5 of the world's safest countries in 2025 (and what makes them like this)

Countries that are in the top of the index have maintained a remarkable regularity for almost two decades, demonstrating the stability that peaceful policies can produce in the long term.

We talk with the residents of some of the most peaceful countries in the world to learn about how these policies shape daily life and what gives them that sense of security and calm.

In the first place since 2008, Iceland continues to be the most peaceful nation according to the GPI, leading the three areas: risk and security, permanent conflict and militarization. He even recorded an improvement of 2% this year, expanding its advantage over the second country on the list.

For the inhabitants of the country, the sense of security is rooted in daily life.

“Although the hard climatic conditions, especially in winter, do not always create a sense of security, the community does,” said Inga Rós Antoníusdóttir, who was born in Iceland and is the general manager of the Intrepid Travel North Europe travel agency.

“You can walk alone at night almost without worry; you see babies sleeping peacefully in their strollers outside a coffee or a store while their parents enjoy a meal or shop; the local police do not carry weapons.”

Inga attributes to gender equality policies that women feel safe. “The equity of opportunities and robust social systems create a more just and safe society for all,” he said.

She recommends visitors to join the daily rituals of the locals to experience that inner calm.

“Go swimming in a geothermal pool and talks with strangers in the jacuzzi; a mountain scale, whether one afternoon going up the mountain this on the outskirts of Reykiavik or on a walk of several days through the highlands,” he said.

“The true Iceland is found in its buoyant music and artistic scene, in the nature outside the main towns and in all types of climate.”

Despite being marked by the conflict throughout the twentieth century, today's Ireland continues to place peace in the foreground.

He received particularly high scores for reducing his militarization year after year and was placed as one of the countries with the lowest number of internal and international conflicts in progress.

It was also placed in the first 10 positions in terms of social risk and security, with low perception of crime and violence.

That feeling extends throughout the country for its residents.

“A deep sense of community and friendship makes you feel welcomed and relaxed, whether you are in a small town or in a large city,” said Jack Fitzsimons, resident of the Kingare County and director of activities of the Medieval Castillo de Kilkea activities.

He finds that solid social support systems and a focus on community welfare also reduce inequality and tension.

“Here people take care of each other,” he added. “It is the type of place where you can ask for help from a stranger and take the trouble to do it.”

In the global stage, the country maintains military neutrality (which prevents it from being an official NATO member, being one of the four European countries without membership) and a predilection for the use of diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

Internal, the country prioritizes the conservation of its landscapes and cultural sites, and ensures that travelers always feel welcome.

“I am still surprised how surprised visitors feel with how friendly the Irish are. For us, it is simply part of our network, since we have an innate sense of being hospitable with foreign visitors,” said Fitzsimons.

The relaxed nature of Ireland also generates a sense of peace.

“You are never far from a castle, a silent walk through a forest or a traditional music session in a cozy pub,” said Fitzsimons.

“Here life moves to a more relaxed step, and people still appreciate conversation and stories. This human connection really stands out.”

This year, New Zealand amounted to two positions to number three, thanks to its improvements in the area of ​​risk and security, as well as lower impacts related to manifestations and terrorism.

As an island Nation in the Pacific, the New Zealand geography provides natural protection against external conflicts, but its internal policies also offer residents a feeling of peace.

“New Zealand weapons laws are some of the strictest in the world, which contributes absolutely to the feeling of security,” explained the neozelandsa Mischa Mannix-Opie, director of experience of the client of the client of the residential relocation firm Greener Pastures.

She emphasizes that it is a place where children walk to school, people leave the doors of their homes without insurance and drivers stop to help if a vehicle is stranded next to the road.

“There is a general confidence in others and the systems that surround you, which creates a true sense of community in daily life.”

Beyond a strong social security network and access to universal health care, New Zealands value their connection with nature, either wandering down the beaches, walking in the field or enjoying a glass of wine under the stars, says Mannix-Opie.

The sense of community also means that there are many festivals and events for all ages, with emphasis on the environments dedicated to the family.

Although many visitors come attracted to the landscape, it is often the feeling of security and belonging to the community that leaves them a lasting impression.

“Beyond the postcards of the landscape, New Zealand has real depth. People are genuine, the Maori culture is rich and always present and the slower rhyth of life can really change your perspective,” said Mannix-Opie.

“A client told me that although New Zealand is beautiful, our superpower is our people.”

Austria descended a position this year, to stay in fourth place, but continues with high classification in all areas.

Like Ireland, Austria adopts for its constitution a mandatory neutrality policy, which prevents it from participating in military alliances such as NATO. That allows the country to concentrate its attention and resources internally.

“The neutrality policy of Austrian seniority means that the nation invests in its town instead of conflicts,” said Armin Pfurtscheller, owner of the Hotel-Spa Jagdhof.

“A strong social security network, world -class health care and excellent education encourage stability and trust.”

He lives in Neustift in the Stubai Valley, where they say that people wander through the Ruetz River at midnight, the houses remain without insurance and the bicycles are left outside the coffees without chains.

“Security is not just a statistic, it is the way life feels.”

Pfurtscheller also notes this sense of calm among visitors who stay in the valley.

“After a couple of days, their shoulders relax, stress disappears, and sleep as if they were children,” he said.

“They begin to notice the sound of the river, the way the light changes the mountains and the simple pleasure of breathing deep. That is the greatest sense of security that this place offers: the certainty that here you are free to simply be.”

Keeping in the number six, the city-state of Singapore is the only Asian country in the top ten (Japan and Malaysia occupy 12 and 13, respectively).

It is placed especially high due to its low risk and safety, although it maintains one of the highest levels of per capita military spending, surpassed only by North Korea and Qatar.

The absence of an ongoing conflict and their internal security generate a strong sense of protection for most residents.

“Road late at night and I don't feel fear. Walking home is not overwhelming or causes anxiety as in most urban cities,” said Xinrun Han, a city resident.

“There is 100% of comfort and mutual trust in the system, which generates a calm, empathetic and peaceful environment.”

While the conservative position towards the LGBT+ community limits some freedoms, with same -sex marriage still forbidden, social progress is visible through events such as the LGBT+ Pink Dot Pride Festival that is on the rise.

Many reported feeling safer in the parade this year than in past times, as the youngest Singapurenses advocate a broader recognition.

They have recommended visitors to take advantage of the freedoms that come with security, such as wandering around the river at 2 am, savoring a bite of a street seller or visiting the park after dusk.

“Everything feels very free, whether you are a resident or simply visit.”

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