Feeling Secure? The Safety Perceptions Index

The Safety Perceptions Index ranks countries based on how safe their populations feel, with a focus on public perceptions of security, law enforcement effectiveness, and general safety. This index provides valuable insights into global safety trends and highlights countries with the highest and lowest levels of perceived safety.

Which countries are perceived as the safest in the world?

Uzbekistan ranks first with an index score of 0.072, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates (0.073) and Saudi Arabia (0.093), reflecting very high levels of perceived safety and security. Other top-ranked countries, such as Norway (0.098), Estonia (0.1), and Singapore (0.101), are known for their strong law enforcement, low crime rates, and stable social conditions.

Other countries with high safety perceptions include Iceland (0.109), Sweden (0.111), and China (0.113), where strong governance, low corruption, and effective policing contribute to public feelings of security. Denmark (0.116) and Lithuania (0.119) round out the top 10, showcasing their emphasis on community safety and legal frameworks.

What challenges do the least secure countries face in safety perceptions?

Mali ranks last with a score of 0.587, reflecting a high level of insecurity due to ongoing conflict, political instability, and weak governance. Other countries such as Sierra Leone (0.502), Guinea (0.467), and the Republic of the Congo (0.451) also face significant challenges related to crime, civil unrest, and lack of infrastructure, contributing to low safety perceptions.

Countries like Cameroon (0.403), Mozambique (0.436), and Brazil (0.416) face similar issues, including social instability, economic inequality, and high crime rates, which impact citizens' overall perception of safety.

How do safety perceptions vary across regions?

European countries and those in the Middle East generally top the rankings, with nations like Uzbekistan, the UAE, and Nordic countries leading in safety perceptions. These countries benefit from strong social cohesion, low crime rates, and efficient law enforcement. Conversely, many African nations, such as Mali, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, have lower safety perceptions due to instability, conflict, and governance challenges.

In Latin America, countries like Venezuela (0.302) and Mexico (0.299) exhibit lower safety perceptions due to issues like gang violence and political instability. On the other hand, nations like Costa Rica (0.244) and Uruguay (0.21) are perceived as safer, reflecting their focus on peaceful development and strong social structures.

What factors contribute to high safety perceptions?

High safety perceptions are often linked to effective governance, strong rule of law, and low levels of corruption. Public trust in law enforcement, low crime rates, political stability, and economic security are key factors that contribute to a country's high ranking in safety perceptions. Additionally, societal factors like social cohesion and community trust play a significant role in fostering a sense of safety.

Why is understanding safety perceptions important for positive peace?

Safety perceptions are crucial for understanding the stability of a nation and its capacity to maintain internal peace. A population that feels secure is more likely to contribute to social and economic development, while nations with low safety perceptions often face challenges such as social unrest and low levels of public trust. The Safety Perceptions Index provides a valuable tool for assessing and improving global peace strategies.