Safest Countries in the World in 2025 – GPI Rankings, Human Rights, LGBTQIA+ Rights & More

You’ve probably heard of various lists and league tables, but few offer as clear a lens on global safety and stability as the Global Peace Index.

Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the index scores 163 countries on 23 indicators across societal safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation.

Lower scores mean more peaceful. In 2025, the world slid a little – a net gain in unrest, but still, some places shine.

We already discussed some of the most dangerous countries in the world, and today, we will take a look at some of the safest.

Here’s a take on what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for travelers, expats, students, and anyone wondering “where’s it safest?”

Global Peace Index 2025 – Full Rankings

How the Global Peace Index Works

• Day-to-Day Safety – things like violent crime, homicide rate, what folks feel walking down the street, and how much terrorism affects daily rhythms.
• Conflict – both internal and external. Do people die in wars, or is tension high?
• Militarisation – how big is the military compared to the economy, how many soldiers or tanks around, what’s the weapons footprint?

About 60 % of the GPI score comes from how peaceful things feel internally; the rest reflects external conflict and armed might.

2025 at a Glance

A few pointers worth noting right off the bat:

1. Iceland – 1.095 GPI Score – Safest Country in the World

Iceland’s overall crime rate was just 22.26% in 2023, a very low figure compared to many countries; violent crimes like murder are almost negligible at about 1.5 per year, which is a tiny fragment when compared to the cities in the U.S. with high murder rates.

• Few recorded homicides: Other sources confirm murders rarely exceed 1 to 1.5 annually, and even traffic offenses contribute more to Iceland’s crime statistics.
• Strong social cohesion & welfare: Analysts attribute Iceland’s safety to its inclusive society, well‑funded public services, low inequality, and cohesive social structures.
• Unarmed policing tradition: Though firearms are owned privately, Icelandic police rarely use guns; this stems from a broader culture of non‑violence and trust in public institutions.

Human Rights Protections

• Legal foundations: Iceland’s constitution enshrines human rights, including freedoms of expression, religion, assembly, and equality. It also supports institutions like the Ombudsman to hold public authorities accountable.
• Judicial trust & transparency: The country ranks highly for democratic institutions, transparency, and public trust in law enforcement and legal systems.
• Progress and challenges: While freedoms are strong, reports mention remaining issues – such as under‑reporting and sentencing gaps in sexual violence cases and the use of solitary confinement in prisons.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Inclusion

Iceland is one of the world’s most progressive nations for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion:

• Marriage equality: Same‑sex marriage has been legal since June 27, 2010, with overwhelming parliamentary support, as per the Library of Congress.

Anti‑Discrimination Protections

• Protections for sexual orientation have been in place since 1996, and for gender identity since 2014.
• Employment protections, including against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics, have been law since 2018.

Trans and Non‑Binary Rights

• According to Equaldex, legal gender change without medical intervention is allowed since around 2021, with a third‑gender (“X”) option recognized since 2020.
• The 2019 Gender Autonomy Act ensures gender‑affirming care on an informed‑consent basis, bans non‑consensual intersex surgeries on infants, and allows non‑binary gender recognition.
• Conversion therapy ban: In 2023, Iceland became one of the few countries globally to outlaw conversion therapy based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
• Blood donation equality: As of July 1, 2025, men who have sex with men (MSM) may donate blood under the same criteria as others.

2. Ireland – 1260 GPI Score

Recorded crime incidents have decreased significantly. According to the Central Statistics Office, between 2022 and early 2025:

• Dangerous/negligent acts fell by 12% (from 8,503 to 7,492).
• Controlled drug offences declined by 8% (from 17,773 to 16,281).
• Kidnapping-related offences also dropped by 4%, to 152 incidents.
• Further, national data shows a 7% reduction in crime from 2019 to 2024, despite a 9.3% population increase over that period.

Specific Improvements

• A Times report emphasizes that killings, shootings, and break-ins are at multi-decade lows; for example, there were only three shooting deaths in the state in the previous year, while household burglaries dropped by 75% over the past decade.
• The Rural Safety Plan promotes hate‑crime reporting, road safety, and burglary prevention. The Garda’s Operation Thor contributes to the decline in residential burglaries – over 900 arrests and 2,000 charges during its last winter phase The Sun.

Hate Crimes & Emerging Concerns

• While overall crime is low, hate crimes are on the rise, with 676 reported incidents in 2024 – up from 651 the previous year, according to The Sun. Anti-race bias remains the most prevalent motive, followed by anti-nationality incidents (rising from 18% to 25%). Interestingly, anti-sexual orientation hate crimes declined from 109 to 70 cases.
• Media coverage highlights a noticeable spike in racially motivated assaults, particularly against Indian and South Asian communities. This has triggered community concern and calls for stronger law enforcement and public messaging.

Human Rights Landscape

• The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Country Report on Human Rights for Ireland found no credible reports of significant human rights abuses, indicating a robust human rights environment overall.

LGBTQ Rights & Inclusion

Ireland is widely lauded for its progressive stance on LGBTQ rights:

Legal Protections & Rights

• Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1993, with equal age of consent.
• Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015 via a national referendum, putting Ireland at the vanguard of social change.
• Adoption rights for same-sex couples are fully granted since 2017, with full parenting recognition following reforms.
• Transgender individuals may self-declare their gender legally since 2015, enabling updates to passports, birth certificates, and more.
• Hate crime legislation (Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024) now explicitly covers sexual orientation and gender identity, one of the broadest and toughest frameworks in Europe, in force since December 2024.

Discrimination & Inclusivity

• Anti-discrimination laws extend to employment (since 1998), provision of goods and services (since 2000), and other areas including indirect discrimination and hate speech (since 1989)
• A 2018 amendment made it illegal for religious-run schools and hospitals to dismiss staff based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Public sentiment remains overwhelmingly supportive: surveys by Eurobarometer show 80% support for same-sex marriage, and as high as 83-86% backing equal rights for LGBTQ people.
• Notable moves include Ireland’s first openly gay Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Leo Varadkar, and activism such as former drag queen Panti Bliss reflecting on how far Ireland has come – and warning about online hatred and public unease.
• Nonetheless, hate speech and anti-LGBTQ sentiment online are growing concerns, prompting calls for sustained vigilance, as per The Times.

3. New Zealand – 1.282 GPI Score

With minimal violent crime, low population density, strong community bonds, and a robust legal system, people feel secure in their daily lives.

• Proactive Enforcement: According to The Guardian, recent legal reforms, such as the ban on public display of gang insignia, reinforce public order and mitigate risks associated with organized crime.
• Stable Threat Environment: Reuters reported that the national terror threat level remains low, although New Zealand’s intelligence service acknowledges the evolving risk of lone‑wolf style extremist attacks.

Human Rights Landscape

• Legal Framework & Institutions: The Human Rights Act 1993 underpins anti‑discrimination protections in New Zealand, and the Human Rights Commission holds an “A”‑status as an independent national institution, per UPR Info.
• Areas for Growth: Despite a strong foundation, reports highlight ongoing challenges around structural discrimination, domestic violence, and full integration of human rights into domestic law and policy.

LGBTQ+ Rights

New Zealand leads the world in LGBTQ+ equality, with comprehensive rights and legal recognition already well-established:

• Decriminalization: Male homosexual activity legalized in 1986.
• Anti-discrimination: Protections since 1993.
• Civil unions since 2005; same-sex marriage & adoption rights since 2013.
• Military service: Open since 1993.

Modern Protections

• Hate crimes: Aggravating factor in sentencing since 2002.
• Conversion therapy banned under the 2022 law.
• Gender identity: Legal gender change permitted; self-identification enabled since 2023.
• Expungement: Historical convictions for consensual homosexual conduct can be expunged (since 2018).

Cultural Visibility

Vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes in cities like Auckland and Wellington, with popular Pride events and political representation. High public support; in 2020, 10% of MPs identified as LGBTQ+.

4. Austria – 1.294 GPI Score

Austria achieved a GPI score of 1.294 in 2025, placing it fourth among the most peaceful countries worldwide.

Crime & Safety

• Intentional homicide rates are very low: approximately 0.73 per 100,000 people in 2021, down from 0.87 in 2019, per Macrotrends.
• Visitors consider Austria very safe: U.S. State Department notes Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, with violent crime being rare; opportunistic theft can occur in tourist areas.
• Numbeo’s safety index rates Austria’s overall crime level as “Low” (~26/100) although petty theft remains a moderate concern and Vienna specifically experiences occasional pickpocketing in crowded areas.
• Travel safety guides echo this, describing the overall risk as low, with most visits proceeding without incident – advice is simply to exercise normal caution.

Human Rights

• No major shifts were observed in Austria’s human rights landscape during the past year, according to the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 report.
• Ahead of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2026, NGOs have issued 159 demands urging the government to address shortcomings, ranging from surveillance and housing rights to the protection of women and asylum-seekers.
• Amnesty International has highlighted the need for stronger measures to safeguard the rights of women and asylum seekers.
• Meanwhile, rising political tensions are evident: According to the Financial Times, Austria’s coalition government is planning permanent restrictions on asylum seekers’ family reunification, a policy that critics suggest may breach EU and human rights law.

Summary: Austria is generally respected for its human rights standards, but debates over asylum and civil liberties reflect ongoing challenges.

LGBTQ Rights

Austria stands out as one of the more progressive countries in Europe regarding LGBTQ+ rights:

• Same-sex activity has been legal since 1971, with equal age of consent established in 2002.

Legal Milestones

• Registered partnerships (2010)
• Step‑child adoption (2013)
• Full joint adoption (2016)
• Same-sex marriage legalized effective 1 January 2019, according to Equaldex.

Anti-Discrimination Protections

• Incorporated into employment law since 2004
• Extended to goods and services nationwide by 2017
• Enhanced in 2016 with hate speech and sentencing aggravation for bias-based crimes.
• Recently, Austria amended its Equal Treatment Act to re-emphasize that “gender identity and expression” are included in the definition of “gender,” per Rainbow Map.

Trans Rights Progress

• Transgender individuals may legally change their gender and name without needing surgery, although a psychiatric evaluation is required.
• Since 2018, intersex people have also recognized options for non-binary registration and protections against non-consensual surgeries.
• Austria also hosts a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, particularly in cities like Vienna with thriving queer events, safe spaces, and pride celebrations, according to Austria.info.
• According to FRA Europa Surveys, 55% of LGBTQ individuals in Austria are frequently or always open about their identity, a higher figure than the EU average of 47%.

5. Switzerland – 1.294 GPI Score

Switzerland consistently ranks among industrialized nations with the lowest crime rates, according to My Switzerland reports.

• Petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft occur mainly in tourist-heavy zones and urban transit hubs but remain infrequent overall.
• Crime per 100,000 people has been trending downward – from 0.54 in 2019 to 0.48 in 2021, as per Macrotrends statistics.
• The chance of being a crime victim is minimal; in one study, only 0.3% in 2017.

Political and Institutional Stability

• Business Insider reports that Switzerland’s long-standing neutrality, stable governance, and robust institutions reduce the risks of political violence and unrest – critical factors reflected in Global Peace Index scores.
• In a 2025 ranking by William Russell (leveraging GPI data), Switzerland emerges as exceptionally safe for expats, thanks to its political tranquility, low violent crime, and minimal terrorism risk.

Foundational Legal Protections

• The Swiss Constitution guarantees human dignity and equality, explicitly outlawing discrimination based on “lifestyle (including sexual orientation)” among other protected categories.
• Switzerland abolished the death penalty in 1992 and aligns with international human-rights standards – actively advocating globally.

Modernization of Gendered Legislation

• According to Amnesty, recent reforms recognize non-consensual sex as rape, removing outdated legal definitions and enhancing protections.
• The “Inclusion Initiative,” supported by over 108,000 signatures, advocates constitutional equality for people with disabilities.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Inclusion

Switzerland is a leader among countries in Europe for its legal recognition and protections of LGBTQ+ individuals:

1. Legal Equality

• Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1942; equal age of consent was established in 1992.
• Registered partnerships have been recognized since 2007; same-sex marriage, full adoption, and IVF access became legal on 1 July 2022.
• Discrimination based on sexual orientation is criminalized in public spheres, including incitement and denial of services, as of 2020.

2. Social Protections and Trends

• Surveys reveal broad public support – over 80% in favor – of same-sex marriage and related rights.Wikipedia
• Military service and gender rights: LGBTQ+ individuals can serve openly. Since 2022, legal sex change via self‑determination is possible without surgery.
• Blood donation rules have been equalized – since November 2023, there’s a 4‑month deferral, applicable across the board.
• While non-binary gender is not yet legally recognized, national conversations and cultural advocacy (e.g., by Eurovision winner Nemo) are ongoing, as per Equaldex.

3. Public Sentiment and Advocacy

• A Reddit user described widespread acceptance in cities like Zürich: “We have pro‑lgbt rights … These laws were accepted by the vast majority of swiss population.”
• Human rights watchdogs report no criminalization of same-sex conduct, and affirmation of LGBTQI+ protections in practice, according to the U.S. Department of State.

6. Singapore – 1.357 GPI Score

Singapore experiences remarkably low levels of physical crime, including theft, violent crime, and home burglary, which are among the lowest globally.

• Stable or declining crime trends: Recent government data from the Ministry of Home Affairs shows that physical crime numbers remained stable, with specific declines in offences like theft-in-dwelling, outrage of modesty, housebreaking, and theft.
• Shoplifting detection improvements: According to the Singapore Police Force report, while shop theft cases rose roughly 7.6% in 2024, experts attribute this to improved detection, especially via widespread CCTV and facial recognition tech, rather than an actual rise in criminal behavior.
• Quantitative crime rate context: Historical data places Singapore’s crime rate at around 0.10 per 100,000 population in 2021, a dramatic drop from prior years, illustrating its overall safety.
• Strong institutions & law enforcement: The country is recognized for its highly effective and transparent legal system, minimal corruption, and professional, well-respected law enforcement.
• Public perception of safety: Surveys indicate that about 95% of people in Singapore feel safe walking alone at night, far above global averages.

Governance, Rule of Law & Human Rights

• High rule-of‑law standards: Singapore ranks notably high in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index – #3 for order & security, #3 for absence of corruption, #4 for enforcement, #7 for criminal justice, and #8 for civil justice.
• Stable and meritocratic system: With one of the least corrupt public sectors globally and strong institutional trust, Singapore’s governance model provides stability and maintains societal order, per the Global Organized Crime Index.
• Civil rights landscape: Constitutionally, freedoms like speech and assembly exist, but are limited. Singapore is rated “Partly Free” and a “flawed democracy” (EIU). Press freedom is ranked 129th globally.
• Human rights climate: U.S. State Department’s 2023 report notes no major shifts in Singapore’s human rights environment over the past year.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Social Inclusion

1. Historic decriminalization efforts

Section 377A, which criminalized male homosexual activity, was ruled unenforceable in 2022 and then repealed legislatively. It was officially removed from the laws in early 2023.

2. Equal age of consent restored

Since 2023, the age of consent has been equal across sexual orientations at 16 years, per Equaldex.

3. Protections against harassment and violence

Legislation now bars incitement of religiously motivated LGBT harassment, offering legal recourse under acts like the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.

4. LGBTQ+ expression and community resilience

The annual Pink Dot SG LGBTQ pride event, held since 2009, continues to gather tens of thousands (20-30K) without interference. The 2024 edition, post‑377A repeal, reflects growing social visibility.

5. Adoption and organizational restrictions

According to Human Rights Watch, Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, and LGBTQ groups still face challenges registering legally. Adoption by same‑sex couples is prohibited; the Adoption of Children Act limits eligibility to heterosexual married couples.

6. Mixed international perspectives

Human Rights Watch notes continued limitations on LGBTQ group registration and adoption rights.

7. Portugal – 1.371 GPI Score

Portugal secured the 7th safest country globally in the 2025 Global Peace Index, a testament to its consistent stability, low violence, and minimal internal conflict.

Low Crime and High Sense of Security

• Gold Crest reported that crime in Portugal is generally low with non-violent offenses dominating.
• According to Gallup, in 2023, 83% of people reported feeling safe walking alone at night where they live.
• In 2024, Portugal’s overall crime fell by 1.3%, while violent crime stayed below the EU average.
• Petty theft, like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is seen mostly in tourist-heavy areas like Lisbon and Porto, but remains isolated in scope.

Violent Crime

Murder rates are extremely low, around 0.7 per 100,000 inhabitants (2019 data), and there were just 85 murders nationwide in 2021.

Theft & Robbery

• Robbery rates stand at about 106 per 100,000, moderately higher compared to some Western European nations, but still relatively contained.
• Theft from public places and vehicles was recorded, 6,053 incidents of theft and 29,735 vehicle thefts/carjackings in 2021.

Crime Trends

Crime continues to decrease over time – for instance, total recorded crimes dropped from 359,445 in 2000 to around 354,878 by 2024. The Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) also reported a 1.3% overall decline in crime in 2024.

Human Rights Status

According to the U.S. State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report, there were no credible reports of significant human rights abuses in Portugal.

• Amnesty International’s Portugal profile likewise indicates a generally stable and respectful human rights landscape.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Protections

Portugal stands out globally for LGBTQ+ inclusion, with strong legal protections and cultural acceptance. According to Equaldex:

Legal Protections & Equality

• Decriminalized since 1982; equal age of consent achieved in 2007.
• Same-sex marriage legal since June 5, 2010.
• Full adoption rights for same-sex couples granted in 2016.
• Transgender rights: Legal gender change possible since 2011, with a self‑determination law introduced in 2018 and military service open to trans persons since early 2024.
• Conversion therapy has been banned since March 1, 2024.

Constitutional & Anti‑Discrimination Protections

• The Constitution bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, making Portugal one of the very few countries to embed such protections in its foundational law.
• Hate crime laws include sexual orientation and gender identity as aggravating factors.

Social Acceptance & Culture

• In 2023, 81% of Portuguese supported same-sex marriage, and 73% agreed “there is nothing wrong in a sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex.”
• Portugal is widely considered one of the world’s most LGBTQ-friendly countries, hosting vibrant scenes in Lisbon, Porto, and more.
• In schools, decrees are now in place to protect LGBTI students, a significant step in inclusive education.

Emerging Concerns – Hate Crime & Extremism

• Recent reports have raised alarms about a surge in far-right extremist violence in Portugal. Notably, a neo‑Nazi militia (Movimento Armilar Lusitano) was dismantled by authorities in mid-2025, involving arrests for terrorism, hate crimes, and weapons offenses.
• The Council of Europe’s anti-racism body urged Portuguese authorities to intensify efforts against hate-fueled violence targeting migrants, Black communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

8. Denmark – 1.391 GPI Score

Denmark earned rank number 8 with its GPI score, for a multitude of reasons:

Low Crime, High Perceived Safety

• Denmark boasts a low homicide rate (~0.5 per 100,000 people), well under the European average, per Uhomes.
• Over 85% of Danes feel safe walking alone at night, reflecting high public confidence in safety.
• The country also shines in traffic safety, with one of the lowest fatality rates in Europe.

Societal Trust & Strong Institutions

• The Guardian reported that Denmark is regularly recognized as the world’s most trusting society, around 74% of Danes believe most people can be trusted.
• This exceptional social trust fosters safety and stability, reinforced by its egalitarian welfare system and effective governance.

Constitutional Protections & International Binding

• Denmark’s constitution enshrines personal freedoms: personal liberty, property rights, freedom of assembly, speech, religion, and more, supplemented by the European Convention on Human Rights.
• It maintains an independent human rights institution and scores 97/100 (“Free”) in Freedom House’s 2024 report.

LGBTQ+ Historical Leadership & Legal Protections

• Denmark was the first country in the world (1989) to legally recognize same-sex partnerships and legalized same-sex marriage in 2012.
• According to Denmark.dk, It was also among the pioneers to remove transgender identity from mental illness classifications (2016).
• In 2022, Denmark enhanced its legal framework to more strongly prohibit discrimination, hate crimes, and hate speech against LGBTQ+ individuals, and made it easier for transgender people to change their names legally.

Broad Protections & Social Recognition

• According to Equaldex, LGBTQ+ individuals in Denmark enjoy protections in employment and can legally change their gender without medical constraints; non-binary recognition and gender marker ‘X’ in passports are also recognized.
• Major events like Copenhagen Pride draw massive participation – hundreds of thousands attend, signaling wide societal acceptance.

Ongoing Issues

• Despite strong legal frameworks, ILGA and other sources note that conversion therapy is still not banned in Denmark, and housing discrimination protections remain unclear or low.
• Police data from 2021 showed a 29% increase in hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, indicating social challenges still exist.

9. Slovenia – 1.409 GPI Score

Slovenia retains its position as the 9th most peaceful country in the world in the 2025 Global Peace Index, with a GPI score of 1.409, unchanged from 2024.

Crime, Governance & Societal Stability

• Crime & Political Stability: According to Immigration Advice Service, the low levels of violent crime combine with long-term regional stability and effective democratic governance to boost Slovenia’s peaceful standing.
• Judicial Independence: Slovenia’s judiciary operates independently, supported by robust structures including general and specialised courts, a constitutional court, and an independent state prosecutor’s office.
• Political Freedom & Civil Rights: According to Freedom House’s 2025 report, Slovenia is a parliamentary republic that upholds political rights and civil liberties, although some corruption challenges remain.

Human Rights Landscape

• General Protections: The 2023 U.S. State Department report notes credible incidents of violence or threats targeting LGBTQI individuals, underscoring that while legal protections exist, enforcements and societal attitudes still require vigilance.
• Gender Equity: Slovenia scores 67.5/100 on the European Gender Equality Index (12th in the EU), struggles slightly behind the EU average, largely due to lower political participation by women. The Human Development Index (HDI) is high at 0.918, with a low Gender Inequality Index of 0.071.
• Domestic Violence: Gender-based and domestic violence remain persistent social concerns, despite legislative progress.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Inclusion

• Anti‑discrimination Laws: According to Equaldex, Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited across many sectors, including employment, education, housing, and public services, thanks to the Protection Against Discrimination Act of 2016.
• Marriage & Adoption Equality: Same-sex marriage and joint adoption became legal in Slovenia in January 2023, following a July 2022 Constitutional Court ruling and parliamentary action.
• Cultural Visibility & Pride: There’s a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Ljubljana with several venues and events. Ljubljana Pride, held annually, enjoys support from the city government. The 2023 parade was notably addressed by the President, though it was marred by incidents of hostility and violence, signaling ongoing societal tensions.

10. Finland – 1.420 GPI Score

Finland’s GPI score of 1.420 is backed by a real foundation of low crime, high institutional integrity, and inclusive protections across society. Its democratic stability, minimal corruption, and respect for civil and LGBTQ+ rights make it not only one of the safest but also one of the most equitable and welcoming societies globally.

Low Crime and Strong Rule of Law

• According to OCI, Finland is widely recognized as a low‑crime country, strengthened by robust governance and effective law enforcement. Though organized crime and youth involvement are monitored, there is no evidence of criminal infiltration into the government.
• According to the Ministry of the Interior of Finland, homicide levels remain very low, with around 94 violent offences resulting in death in 2021, significantly below early‑2000s averages.
• While violent crimes in public places, such as in Vantaa and Turku, have seen a modest uptick in recent reporting, these remain localized and small in scale, as per Yle.
• Corruption is practically nonexistent; political corruption cases are extremely rare. For example, in 2007, bribery reports were fewer than the murder count.
• Overall crime indicators remain low. Numbeo labels Finland’s “level of crime” as 24.62 (Low). Perceived trends, like fears about home breaks, are somewhat elevated, but don’t reflect actual crime prevalence.

Strong Human Rights Protections

• According to Freedom House, Finland’s parliamentary democracy boasts free & fair elections, an independent judiciary, and minimal corruption. Freedoms of speech, religion, and association are upheld in both law and practice.
• According to the U.S. State Department’s 2023 human rights report, there were no credible reports of significant abuses in Finland.
• Finland also continues to play an active role in promoting human rights globally, for instance through its observer status at the UN Human Rights Council from January 2025.
• That said, Amnesty International and NGOs have raised concerns about structural racism and perceived gaps in policies addressing hate speech, especially regarding migration and minority communities. Indigenous Sámi rights reform is also still under parliamentary review.

Exemplary LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Rights

Finland supports one of the most advanced legal frameworks for LGBTQ+ rights in the OECD. Key legislative milestones include:

• Legal recognition of same-sex sexual activity since 1971, with age of consent equalized in 1999.
• Discrimination protections for sexual orientation (since 1995) and gender identity (since 2005).
• Legalization of same-sex marriage and joint adoption in 2017.
• Since April 2023, transgender individuals can change their legal gender via self‑determination – without sterilization or psychiatric diagnosis.
• Removal of blood donation deferrals for men who have sex with men as of December 2023.
• A recent report found Finland among the top 17 OECD countries with strongest legal protections for LGBTQ+ people OECD.
• Social acceptance is high: Finland is frequently called LGBTQ‑friendly, with public support for equality and same‑sex marriage widely reflected in Eurobarometer polling (≈76-80%).
• A vivid example: According to the San Francisco Chronicle, over 100,000 people participated in Helsinki’s Pride parade in mid‑2025, demonstrating strong grassroots support for LGBTQ+ rights and broader human rights, reinforcing Finland’s inclusive ethos.

Regional Highlights

Western & Central Europe

Not surprisingly, but here’s the real scoop: top-tier peace remains rooted here. Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Portugal, and Slovenia, all delivering stability, safety, and civilian-friendly institutions. Average score dipped just a touch in 2025, but it is still comfortably ahead of the world.

Asia Pacific

New Zealand is the region’s flag-bearer, followed by strong performers like Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia. That’s a spread from the South Pacific to Southeast Asia, showing that if you keep both crime low and hold conflict at bay, you land near the top.

South America

Improved on average for the only region to do so in 2025. Peru and Argentina improved after the recent political change. Still, the region hasn’t bounced back to pre-2010 peace levels, but the move is positive.

Middle East & North Africa (MENA)

Still at the bottom of the heap. Yemen and Sudan are among the least safe. Qatar emerges as the regional leader – ranked 27th overall, a sign that peace pockets can exist even under pressure.

South Asia

That one fell hardest in 2025. A mix of socio-political turmoil, conflict hot spots, and heavy militarisation. Not a region for backpackers without local advice.

United States

Coming in at 128th, with a score of 2.443, high violent crime and a large military presence both take their toll. A reminder that superpower status doesn’t equal street safety by this measure.

Practical Tips for Travelers, Students, Expats

GPI isn’t a city-level safety app, you know. It doesn’t replace your own neighborhood watch or embassy advice. It gives global context – but here’s what you can use it for:

Methodology

Grounded in the Recognized Index

The entire article is anchored in the Global Peace Index (GPI), published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, a widely cited and reputable source.

Use of Reliable Statistics

• Crime rates, homicide data, and trends are cited from official government statistics, international organizations, or well-established statistical portals like Numbeo, Macrotrends, and Central Statistics Office reports.
• Where numbers are given (e.g., homicide rates, crime percentage declines), they are often linked to national ministries or reputable media outlets.

Cross-Verification of Information

Multiple sources are used to confirm key points (e.g., Iceland’s homicide rate cited from different reports; Ireland’s burglary rates backed by national operations and newspaper reports).

Inclusion of Human Rights Reports

References to U.S. State Department human rights reports, Amnesty International, Freedom House, and NGOs provide a formal evaluation of each country’s rights record, ensuring the article looks beyond crime rates into deeper governance and justice issues.

Focus on LGBTQ+ Rights and Social Inclusion

Legal milestones (e.g., same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination protections, conversion therapy bans) are cited with legal dates and sources like Equaldex, Library of Congress, and official legislative acts.

Regional and Comparative Context

The rankings are not just presented as raw numbers; they are analyzed in regional terms (Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, etc.), referencing global economic costs of violence and year-on-year shifts.

Balanced Reporting

Each country section includes strengths and remaining challenges (e.g., Iceland’s under-reporting of sexual violence, Ireland’s rise in hate crimes, Austria’s asylum debates).

Final Thoughts

🌏 The 10 most peaceful countries
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇦🇹 Austria
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇯🇵 Japan

🌏 Discover the key trends in global peacefulness in the Global Peace Index report. https://t.co/h8WZhVeJOC pic.twitter.com/OzDTiOfAaZ

— Global Peace Index (@GlobPeaceIndex) December 9, 2023

Here’s the brief takeaway: If you want consistent safety, low conflict, a light touch on militarisation, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland are remarkably safe harbors.

Western and Central Europe generally lead, Asia Pacific performs solidly, and South America is on the move in 2025. It’s helpful to think of the GPI not as a rigid travel rule but a big-picture mood board of peace.

Pair it with local data for practical decisions – then you’re moving with confidence, not fear.