What are the safest countries in the world? The Legatum Prosperity Index (LPI), an annual ranking system that measures nations on a dozen measures of social progress, guides us to finding the answers. Where does the U.S. fall on the list?
25) Lithuania
Rounding out the top 25 is Lithuania. It also ranks highly for women and raising kids.
➤ Learn more about moving to Lithuania
24) Spain
Spain ranks 24th worldwide for safety. The Spanish highly value social equality, scoring highly for LGBTQ+ rights, women, Black people, and raising kids.
➤ Learn more about moving to Spain
23) Qatar
The Middle Eastern nation of Qatar ranks 23rd in safety.
22) Slovakia
Slovakia is the 22nd safest country in the world. This eastern European nation is a good place to raise a family.
➤ Learn more about moving to Slovakia
21) United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom comes in at number 21 for safety rankings. While moving there has gotten more challenging, the UK remains a great destination for Black people and end-of-life care.
➤ Learn more about moving to the UK
20) Australia
Australia starts the top 20 countdown for safest countries in the world. It boasts high rankings as a place for raising kids, end-of-life care, and LGBTQIA people.
➤ Learn more about moving to Australia
19) Germany
Germany reinforces the social safety net as firmly as its safety laws. It ranks 19th for safety.
➤ Learn more about moving to Germany
18) Canada
Our Northern neighbor takes the 18th spot for safety rankings on the LPI. Canada is considered one of the best countries for Black people, women, and raising kids.
➤ Learn more about moving to Canada
17) Malta
An island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is the 17th safest country worldwide, scoring high marks for LGBTQ+ rights.
➤ Learn more about moving to Malta
16) Hong Kong
Hong Kong ranks 14th for safety.
15) Finland
Finland is often named the happiest country on Earth. The Scandinavian nation also scores well for end-of-life care, queer folks, and women.
➤ Learn more about moving to Finland
14) Slovenia
Bordered by Austria and Italy, Slovenia earns the 14th spot among safest countries and is considered an excellent home for women and children.
➤ Learn more about moving to Slovenia
13) Czech Republic
Czech Republic is also a great place for women and raising kids. It’s number 13 on LPI’s safety rankings.
➤ Learn more about moving to Czech Republic
12) Austria
Austria takes its safety very seriously, placing among the top 10% of safest countries—a great place for kids, LGBTQ+ people and women.
➤ Learn more about moving to Austria
11) Ireland
The Republic of Ireland takes the 11th spot for safety.
➤ Learn more about moving to Ireland
10) Sweden
Sweden reinforces its spirit of equal status, known as the Law of Jante among its citizens. The Legatum Institute puts it in 10th place for safest countries in the world.
➤ Learn more about moving to Sweden
9) The Netherlands
Dutch people tend to be a peaceful crowd, which shows itself in their top 10 safety ranking. The Netherlands is among the best countries for queer people and women, according to data in the Expatsi Test.
➤ Learn more about moving to the Netherlands
8) Iceland
The chilled country of Iceland also boasts exceptional safety for its residents. It’s 8th for safety on the LPI.
➤ Learn more about moving to Iceland
7) Singapore
This city-state in southeast Asia keeps close tabs on its citizens through an attentive police force and heavy use of security cameras. It’s the 7th safest country.
➤ Learn more about moving to Singapore
6) Denmark
Denmark takes 6th place in safety. It’s also the best country in terms of social capital, creating a welcoming space for queer people and women.
➤ Learn more about moving to Denmark
5) Japan
Japan comes in at number 5 for LPI’s safety rankings. Japanese culture emphasizes honor and respect, making it one of the safest countries for raising kids.
➤ Learn more about moving to Japan
4) Taiwan
Taiwan is the LPI’s 4th safest country. It’s among the best nations for end-of-life care and LGBTQ+ people.
➤ Learn more about moving to Taiwan
3) Norway
Norway takes 3rd in the LPI safety rankings. It’s ranked 1st in personal freedoms, making it an ideal country for Black Americans, women, and queer people.
➤ Learn more about moving to Norway
2) Switzerland
LPI’s runner-up in the safety category is Switzerland. Switzerland excels among countries for end-of-life care and raising kids.
➤ Learn more about moving to Switzerland
1) Luxembourg
Luxembourg is the safest country in the world, according to the LPI’s data. This small European nation is among the best places to raise kids, be LGBTQIA, or be a woman.
➤ Learn more about moving to Luxembourg
BONUS: Where does the U.S. rank for safety?
The U.S. takes 69th place in its safety rankings, out of a total 167 countries.
➤ Find out where you should move to at Expatsi
11 Reasons Women Are Fleeing the USA
While the number of people emigrating from the United States grows, there’s one thing the news isn’t reporting: many of these people are women.
The number of solo woman expats is soaring, while married women work to convince reticent husbands to move abroad. Here are some of the reasons women are fleeing the USA:
➤ 11 Reasons Women Are Fleeing the USA
The 20 Best Countries for Americans To Move To, Based on Data
The Expatsi Test is an assessment tool for Americans who want to leave the United States. It asks the regions they’d like to move to, their budget, the kind of visa they might apply for (like retirement, digital nomad, or skilled worker) and their preferences for things like safety, healthcare, infrastructure, weather, geographical features, and personal freedoms, and reveals the top 10 countries that best meet their needs.
Based on 37,546 respondents in 2023, here are the top 20 countries for American emigrants.
➤ The 20 Best Countries for Americans To Move To, Based on Data
How to Leave America: 6 Steps to Your New Life
Are you thinking about leaving the United States? You’re not alone; as many as 15% percent of Americans say they want to leave the country permanently.
