Monday, March 24, 2025
Andorra has emerged as the world’s safest country for 2025 according to a global safety index study by Numbeo. The study rated 146 countries across the globe, assessing them based on a range of safety factors that include violent crimes, property crimes, harassment, discrimination, and how safe both residents and visitors feel when walking alone during the day or night. The tiny European country of Andorra, located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, scored an impressive 84.7 out of 100 in the 2025 safety rankings.
Andorra: A Tiny Country with Big Safety
Known for its mountainous landscape, tax-free shopping, and ski resorts, Andorra boasts not only stunning vistas but also a robust tourism sector that has flourished over the years. This principality, measuring just 468 square kilometers and home to 85,101 people (as of December 2023), has managed to create an environment with almost no crime. It also features a strong economy and holds the second highest life expectancy in the world, making it an ideal destination for safety-conscious travelers.
The country’s nearly zero crime rate, combined with its stunning natural beauty and ski resorts, makes Andorra a prime example of how safety and tourism can go hand in hand. With such high scores in safety, Andorra is likely to attract even more tourists looking for a safe vacation destination.
Middle Eastern and East Asian Nations Lead the Rankings
Following Andorra on the list of the world’s safest countries are several nations from the Middle East and East Asia. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks second with a score of 84.5, primarily due to its strict laws, a strong police force, and advanced surveillance technology. The UAE has earned a reputation for its zero-tolerance policy toward crime, which continues to make it a popular and safe destination for travelers.
Qatar, ranking third, scores 84.2 on the safety index. Known for its conservative laws and low crime rate, Qatar is considered one of the safest countries for travelers in the Middle East.
Similarly, Taiwan ranks fourth with a score of 82.9, recognized for its relatively low levels of violent crime and theft, making it another attractive option for safety-conscious tourists in East Asia.
Global Impact of Safety Rankings on Travel Decisions
The ranking of countries based on safety is likely to have a significant impact on the global tourism industry. Travelers, particularly those concerned with personal safety, will be more inclined to visit destinations that consistently score high on safety indices.
In terms of global travel, Andorra and other countries in the top rankings are expected to see an influx of tourists who are looking for safe and secure environments. Moreover, the Middle East and East Asia, with countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Taiwan, will continue to be top choices for travelers looking for both safety and luxury.
A Comparison of Safe and Dangerous Countries
On the flip side, the United Kingdom ranked 87th with a safety score of 51.7, while the United States was slightly behind at 89th with a score of 50.8. Despite their relatively lower rankings in terms of safety, these two countries remain popular with travelers and offer numerous attractions. However, travelers looking for safe destinations might opt for Andorra, UAE, or Qatar.
At the other end of the spectrum, Venezuela is the world’s most dangerous country, ranked 146th with a dismal safety score of 19.3. It faces significant challenges, including high levels of violent crime, economic instability, and political unrest. With over 7.7 million Venezuelans having fled the country since 2014, many travelers are now avoiding this region, which heavily impacts Venezuela’s tourism industry.
Implications for Global Immigrants
The rankings also reveal a notable shift in immigration trends. Iceland, ranked as the top destination for immigrants, scores 58.4 out of 100 for quality of life and living conditions. Other European nations such as Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Norway followed close behind, positioning them as strong competitors to other regions, including the UK and the US, which ranked 19th and 7th, respectively.
Shifting Travel Preferences
As travelers increasingly prioritize safety in their decision-making process, countries with high safety rankings, such as Andorra, UAE, Qatar, and Taiwan, will likely see a rise in tourism. Countries with lower safety scores, such as Venezuela, may see a decline in visitors, which could impact their economies. In the long term, these safety rankings are not only likely to shape individual travel decisions but also influence global tourism patterns, affecting both the destination choices and the economic growth of various regions.
