Living abroad often raises safety concerns, yet global data shows that many perceived “dangerous” locations are rarely chosen by expatriates, and safety can vary dramatically within a single country.
Global Peace Index snapshot
The Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks nations by levels of internal and external conflict, societal safety, and militarization. According to the most recent GPI list, the ten least peaceful countries are:
- Afghanistan – Ongoing insurgency and widespread violence.
- Syria – Prolonged civil war.
- Iraq – Persistent security challenges.
- South Sudan – Chronic civil unrest since independence.
- Yemen – Armed conflict and humanitarian crisis.
- Somalia – High levels of piracy and terrorism; some Somali expatriates return for business despite risks.
- Libya – Fragmented authority and militia activity.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – Armed groups and instability.
- Central African Republic – Frequent armed conflict.
- Russia – Overall ranking high, but violence is concentrated in specific regions (e.g., Dagestan, Chechnya); major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg are comparatively safer.
How other nations compare
- United States – Ranked 36th on the GPI, placing it ahead of several Central American nations often labeled unsafe.
- Honduras – Ranked lower than the U.S.; the most violent cities (e.g., Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula) are outliers, and many travelers stay on safer coastal islands like Roatán.
- United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia – All rank well above the global average for safety.
Safety is often a local, not national, issue
Even in countries with higher overall risk scores, safety can differ dramatically between neighborhoods:
- Belgrade, Serbia – Residents report being able to move freely day or night in most districts.
- Bogotá, Colombia – Certain districts are safer than others; expatriates who select neighborhoods comparable to their home city’s security level tend to feel secure.
- Istanbul, Turkey – The city’s central and tourist areas are generally safe; isolated incidents are rare.
- Kiev, Ukraine – While the nation ranks 14th on the GPI, the capital’s central districts remain relatively secure for visitors.
- Mexico City – Affluent districts such as Polanco and the historic city of Mérida are widely regarded as safe, though other areas require heightened caution.
- Manila, Philippines – The “Fort” district and other central zones experience lower crime rates than the national average.
Practical considerations for expatriates
- Research neighborhoods, not just countries – Crime statistics often reflect capital cities or conflict zones; selecting a low‑risk district can mitigate most safety concerns.
- Apply standard precautions – Treat any foreign city as you would a less familiar part of your home country: avoid poorly lit streets at night, keep valuables out of sight, and stay aware of local customs.
- Leverage low‑tax, high‑safety jurisdictions – Nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Monaco, and Singapore combine favorable tax regimes with strong public safety records.
- Balance risk tolerance with lifestyle goals – Some travelers accept modest risk for cultural immersion (e.g., living in Bogotá or Mexico City), while others prefer the predictability of Eastern European capitals like Tbilisi, Georgia, or Belgrade, Serbia.
Bottom line
Global rankings highlight where conflict is most intense, but they do not dictate everyday safety for expatriates. By focusing on specific cities and neighborhoods, and by applying ordinary security habits, most digital nomads and long‑term travelers can enjoy a safe overseas lifestyle even in countries that appear high on the Global Peace Index.
