Iceland is currently the safest country in the world, scoring 18.23 out of 100, followed by Singapore (19.99) and Denmark (20.05). In Europe, the five safest destinations are Austria (20.3), Switzerland (20.5), and the Czech Republic (21.2). Portugal ranks 12th worldwide, with a safety score of 25 points. In contrast, the Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico are considered the world’s least safe countries in 2025.

According to the data compiled by HelloSafe, 12 of the 15 safest countries are located in Europe, with Switzerland ranked as the eighth safest globally. Bhutan (22.98) and Qatar (23.33) also appear among the world’s top 15 safest destinations. Portugal, while 12th in the European ranking, is placed 15th globally.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Philippines tops the list of least safe countries, with a score of 82.32, followed by Colombia (79.21) and Mexico (78.43). These countries face significant internal violence and instability. Other nations like Yemen and Syria remain gripped by conflict, while Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine also earns it a spot among the least safe.

Notably, European countries make up 30 of the 50 safest places in the world, including the Netherlands (ranked 20th globally, 17th in Europe) and Belgium (31st globally, 24th in Europe). France, however, ranks 80th globally and 34th in Europe due largely to ongoing concerns over terrorism. Ukraine and Russia close out the global rankings, reflecting the impact of their prolonged conflict.

HelloSafe notes that Latin America is traditionally a popular destination for European and North American travellers, but it presents varied safety levels. Countries like Paraguay, Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bolivia enjoy relatively high safety scores, while Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela remain among the region’s most dangerous, due to high homicide rates and internal instability.

In Asia, Singapore stands out as the world’s second safest country, while the Philippines sits at the bottom. This contrast highlights Asia’s deep security disparities, with some countries enjoying peace and others offering significant challenges.

The HelloSafe Index, updated annually, draws on data from UN agencies, the World Bank, and international search bodies, using 35 criteria across five main categories. These range from environmental and political risks to armed conflict and healthcare infrastructure, providing a comprehensive snapshot of global security.