There isn't one single "least safe" country, as risk varies, but Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic consistently rank as the most dangerous and least peaceful by global indices like the Global Peace Index (GPI) and travel risk maps due to ongoing conflict, instability, and high crime. These nations face extreme security risks from terrorism, civil unrest, weak governance, and humanitarian crises, making them unsafe for residents and travelers alike, with Russia and Ukraine also showing significant deterioration in peace, notes a recent report.
The 2024 GPI indicates Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, Malaysia and Canada to be the most peaceful countries, while Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Congo, Russia, Syria, Israel and Mali to be the least peaceful.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the #1 safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI), a position it has held for over a decade due to extremely low crime, no standing army, high social cohesion, and minimal conflict, though some other reports might place Switzerland or the Netherlands first based on different survey criteria.
Crime rate by country 2025: 10 countries with the highest crime...
Australia has been a perennial top ten inhabitant of the safest countries ratings since it launched seven years ago – and in 2026, we're holding strong in second place.
Homicide rate: Australia's homicide rate hovers around 0.8 per 100,000 people, compared to the U.S. rate of approximately 6 per 100,000. Property crime: Both countries experience property crime, but Australia's rates are generally lower, and violent property crimes (like armed burglary) are less common.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the #1 safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI), a position it has held for over a decade due to extremely low crime, no standing army, high social cohesion, and minimal conflict, though some other reports might place Switzerland or the Netherlands first based on different survey criteria.
The top 10 most dangerous places
In 2023, the rate of police-reported violent crime continued to be lower in Canada than the United States (252 incidents per 100,000 population versus 334 incidents), though the gap between the two countries has narrowed over the last 25 years.
Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world in 2021, a position it has held since 2008. It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia.
There is increased risk of U.S. citizens being the victim of violent or organized crime. Should a crime a occur, local law enforcement may not be able to help. Specific terrorist threats exist, or attacks have recently occurred. U.S. citizens or the spaces foreigners visit may be the target of an attack.
Level 4: Do Not Travel
New Zealand is a relatively safe travel destination but we are not crime free. It is important you take the same precautions to look after yourself and your possessions as you would at home. Here is some specific information to help make your stay in our country safe and enjoyable.
U.S. ranks among the least peaceful nations in 2025. The United States has fallen near the bottom of the 2025 Global Peace Index, ranking 128th out of 163 nations, according to a new report from the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).
1. Memphis. Memphis has one of the highest crime rates in the country at 2,437 per 100,000 people, with assault leading the list. The city has addressed these issues through targeted policing and community engagement initiatives.
You asked for a description of Canada's gun control laws. Firearms are federally regulated in Canada. The federal 1977 Criminal Law Amendment Act, as amended, prohibits automatic weapons and sawed-off shotguns and rifles. It is illegal for anyone, except (for the most part) the police and the military, to possess them.
These are the top 15 safest countries in the world, according to Berkshire Hathaway.
Australia crime rate per 100K population for 2021 was 0.74, a 13.52% decline from 2020. Australia crime rate per 100K population for 2020 was. Australia crime rate per 100K population for 2019 was 0.89, a 0.29% increase from 2018. Australia crime rate per 100K population for 2018 was 0.88, a 4.6% increase from 2017.
1. Afghanistan: The Most Dangerous Country for 2025. Afghanistan continues to hold the position as the most dangerous country in the world. Persistent terrorism, rampant political instability, and large-scale displacement have left the nation in a state of severe unrest and a highly dangerous place.
Always plan your trips fully so that you are aware of the dangers, and note down where you can find embassies in the country of travel.
Ranked number one since 2008, Iceland remains the world's most peaceful nation, leading across all three domains: safety and security, ongoing conflict and militarisation.
Australia ranks as the 2nd safest country in the world for 2026 🇦🇺✨ New global safety findings highlight Australia's strong healthcare system, low crime levels, political stability, and high quality of life.
It's overwhelmingly clear. Europe is significantly safer than the US, by a factor of more than ten in many cases. But spurning European news coverage of rising crime rates isn't the point.