and the payoff is clear in low crime rates and steadily increasing levels of public confidence. Locals often describe a relaxed pace of life, and that sense of ease carries over into how communities function. Environmental protections and renewable-energy efforts have also strengthened long-term quality of life, reinforcing Portugal’s reputation for safety and stability.

8. Denmark — 1.382

• Personal safety: High levels of social equality and trust underpin safe daily life; crime is rare even in urban centres.
• Public health: Comprehensive welfare and healthcare systems ensure wide coverage with good outcomes.
• Environmental stewardship: Denmark’s strong green agenda, including aggressive emissions reductions and clean-energy adoption, supports sustainable living and public health.

Denmark’s blend of social equality, community participation and well-maintained public infrastructure makes it one of the easiest places in the world to live securely. The welfare system reduces disparities that can drive unrest, and the education system consistently promotes civic awareness. Public spaces are inviting and accessible, and trust between residents and authorities remains high. Denmark’s environmental initiatives also contribute to healthier, safer surroundings, helping foster a stable environment that holds strong even as global challenges intensify.

9. Slovenia — 1.395

• Personal safety: Crime is uncommon, and communities are close-knit, making both rural and urban areas largely safe.
• Public health: A dependable public health system offers coverage across the country.
• Environmental stewardship: Extensive natural reserves, careful urban planning, and conservation policies help preserve forests, lakes and air quality.

Slovenia’s peaceful character can be felt across its forested hills, compact towns and well-preserved natural areas. The country benefits from steady governance, solid public health services and a culture that values outdoor living and communal activity. Cities like Ljubljana are known for being walkable and friendly, with low crime and a strong sense of local pride. Slovenia’s commitment to careful development means residents enjoy both the conveniences of modern life and the comfort of a cleaner, calmer environment that supports long-term wellbeing.

10. Malaysia — 1.427

• Personal safety: Over the past decade, concerted reforms have lowered rates of violent crime by a remarkable 40%. Petty theft and scams still occur, especially in tourist hubs, but overall personal security has improved noticeably — especially in residential areas and provincial cities.
• Public health: Malaysia’s dual-tier health system — public hospitals backed by paid private options — provides broad access, with its system’s overall quality held in high regard. Public health achievements, including widespread immunization and basic care, have strengthened resilience.
• Environmental stewardship: While challenges remain (notably seasonal haze, deforestation, and flooding), the government has toughened regulations on protected areas and promoted conservation — efforts that reflect growing awareness of environmental stewardship.

It’s a welcome surprise to see Malaysia in the top 10 amid so many other high achievers! But truly, Malaysia has made amazing strides, improving impressively from its 19th-place ranking just two years ago. Malaysia’s appearance on this list highlights the progress made through sustained policing reforms, investment in public services, and the resilience of local communities. While urban centres still face challenges, overall safety has improved significantly, especially in day-to-day life outside tourist hotspots. The health system, with its accessible public hospitals and strong vaccination programmes, adds a layer of national stability. Growing attention to environmental policy — from marine conservation to forest protection — shows a broader shift toward future-focused governance. Malaysia’s combination of cultural diversity, social adaptability, and improving institutional strength positions it as a country steadily building its long-term safety profile. For locals and visitors alike, that stability underpins potential — for investment, for travel, for everyday life.

WHAT THIS MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERS

Looking across this list, certain patterns become clear. Peace is rarely just the absence of conflict; it is the result of stable institutions, social trust, accessible services, and long-term thinking. These countries show that safety and wellbeing grow when public systems work — when health care doesn’t break under pressure, when law enforcement respects rights while protecting citizens, and when environmental stewardship preserves livability over decades.

For travellers, expats or people considering relocation, these rankings offer more than bragging rights. They hint at environments where night walks, public transport, family life and long-term planning don’t come with constant vigilance. They point toward societies where public spaces can be shared without fear, and where nature, infrastructure and social cohesion are treated as collective assets.

For Malaysia — often pigeon-holed as developing or in flux — ranking among the world’s safest 10 countries is a mark of real progress. It’s a sign that reform, social stability, and community engagement have real, measurable outcomes. It underscores the need to continue strengthening institutions, ensuring equity, and valuing environmental and social sustainability.

Sources: Global Peace Index 2025 rankings as compiled by WorldAtlas, Atlas & Boots, VisualCapitalist, and Aviation A2Z.