When considering studying abroad, safety is a critical factor for international students. The Global Peace Index (GPI) provides a comprehensive assessment of safety across various countries, taking into account factors such as crime rates, political stability, and involvement in armed conflicts. A lower GPI score indicates a higher level of safety.
In Europe, Iceland ranks as the safest country with a GPI score of 1.124, followed closely by Denmark (1.310) and Ireland (1.312). Other European countries with high safety rankings include Austria (1.316), Portugal (1.333), and Slovenia (1.334).
Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Croatia also rank highly, with GPI scores ranging from 1.339 to 1.450. Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary are among the other safe options, with scores just above 1.450. Belgium, Norway, Estonia, and Slovakia also feature prominently, with GPI scores indicating a strong level of safety.
While most European countries are generally safe for international students, a few, such as Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, are considered unsafe. Ukraine’s safety ranking is notably affected by the ongoing conflict on its soil. Other countries outside of Europe, such as the United States, also rank lower in terms of safety, with a GPI score of 2.448.
In summary, when choosing a study destination, European countries like Iceland, Denmark, and Ireland stand out as some of the safest options based on the Global Peace Index 2023, while countries like Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine should be approached with caution due to safety concerns.