In the past decade, the countries of the world have witnessed many changes that made some countries unsafe for individuals to live or establish successful businesses, while other countries rose in the social and professional safety ladder and topped the list.
Safety before anything.
People from all over the world are increasingly looking for areas where they can live in relative safety while also being able to take advantage of the country's policies, tax system, and resources to build their own empire, whether it's for a small business or corporation.
In this article, we review the world's safest countries in terms of livability, crime rate, economic dependence, food and natural resources.
The world's safest countries ever!
1-Iceland
Known for its beautiful landscapes and the northern lights, Iceland has a lot to offer when it comes to great standards of living.
That's why it still ranks as the safest country in the world - a title the Scandinavian country has held for 13 years in a row.
Able to live
World-class living standards are boosted in Iceland with a relatively small population of just over 360,000 in 2020.
Reykjavik, the country's capital, is also its largest city, with more than two-thirds of the population residing there or in neighboring regions to the south-west of the country.
Icelandic citizens are generally seen as friendly and, unlike other parts of the world, there is little tension between the social and economic classes.
Iceland is the fourth most expensive country to live in after Bermuda, Switzerland, and Norway. Affordable housing and rents were also cited as an issue due to the low supply.
Crime rate
Iceland is ranked as the most peaceful country in the world by the Global Peace Index, due in essence to its lack of armed forces, low levels of crime, and high standards of social and political stability.
Economic situation
Iceland's primary trade sectors consist of tourism (42%), seafood (17%), aluminum (16%) and other mixed industries (24%). Due to its small economy, the country can be very volatile due to external factors.
Food and natural resources
Iceland's main food supply is supported by a robust seafood industry. Despite the country's cooler climate and limited growing season, some food crops such as potatoes, turnips, carrots, cabbage, turnips and broccoli can still be grown.
This climate also discourages insects and pests as well as the use of pesticides, so most produce is often organic while pollution is relatively low thanks to a smaller population.
2-New Zealand
New Zealand ranks as the world's second safest country, buoyed by low crime rates, stunning landscapes, a thriving tourism scene and proximity to Australia's bustling east coast. People also make New Zealand a special place to live but there is more.
livability
New Zealand is generally seen as a peaceful place to live. Its multicultural population of about five million, stunning hidden beaches, mild climate, and generally progressive society against the backdrop of developed megacities contribute to this.
The country also boasts of comprehensive publicly funded healthcare coverage. Recently, New Zealand has been much appreciated for its successful control of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The capital Wellington, along with Auckland, ranks highly as the most liveable city in the country.
Crime rate
New Zealand has taken a step back since the Christchurch terrorist attack in 2019, which killed 51 people at the hands of an Australian terrorist.
Prior to this, New Zealand was known for its low rate of violent crime. Major crime statistics usually revolve around theft while Numbeo ranks the overall crime rate from low to moderate.
Economic situation
New Zealand's economy is supported by a large service sector, which accounts for a large portion of the country's GDP activity.
Other large industries include aluminum production, metal processing, wood and paper products.
Food processing also shapes the economy along with the mining, manufacturing, electricity, gas and water waste services and exports sectors which account for the remaining GDP.
Food and natural resources
New Zealand's robust agricultural sector offers a range of food products from high-quality dairy to meat, which are both exported and consumed locally.
Because of its large dairy export industry, the country's farming industry also employs thousands of local people.
Natural resources such as coal, silver, iron ore, limestone, and gold are all abundant and the country ranks first in the production of iron ore and gold.
3-Portugal
Portugal is the third most peaceful country in the world to live in, but it is not just the football culture that highlights it.
Over recent years, Portugal has seen its ranking close to the top thanks to a growing police presence that keeps the crime rate low.
Moreover, the country showcases a rich centuries-old culture, stunning countryside, great surfing beaches and a robust wine industry.
livability
Arguably Portugal offers the lowest cost of living in Western Europe. Everything is affordable, from groceries to temporary housing to rent.
Even dining out can be an affordable option if you choose to forego the more premium options.
Over the years, the economy has seen a recovery thanks to the very low unemployment rate bolstered by the safety record.
Crime rate
The Portuguese police are armed, but their extensive presence has resulted in low to moderate crime rates across the country.
All violent crime remains low with bribery and corruption ranking at the highest level while Lisbon ranks as the safest city in the country followed by Porto and Amadora.
Economic situation
As of 2019, before the pandemic, Portugal's economy was ranked 34th in the "Global Competitiveness Report" issued by the World Economic Forum.
The country is characterized by a variety of industries it supports including the largest – the tertiary sector – followed by the natural resources sector, agriculture, fisheries, industry, energy and services.
Food and natural resources
Fine dining is affordable in Portugal thanks to its local production. Its natural resources include an abundance of forests that supply the world with half of the cork.
Other extracted natural resources include lithium, tungsten, tin, and uranium besides the fishing industry mentioned above.
4-Denmark
As of 2021, Denmark ranked third in the world in the Global Peace Index.
It has always been considered one of the safest and happiest countries to live thanks to its strong sense of community, equality, work-life balance and support for the well-being of all citizens.
livability
Denmark has all the hallmarks of a very progressive and successful country, and this is reflected in its top global ranking.
Its only real drawbacks include learning Danish even though English is a second language, higher taxes, higher expenses, and gray weather prevailing for most of the year.
Furthermore, there is a strong sense of shared responsibility and social welfare. As a welfare state, citizens of Denmark enjoy services and benefits that support a comfortable lifestyle.
Crime rate
Crime rates are very low in Denmark. Corruption in business and politics is very low as honesty and trust are a high priority for the country.
The capital, Copenhagen, is also ranked as the safest city in the country.
Economic situation
Denmark boasts a mixed economy of government services coupled with a heavy reliance on foreign trade.
The service sector accounts for 80% of jobs in the country, while the remaining service sector is in engineering, manufacturing and agriculture.
Food and natural resources
Denmark has a small agricultural industry that includes the production of animal and organic food. Although it is not expansive, it does have some oil and natural gas reserves in the North Sea.
Food prices can be a challenge even though the country is ranked as the most expensive when it comes to food and drink products across the European Union.
Danish prices for staples such as bread and wheat products are on average 30% higher than the EU average.
5-Canada
It is not surprising to see Canada among the safest countries in the world. It still ranks as one of the world's most peaceful countries, coming in at number six on the Global Peace Index. Here are the reasons:
livability
With everything from low violence and crime to the world's friendliest citizens, job opportunities and political stability, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world today.
Its access to universal health care is also a win over the neighboring United States. Compared to the United States, Canada can be cheaper or more expensive to live in depending on the service.
Health insurance and rent are lower but consumer goods such as basic foods and fuel can cost more due to the weak Canadian dollar.
Crime rate
The crime rate in Canada is about a third of the United States with the majority of Canadians feeling safe in their country.
Economic situation
Canada boasts a diversified and highly developed mixed economy with a large portion driven by the service sector, which employs three quarters of Canadians.
Some of its major industries include real estate, property, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, finance and construction.
Food and natural resources
Canada ranks third in terms of the estimated total value of natural resources in the world, which are estimated to be worth $33.2 trillion.
It also has the third largest oil reserves in the world and is the fourth largest exporter of oil and natural gas.
With a relatively small population of 37.5 million people and abundant natural resources, Canada is an energy superpower.
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