Another North American country tops the charts instead.
Violent crime decreased last year in the United States. It might be hard for people to believe—considering how prevalent crime appears to be in the news and across social media—but statistics show that murders have fallen by 12%. Although it’s a sigh of relief, this doesn’t mean that the country is a safe haven. In fact, a study by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection of the safest countries in the world for travelers doesn’t even feature the U.S. in its top 15.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection conducted this research by first asking travelers where they have traveled and how they rated those countries on safety. Information from the State Department’s safety ratings, Global Peace Index, and GeoSure Global scores (which rate cities and neighborhoods on safety) are also used to calculate a weighted score of safety for each country. The methodology is explained as, “No one score tips in balance in favor of one country over another, and each score contributes to the overall score.”
It doesn’t mean that these countries are always safe or they are safe everywhere—you should always be cautious and do your research prior to traveling to any destination.
Canada Gets the Trophy
The safest place to travel in the world is a North American country, just not the United States. Canada is ranked first on the list, a jump from its sixth place rating last year. The key reasons for its ranking are its low population density and cold weather–however, the survey took into account the deadly wildfires that have turned many of its forests into ash.
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The rest of the list is dominated by European nations. Switzerland, which was ranked the ninth safest last year, claimed the second spot and the risks involved in the country are related to the Alps. Norway, Iceland, and Denmark also feature in the top 10. Northern Europe is considered safe in general even though Denmark was the second-safest place the prior year.
Australia is 10th on the list due to its low homicide rate–there were 377 in 2022, according to the most recent data; by comparison, Chicago had 617 in 2023). However, the Land Down Under has also fallen from its earlier fourth-place ranking, and the Berkshire Hathaway names fauna as a threat.
Another major change in ranking comes from South America. Brazil has taken the 15th spot on the list–it was 42nd last year. The analysis explained, “An unexpected entry into the top 15, Brazil gets high marks from survey respondents for women/people-of-color/LGBTQ+ travel safety, and reasonable marks for safety from terrorism.”
1. Canada
2. Switzerland
3. Norway
4. Ireland
5. Netherlands
6. United Kingdom
7. Portugal
8. Denmark
9. Iceland
10. Australia
11. New Zealand
12. Japan
13. France
14. Spain
15. Brazil
Don’t take this as the gospel truth. When you’re traveling, you need to avoid certain areas no matter which country you’re in and pay attention to your belongings. Petty thefts and pickpocketing happen in tourist-frequented areas and some areas may have more risks of harassment.
The countries are also ranked on different dimensions on safety including safety from violent crime, safety from terrorism, safety for LGBTQ+ community, women, and people of color. In all of these, Canada still tops the charts, so you’re in good hands when you fly to the good old neighbor in the north.
For those wondering about the United States–it was actually named the second safest country in the world by Gen Z respondents (number one was Canada). It also appeared on the list as the fifth safest country, according to travelers with a household income over $200,000; and the eighth safest by travelers who spend more than $25,000 per year on travel.
Brazil? That's a laugh. I was assaulted (I'm a woman, assaulted by a man for no reason) there and the police just laughed it off. Then the postcards I sent never arrived in the US. Also, crime all over the cities. Horrible.
I'm very surprised about this list. I would think Singapore should be at least in the top 10.
I'm quite surprised to see Brazil on this list. I wouldn't have thought it would be above Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Malta, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, or Greece.