These Are the Safest Countries to Visit in 2017

There are scary things happening around the world so when it comes to travelling, it’s understandable if you make precautions. The Institute for Economics and Peace, with an assist from the Economist Intelligence Unit, calculates the the Global Peace Index, and ranks 163 nations on “a country’s level of Negative Peace using three domains of peacefulness.” Factoring in everything from domestic and international conflict, homicide rates and the reliability of police services, these are the 11 countries you can visit with peace of mind. Safe travels!

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10. Ireland (TIE)

Its political stability has earned the country a place in the top 10 most peaceful countries. It also helps that it's a gorgeous place to visit, so nothing lucky about it.

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10. Japan (TIE)

It's difficult to get weapons in the country, hence the low homicide rate, but it's also a place where visitors can get around fairly easily, a concern for many travellers that they don't have to worry about here.

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9. Switzerland

Thanks to its absence of both external and internal conflict, the country isn't considered neutral for nothing.

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8. Canada

We might be larger than the United States but Canadians are known for their friendliness and welcoming demeanours.

Hikers at Lake Zelenci in Slovenia, Julian Alps in the distance

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7. Slovenia

The country's higher-than-average police presence can be a reassuring site for visitors.

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6. Czech Republic

The country's per-capita military spending is low, as are the acts of violent crime that take place.

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5. Denmark

Denmark regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world, so naturally it's one of the safest as well.

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4. Austria

The country's elections are peaceful, they have low weapon imports and has good neighbours in Germany and the Czech Republic. You'll be singing about those hills all day long.

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3. Portugal

Thanks to its affordability, beauty and safety, Portugal is a place to add to your vacation bucket list.

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2. New Zealand

The only thing that will scare you about New Zealand is having to go back home after taking in its stunning beach views, landscape and city nightlife.

Woman and man taking in the Northern Lights

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1. Iceland

The Nordic nation's homicide rates, terror acts and the number of people in its jail are low, and being an island makes it tough to have disputes with neighbouring countries. Iceland's tourism industry is booming, so its top ranking as the safest destination is merely a bonus.