How to Research the Safety of Countries Abroad

Written By Michelle Rodemsky

When researching the safety of possible countries under consideration for moving abroad, it is helpful to know where the United States stands. Out of under 163 countries in the stats, the United States ranks 132 in the Global Peace Index. That’s pretty bad. Are you shocked? It’s easy to think the life with which you are familiar is safe, but the United States ranks in the bottom one third.

For reference, Iceland ranks first in safety and Yemen ranks last.

How Are The Rankings Determined?

The Global Peace Index is determined using 23 indicators of either the “absence of violence or fear of violence.” So, it’s more complex than just the homicide rate, although that is certainly part of it. Click here if you’d like a detailed explanation.

The Peace Index Ranking of Countries Under Consideration

In my previous posts, I listed the countries we are considering for our escape. So where do they rank?

  • Portugal - 7th

  • Spain - 23rd

  • Italy - 33rd

  • Albania - 42nd

  • Costa Rica - 58th

  • Panama - 96th

These countries are all ranked as more peaceful than the United States. So far so good.

Comparison of Homicide Rates

If the Global Peace Index seems rather esoteric, then the Homicide Rate may feel more direct. After all, that’s the statistic we are likely to emotionally relate to most. So where does the United States lie? America experiences 6.38 murders per 100,000 people. How do the countries under consideration stack up?

  • Italy - 0.55 / 100,000

  • Spain - 0.68 / 100,000

  • Portugal - 0.80 / 100,000

  • Albania - 1.65 / 100,00-

  • Panama - 11.32 / 100,000

  • Costa Rica - 12.82 / 100,000

So, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Albania are a no brainer where safety is concerned. But the homicide rates of Costa Rica and Panama are higher than the United States. And here’s where it gets tricky. Before you eliminate those two countries, you need to drill down and consider where you live in the United States. For example, the homicide rate in Des Moines, Iowa and Las Vegas, Nevada is nearly identical to Costa Rica. In fact, 37 out of 100 American cities on this list have a homicide rate of 12 / 100,000 or above. St. Louis has a homicide rate of 66 / 100,000. It ranks among the worst in the world.

So all the countries on our list remain contenders.

Michelle Rodemsky
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