Although crime is bound to happen anywhere, there are many countries out there with substantially lower rates even than American cities. These six nations are not only some of the safest places in the world, they are also well worth paying a visit to.
1. Cyprus
Cyprus is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, known for being one of the most peaceful places in Europe. (These days, at least.) The climate is warm, the beaches are beautiful, and the culture is inviting. You can go horse riding at Eagle Mountain Range if you want to get away from the beach and experience Cyprus’ countryside. Enjoy a glass of wine (or two) at the Vouni Panayai Winery with wines produced from the indigenous grape varieties of the island. The country is also rich in history and you can visit places like the Tombs of the Kings or the amphitheater in Paphos to learn more about it during your visit.
2. Singapore
Singapore is the safest country to visit in all of Asia. The rate of crime there is around 0.3 murders for every 100,000 citizens. That is more impressive when you consider the fact that the city state is home to over five million people. If you are fan of Asian cuisine, you should try to visit Singapore in July to attend the Singapore Food Festival. This gastric extravaganza is the ideal chance to experience the best local foods all in one place. Despite being such a bustling city, Singapore is also home to many great parks and gardens. Gardens by the Bay is one of the city’s most popular destinations. There you can take tours, walk along various trails and even dine at different restaurants. You could spend an entire day there and still want to come back to see more. Singapore is also home to the Night Safari which is the world’s first nocturnal zoo.
3. Bahrain
Bahrain is the safest country in the Arabian gulf because they have one of the best law enforcement teams in the world. There are around 2,000 officers per 100,000 citizens. One of Bahrain’s most significant landmarks is the Tree of Life. It’s stood alone in the heart of Bahrain for over 400 years. One local legend states that Bahrain was the site of the biblical Garden of Eden and that the tree represents that location. The Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Royal Camel Farm and the Bahrain International Museum are all great institutions to visit. And because of Bahrain’s relatively small size, you could visit all of the best landmarks they have to offer in around four days.
4. Norway
Norway is another one of the safest countries in the world and is also one of the most peaceful. It is especially safe and peaceful if you travel outside of the bigger cities. Norway has always been known as a prime location to view the Northern Lights, but it is also home to Hornindalsvatnet — the deepest lake in Europe. The lake is surrounded by mountains, which creates another amazing, but totally different, view. You can also go fishing and swimming there. And if you’re a history buff, Norway is your opportunity to set foot in the same place the Vikings once came from.
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong has only 0.2 murders per 100,000 people and crimes such as theft and robbery are almost nonexistent. Hong Kong is a fusion of eastern and western culture. Its cultural influences include all things Cantonese, Mandarin and British. Hong Kong is also known for being a great place to go shopping. Most items are tax-free on top of already being priced relatively modestly. There is also a daily light show called the Symphony of Lights at the Victoria Harbor that helps make one of the world’s greatest skylines look even more magical. Also, make sure to eat dim sum before you leave. Dim sum translated means “touch your heart” and is a family-style meal that consists of dumplings and other dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates.
6. Switzerland
Switzerland is often regarded as the safest place in the world. Police are well-distributed around the country which is what helps to keep the crime rate so low. And when the odd crime is committed, it is usually perpetrated by a foreigner. The locals in Switzerland really believe in maintaining the nonviolent and calm atmosphere their country has created and become known for. Switzerland has four different national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) presenting the perfect opportunity to be exposed to a variety of cultures all at once. The Matterhorn mountain, one of the country’s top attractions, draws in both tourists and locals every day, and is located close to the border of Switzerland and Italy.
We could easily add places like Canada, New Zealand, Austria, Germany, Portugal, and Ireland to this list, as they are also known for their low crime rates. However, it’s important to always be alert when traveling, no matter how welcoming a country is known to be, to ensure you have the safest and most enjoyable time possible.
Happy travels!