Greece has consolidated its status as one of the safest and most stable countries globally, climbing to 53rd place in the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI). Moving up two places from last year’s ranking, Greece is officially categorized as one of the world’s “highly peaceful countries.”
Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and rising international tensions, Greece’s progress reflects strong internal security, low violent crime rates, and societal stability, making it a standout performer in South-Eastern Europe and the broader Mediterranean region.
Globally, the 2026 report marks a historic record for Iceland, which has maintained its position as the world’s safest country for 19 consecutive years.
The comprehensive index, produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), evaluates 163 independent states and territories based on societal safety, domestic or international conflict, and the degree of militarization.
Here is an analysis of Greece’s standing and the global top-tier rankings for 2026.
Societal Safety: Low rates of violent crime and a generally peaceful daily environment.
Political Stability: Consistent institutional reliability compared to global fluctuations.
Tourism Security: Maintained high-security standards across major mainland cities and the islands, crucial for its massive tourism sector.
The Top 10 Safest Countries in the World (2026)
The 2026 rankings show Europe continuing to dominate the safety index, alongside key nations in Asia and Oceania:
1. Iceland – Unbeatable 19-year streak; near-zero violent crime, high social cohesion.
2. Ireland- Exceptional political stability and military neutrality.
3. Austria- Strong social welfare infrastructure and low domestic conflict.
4. New Zealand – Top performer in the Asia-Pacific region; excellent societal safety.
5. Singapore – Ranked as Asia’s safest nation with ultra-low crime and efficient law enforcement.
6. Switzerland – Legendary neutrality, economic security, and low crime rates.
7. Denmark – High trust in government, strong economy, and social equality.
8. Portugal – Consistently peaceful, making it a top European expat and retirement haven.
9. Japan – Renowned for societal discipline, low crime, and internal stability.
10. Slovenia – Excellent environmental safety, low crime, and high community trust.
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