Discover the Safest Country in Each Continent

When it comes to traveling, one of the most sought-after characteristics is safety at the destination -especially if you are traveling solo-. There are continents that do not stand out precisely for that, but in all of them there are countries and cities where there is nothing to fear. The Institute for Economics and Peace published its latest study on the Global Peace Index. It measures aspects such as the level of safety and protection of society, the extent of domestic and international conflicts, and the level of militarization.

Thus, of the top ten, seven are European (Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, and Switzerland), two are Asian (Singapore and Japan), and one is Oceanic (New Zealand). The countries that have dropped the most in the ranking compared to 2022 were Ukraine, Haiti, Mali, Israel, and Russia. According to the study, therefore, the ten most dangerous are Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, the Republic of Congo, Russia, Ukraine, Somalia, Sudan, and Iraq.

The old continent tends to dominate the top positions on these lists. This is why the safest country in the world is Iceland, the land of fire and ice. It has just about 350,000 inhabitants, and in 2023 it closed its gender gap at 91.2%. Home to fjords, geysers, and glaciers, northern lights and volcanoes; a blend of modernity and tradition, stunning landscapes, and friendly inhabitants. It has the lowest population density on the continent and perhaps for that reason it features such an unspoiled landscape.

Any season is ideal to explore the island, with snowy winters and long summer days. Its safest city is also the capital, Reykjavik, which is very cosmopolitan yet surrounded by nature that exists only there. No matter the traveler's interests, they can enjoy all the varied opportunities it offers, from numerous spas to traditional food restaurants or some of the best nightclubs in Europe. Culture and activity abound in every corner.

This country ranks fourth, behind Denmark and Ireland. It is a paradise on the opposite side of the world, located east of Australia and made up of two large islands and several smaller ones. We are talking about New Zealand. It also boasts glaciers and fjords, although different from those in Iceland, so you won't see northern lights, but you can see southern lights. As for its nature, it is one of the places with the most contrasting wonders: both lush forests with enormous waterfalls and volcanoes in drier environments.

The ancient Maori civilization continues today with its war cry. Their customs and culture remain a hallmark of Aotearoa -the Maori name for New Zealand-. One of the most important places for them is Mount Cook, the highest in the country at nearly 4,000 meters above sea level. Caves also stand out among the geography of the archipelago. Additionally, it has some of the best cities to visit and even to live in, such as Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, or Christchurch.

In sixth place is the island-city-state that has become trendy in recent years, Singapore. It is one of the nerve centers of global commerce, ranking third in terms of highest per capita income in the world. Its tropical climate can sometimes be surprisingly unpleasant -it rains so much that a hotel has already taken measures-, but it is still full of fabulous places to discover: from one of the most beautiful airports in the world to street food markets.

It is one of the few countries that still keeps the Peranakan culture alive, characterized by the style of the houses from the 1920s. That is the first sign of multiculturalism. A simple walk through its streets reveals all the secrets of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and many other influences. The skyline is recognized more for its colossal skyscrapers than for its nature, but that does not mean it does not exist and is equally impressive.

The first North American country to appear on the list comes in at number eleven. Canada is the second-largest country in the world after Russia, with a large part of its territory uninhabited by humans but not by nature: lakes, mountains, forests, glaciers, beaches, polar bears, lynxes, cougars... Its British and French occupation translates into a blend of traditions and cultures that make this place very different from its neighbor, the United States (which is in a concerning 131st place).

Its large and prominent cities such as Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver are symbols of American modernity, while others like Ottawa and Quebec are influenced by European styles. It is also one of the best places to enjoy the northern lights from one of its beaches while holding a donut: it has the longest coastline in the world, has the most donut shops per capita, produces 70% of the maple syrup, and is the capital of the polar bear.

Between Réunion Island and Madagascar lies a paradise called Mauritius. It ranks 23rd in the ranking and is much more than a place to relax. Adventure is the order of the day in this African country, which features jungle areas, crystal clear water beaches with white sand bathed by the Indian Ocean, gigantic waterfalls, and hundreds of animal and plant species. All of this is paired with the hospitality of its inhabitants, who welcome any visitor as one of their own.

Its tropical climate makes any time of year suitable for exploration, although June, July, and August are the busiest months. It is known for its exoticism and as a perfect honeymoon destination, but Mauritius is much more than that. It has become one of the most sophisticated and desired places in recent years, offering water activities, tranquility, pleasant temperatures, dream beaches, and most importantly, safety.

A country without an army, located in Central America and with coasts washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean is the safest in Latin America. In 39th place is Costa Rica, famous for its beaches and volcanoes and for having the highest biodiversity on the planet. Adventure is the word that best defines this country, with attractions such as Manuel Antonio National Park, Tamarindo Beach, the Celeste River, or the Papagayo Peninsula.

The warmth of the 'ticos' creates a welcoming and safe atmosphere, embracing travelers with the utmost respect. Recently, it has become one of the favorite destinations for a paradise vacation, and for good reason. Adventure and tranquility also unify in the local cuisine, blending Latin and Caribbean styles, with a variety of fruits. It is also characterized by the variability of its climate, which can switch from torrential rain to blazing sun in seconds.