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To assess the safety and security of a nation, looking at the rate of crime is the first port of call. Countries that might be considered safe based on several criteria may actually have a higher rate of crime than you'd think. For this reason, low crime rates, taken by themselves, are important to examine, as they offer valuable information.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the countries with the lowest rates of crime, ranked.
Malta has one of the lowest rates of crime in the Mediterranean region. Incidences of crimes such as theft, violence, and other illegal activities aren't as common in Malta.
Public trust in the police is relatively high in Malta, with a majority of the population having a positive opinion of the police force.
Despite having large, densely populated urban areas, the overall national rate of crime in Canada is low.
Canada has a relatively well-functioning law enforcement system, which helps to ensure public safety and maintain public order, as well as strict gun control laws.
South Korea's success in maintaining public safety through a low crime rate is due to several factors.
Effective law enforcement, strict regulations, and strong societal values contribute to the country’s ability to control and prevent crime.
The rate of crime is low in Croatia, where reported crimes, violence, and vandalism are among the lowest in the European Union.
There is little social unrest in the country and people feel safe as they go about their day-to-day lives, thanks to a low incidence of criminal activity or public disorder.
Slovenia has a low rate of serious crime. While petty crime does occur here, it tends to be pickpocketing in busy areas.
The country is home to one of Europe's smallest and least populated capital cities, where people can explore without the fear of serious crime happening.
Georgia is a low-income country with extremely low levels of crime. The crime rate in the country remains relatively stable year-on-year.
A variety of reforms introduced in Georgia in the past 20 years have helped develop the country, making it a safer place to travel and live in.
There is a high level of social infrastructure and social security in Austria, which has one of the world's lowest crime rates.
There is a well-developed institutional and legal system in Austria, where the minimal crime rate makes it one of the safest countries in Europe.
Property crime is exceptionally low in Norway, which contributes to the low crime rate overall in the country. Burglary, theft, or vandalism is rare.
The country's prisons are small, community-based correctional facilities that focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Despite its huge population, China has one of the lowest rates of crime globally. Government policies and enforcement measures keep crime at a minimum in the country.
Societal values, cultural norms, and effective governance all play a role in keeping the crime rate low in China, this in spite of the sheer number of people living there.
Gun laws are extremely strict in Japan, which has a relatively low rate of crime. There is a strong sense of community and social cohesion in the country.
Japanese society is prosperous, and there is a high level of political stability in the country. Few violent demonstrations take place in Japan.
Strict laws and punishments are in place in Singapore, where criminals pay a high penalty for wrongdoing.
There is an extensive surveillance network in place in Singapore, where petty crimes including pickpocketing and street theft rarely occur.
Luxembourg is a country with a low risk of harm or danger to an individual's security. Violent crimes, theft, or other threats to personal security are uncommon.
Luxembourg is a relatively affluent country with a high standard of living, so this too could contribute to the low rate of crime in the country.
Early intervention and prevention initiatives are common in Denmark, where the crime rate is low. The country has a reputation for being safe and secure.
There is strong social cohesion in Denmark, and there is a high level of cooperation between schools, youth clubs, and the police.
Iceland has low levels of violent crime and property crime compared to many of its European neighbors, with a safe environment being the norm in the country.
Few incidents of physical harm/aggression, vandalism, or theft take place in general. The country's strong social cohesion and a high standard of living could also be contributing factors.
One of the highest ranking European countries on this list, Estonia has the sixth lowest crime rate in the world.
Strong laws and regulations, low firearm ownership, and an active police force contribute to the low rate of crime in the country.
Personal safety is high in this special administrative region of China, where the crime rate is one of the lowest in the world.
Cultural factors are believed to contribute to this low rate, such as conformism. The government has a hostile approach towards crime, and there is severe punishment for adult offenders.
Violent crime is outstandingly low in Taiwan, ranked fourth on this list. Theft is uncommon, despite the fact that wages are not particularly high.
The low rate of petty crime in Taiwan makes it a desirable destination for travelers. Indeed, this is a country whose rate of crime is one of the lowest in the developed world.
Strict laws and regulations could be to thank for the UAE's low crime rate. The country has many deterrents in place for would-be offenders.
Tight security in the UAE is visible on the streets, where a proactive police force maintains order. There is a high standard of security in the country overall.
Widely regarded as one of the safest countries on earth, Switzerland comes second on this list. The country has effective measures in place to guarantee law and order.
Criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, and violence are relatively rare in Switzerland, making it a stable society and a safe destination for travel.
Coming in first is Qatar. Qatar has the lowest rate of crime in the world, which means the country maintains a safe and secure environment for visitors and residents alike.
Compared to other countries, Qatar has recorded the fewest number of criminal activities. This demonstrates the effectiveness of crime prevention in Qatar.
Sources: (Gitnux) (Global Finance) (Time Out) (Business Insider) (ResearchGate)
See also: The most dangerous (and the safest) countries for female travelers
Ranked: countries with the lowest crime rates
You're less likely to be the victim of crime in these nations
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To assess the safety and security of a nation, looking at the rate of crime is the first port of call. Countries that might be considered safe based on several criteria may actually have a higher rate of crime than you'd think. For this reason, low crime rates, taken by themselves, are important to examine, as they offer valuable information.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the countries with the lowest rates of crime, ranked.