Switzerland Is The Safest Country In The World For Travellers

The safest country in the world for travellers – We’ll drop a hint: think unparalleled snow-clad alpine scenery, glistening lakes, the cheese capital of the world and watches representing the pinnacle of the industry. Yes, you’ve guessed it right! Switzerland has been named the world’s safest destination for travellers according to the 2020 Ranking of the World’s Safest Countries.

The safety index developed by Insurly, a travel insurance comparison website, took a multitude of factors into consideration which encompass crime rates, road safety, violence, terrorism, natural disasters, quality of healthcare, air quality, sanitation and risks of exposure to epidemics.

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Travellers will feel at ease visiting the mountainous Central European country as it has accumulated an overall score of 93.4 out of 100, the highest amongst the 180 countries scrutinised. With its reliable and efficient healthcare system, integrated public transport system which makes up a dense network of railroad, bus and tramway lines, and relatively low rate of incidents of violent crime, travellers will face negligible to no risk at all while on their sojourn in Switzerland.

Image credit: Swapnil Bapat

Also Read: Is It Safe To Travel To Singapore Amidst the Novel Coronavirus?

Coming close is Singapore, emerging as the safest country in Asia. The prosperous ‘Lion City’ scored 92.7 out of 100. “Street” crime in Singapore is generally low with the predominant forms being theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching so just bear in mind to keep your valuables safe. Its world-class transportation system is highly penetrative and the most comfortable way to zip around the city. Positioned outside the pacific rim of fire, Singapore is immune from major natural disasters.

Bagging third place is Norway with an overall score of 91.1 out of 100 alongside Luxembourg and Cyprus with scores of 90.7 and 88.6 respectively. While European nations scored well in the report, with 8 countries making it to the top ten of the table, it is interesting to note that the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America were placed in the 29th, 31st and 44th positions with scores of 77.8, 77.5 and 70.7 in the order. 

On the flip side, the war-torn nations of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, have slumped to the bottom of the list with measly scores of 14.3, 14.8 and 19.7 respectively – rendering them the riskiest countries for globetrotters. South Sudan has been in the midst of a political crisis and many countries in fact have advised against all travel to various areas in the landlocked country in East-Central Africa.

Travelling is an enriching experience without a doubt. After all, if we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet but safety is paramount nonetheless. There is plenty to get thrilled about while planning your dream vacation but safety should be on the very top of every traveller’s checklist. We have rounded up the twenty safest countries for travellers so that you are able to conveniently assess the level of risk when venturing abroad. 

Also Read: Yes, Africa IS Safe to Visit – Stereotypes, Debunked!

List of the top 20 safest countries  

1. Switzerland
2. Singapore
3. Norway
4. Luxembourg
5. Cyprus
6. Iceland
7. Denmark
8. Portugal
9. Finland
10. Japan
11. Slovenia
12. Austria
13. Spain
14. Sweden
15. Estonia
16. Germany
17. New Zealand
18. Malta
19. Qatar
20. Czech republic