How do we calculate which countries are the safest to live in? Well, the Global Peace Index (GPI), which decides which countries are the safest, is calculated by a number of factors:

• Number and duration of internal conflicts
• Number of deaths from external and internal organized conflicts
• Relations with neighboring countries
• Crime levels
• Numbers of political refugees
• General political stability
• Impact of terrorism and levels of political terror.
• Levels of violent crime
• Likelihood of violent crime
• Weapons and nuclear capability
• Military expenditure
• Amount of armed personnel

So with all these factors taken into consideration, today we take a look at 20 Safest Countries in the world to Live.

1. Iceland 

Global Peace Index - 1.095

Iceland not only has a small population density, but it also has a low crime rate on a per capita basis.

Despite having one gun for almost every three persons in the country this country is still one of the safest countries you could ever visit or live in.

2. New Zealand

Global Peace Index - 1.192

New Zealand also has a comprehensive government safety regulation program, a small sustainable population, and very little disease.

It is a safe place to call home. There are no dangerous animals here, and probably the greatest danger can be found if you were to wander off into the beautiful national parks trying to relive a Lord of the Rings adventure.

3. Austria 

Global Peace Index - 1.274

Austria boasts one of the lowest serious crime levels in the world. For a country that welcomes 25 million visitors, every year street crime is very low.

But be careful if traveling to Vienna as a European tourist as bag-snatching and robbery do take place, as it does in most tourist zones. But if you’re living here you know what to watch out for so you should be safe.

4. Portugal 

Global Peace Index - 1.318

Throughout history, Portugal has always been a country of emigration. During the Age of Discovery between the 15th and 18th centuries and the more recent period of economic downturn, the number of people leaving the country has always outnumbered the incoming immigrants.

Portugal’s relaxed policy on drug possession has no doubt contributed to its position as 4th safest country in the world.

5. Denmark 

Global Peace Index - 1.353

Traveling to Denmark is a very safe business and appears on lists as one of the safest countries in the world. In general, you should be able to walk around wherever you like in the big cities without having to have your wits about you. And if you decide to make Denmark home you will find the people warm and welcoming.

6. Canada

Global Peace Index - 1.372

Canada is listed at around 80 out of 125 in the crime index and is the second largest country in the world. However, for a country that large their population is less than the state of California. So one of the biggest risks here for a newcomer is getting lost or isolated out in the wilderness.

7. Czech Republic

Global Peace Index - 1.381

The capital city of Prague is brimming with bohemian charm and the cultural heritage here is second to none.

One of the biggest dangers in the Czech Republic is the pounding headache acquired after sampling too many of their famous beers. This is a safe European city in which to dwell.

8. Singapore

Global Peace Index - 1.382

The island state has seen a financial boom in recent years and has cast off its colonial past.

Singapore also offers one of the best education systems in the region and has strict laws, including the total ban of chewing gum. Don’t even think about smuggling drugs into the country if you want to remain safe and free.

9. Japan 

Global Peace Index - 1.391

The Japanese are a polite nation and this is reflected in their Global Peace Index rating. Japan also has one of the lowest gun crime rates in the world and one of the highest life expectancies. This is a comprehensively safe place to live.

10. Ireland 

Global Peace Index - 1.393

Millions of tourists visit Ireland every year with very few crimes or complaints reported. If you are living here you are probably not going to become victim of any serious crime. However there are some danger hot spots in some of the cities such as Belfast that you want to avoid in the early days of your stay here.

11. Slovenia 

Global Peace Index - 1.396

Slovenia is one of the safest and most beautiful countries you could live in. Possibly the biggest danger here is stumbling into a clear and sparkling lake whilst staring at the beautiful Alpine vista surrounding it.

12. Switzerland

Global Peace Index - 1.407

A visually stunning country with beautiful landscapes and impossibly functional infrastructure, Switzerland is also very safe. Another country with a high gun ownership rate yet low crime levels, Switzerland is one of the safest countries you could live in and is beautiful in a chocolate-box kind of way.

13. Australia 

Global Peace Index - 1.435

Despite all those dangerous spiders, sharks, and crocodiles Australia manages to be one of the safest places in the world to live. Who would have thought it? Well, in reality, you are far more likely to die due to the recklessness of another human being rather than a strange creepy crawly. Luckily Australia has a pretty low population density making it relatively safe to live here.

14. Sweden 

Global Peace Index - 1.502

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 77% of Swedes feel safe when they walk home at night. This is better than the OECD average of 68%. Also better than the USA figure of 74% and Japan at 70%, but not quite as good as fellow Scandinavians Norway at 90%, Finland 86%, and Denmark at 85%.

15. Finland

Global Peace Index - 1.506

Often credited with the best schools in the world. Finland is a well-developed nation with a good feeling of safety amongst its inhabitants.

Finland has the 8th highest gun ownership rates per citizen in the world, but generally, the folks here don’t feel a need to go on wild shooting sprees.

16. Norway 

Global Peace Index - 1.519

With finances in check due to abundant natural resources, Norway is a well-developed country with both good employment and social welfare systems.

Travel here is not to be considered dangerous and if you can stand the weather, this is a great place to live.

17. Bhutan

Global Peace Index - 1.545

This Himalayan Kingdom measures the happiness of its citizens through the Gross National Happiness Index. The previous king even claimed GNH to be more important than GDP. Travel here is monitored and safe as you will ordinarily be part of an organized tour group.

18. Mauritius 

Global Peace Index - 1.548

By international standards, Mauritius is relatively safe. The island is closed to any but high-end luxury holidaymakers. Much of its economy is tourism-based and if you were to live here, you’d probably be working, in some capacity, in the tourist industry.