How to assess a country's security

There are several organizations with different methodologies used to create country safety indices, which are calculated according to certain factors and indicators. The most common factors are the following:

Crime rate: crime as a factor can include homicides, robberies, assaults, thefts, among other crimes. Logically, if crime rates are lower, they will contribute to a higher rating in terms of safety and security.

Political Stability and corruption: countries with stable governments and complex and developed political systems, and where corruption does not exist, tend to be considered safer.

Police presence: the response and effectiveness of police forces in times of attacks on public or private security and the presence of public security measures can also be taken into consideration when assessing security in a country.

Risks of natural disasters: insecurity and threats do not only come from humans but also from nature. Therefore, countries that are prone to natural disasters (earthquakes, cyclones, hurricanes, tsunamis, etc.) can have their safety indices adjusted to reflect these catastrophe risks.

Judicial system: the efficiency and readiness of a country's judicial system and law enforcement can influence the country's perception of security. We live in a safer place knowing that the judicial system works and supports its citizens.

Each organization organizes the factors and weighs them differently, obtaining different results. Some organizations that produce global safety indices are the Global Peace Index (GPI), the  World Justice Project Rule of Law Index  and Numbeo.

Global Peace Index delivers 2023 results

The Global Peace Index was produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and is the world's leading measure of global peace. The annual global report presents the most comprehensive data-based analysis of peace trends, its economic value and how peaceful societies can develop.

The Global Peace Index covers 99.7% of the world's population and classifies 163 independent countries and territories: it measures the state of peace and tranquility according to the country's degree of militarization, according to the level of security and protection of society and with the extent of ongoing internal and international conflicts.

Safest countries in the world to buy a house

During 2023, a new study and analysis was carried out with 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators, and the results placed Portugal, as in 2022, in a prominent position among the 10 safest countries in the world. Let's look at the list of winners:

1. Iceland

The Nordic countries are known for their security and stability at various levels, always being on the podium of the safest countries in the world. 2023 was no exception and Iceland scored first place. The safest country in the world. If you like the cold and the Northern Lights, Iceland is the best place to buy a house.

This Nordic island has around 360 thousand inhabitants and the majority live in the capital, Reykjavik. It is a country with magnificent natural beauty, with volcanoes, natural parks that survive the cold that is felt almost all year round, and with the sky creating works of art: the famous Northern Lights.

2. Denmark

We continue through the northern area. Denmark occupies second place with merit as it is an extremely safe and highly developed Scandinavian country at an industrial level and in the electronics and shipbuilding sectors. In addition to being one of the safest in the world, it was also considered, by the UN, to be the happiest country in the world.

Happiness and security, what requirements do you most want when buying a house?

3. Ireland

In the top 3 is also Ireland, a country of good beer, pubs, rain, and splendid castles. This island has around 5 million inhabitants and tends to have cold winters and mild summers.

It is a safe place to buy a house and live in constant immersion in nature, in all its abundance, purity and freedom.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand is a little further away from Portugal, but the move to a tropical country is worth it for its level of safety. This country in Oceania looks like something out of a movie: impressive landscapes, paradisiacal beaches, mountains with a very powerful force.

The country offers opportunities to create a family and career and a harmonious lifestyle. It has a wide infrastructure network, a clean energy matrix and manages to maintain the balance between the traditions left by the Maori and economic development.

5. Austria

At the heart of Europe is Austria, which ranks fifth among the safest countries in the world. Vienna, its capital, is a cultural centre with an artistic heritage like few countries have received over time.

Almost 9 million people live in Austria with a rich imperial history and in a country with architectural richness and cultural effervescence.

6. Singapore

Singapore is known for its high level of human development and its prosperity and abundance. It is a city-state in Southeast Asia and has around 5.5 million inhabitants.

If you are thinking about buying a house there, prepare to live in a place full of colour, life, cultural diversity and good food. Singapore is known for its marinas, wonderful beaches, unique culture, and the cleanliness that society maintains in the country.

7. Portugal

Our country is in the top 7 and continues to attract tourists who decide to change their lives and emigrate to Portugal. Portugal has a lot to offer its 10 million inhabitants: good food, beautiful landscapes, a mild climate that is highly sought after by tourists.

Portugal is a country that offers cultural variety, tradition, and an open mind towards modernization. If you want to buy a house in Portugal, you already know that security is one of the country's strong points, as well as the opportunity for a calm and happy life.

8. Slovenia

With 2.1 million inhabitants, Slovenia is the eighth safest country in the world to live in. It is ideal for buying a house in a country where you can do all types of outdoor activities, with 300 waterfalls to visit and lots of nature to explore.

Ljubljana is the capital and has already had the title of “greenest capital in Europe”, which definitely leaves us with a flea behind our ears if we want to live in a place with little pollution and lots of green spaces.

9. Japan

When you think of Japan you think of tranquility; in a Zen life, in peace, in meditation and contemplation of life. It's true that it's also known for its high lifestyle, but together with the good level of security, we'd say it's worth the effort.

No less than 125 million people, this rich country in East Asia has thousands of sanctuaries and temples, national parks like those that appear on postcards, imperial palaces, and dense, active and dynamic cities to balance with the peace of the interior of the world. country.

10. Switzerland

Switzerland is the last country in the top 10 safest in the world. If the competition was about chocolates and watches, I would clearly win first place. Switzerland is known, in addition to chocolates, for the famous Swiss Alps, for the villages hidden among the mountains and for the large number of lakes that embrace the country.

With 8.7 million people, Switzerland prioritizes the banking and financial sector, which brings stability and a good economy to the country. If you want to live in an economically safe country, Switzerland could be the solution for you.

When you think about a country to buy a house, consider all the variables, and include the level of security, which will certainly bring you peace of mind and tranquillity in your life.

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