Published on
September 8, 2025

For many, Iceland is nicknamed the world’s safest country, while the United States is, and continues to be, historically embarrassed by the way it performs on international safety rankings. As the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Iceland is still leading the way with very low crime, highly cohesive societies, and the absence of military, as compared to the USA’s 128th rank out of 163 countries. The rank is self-explanatory, with the crime, militarization, and persistent international conflict issues the country is grappling with.

Those who visit Iceland are always struck by the manner the country approaches safety and community. It is common for parents to let their underage children play unsupervised and look around to see strollers with newborns sleeping on porches outside homes and restaurants. The social safety net of universal healthcare, low poverty, free education, and a plethora of other more sophisticated social programs helps solidify the trust. Imagine picking a destination for traveling, and Iceland’s homicide rate of 0.54 per 100,000 people is one of the lowest in the world. You will be in the world and will feel secure and free at the same time.

The Global Peace Index and Its Criteria

The Global Peace Index uses indicators like violent crime, crime rates, militarization, and how a country engages with its neighbors to measure peace within a country. Iceland dominates all these variables, lacking a military, having an efficient gun control policy, and possessing a high level of social trust. This allows for a stable environment for both citizens and travelers.

On the other hand, the United States also suffers from many issues that negatively impact its GPI ranking. Its high levels of military spending, international involvement, and violent crime rates all impact the index negatively. The amount the United States spent on the military in 2024 is $949 billion, which is far greater than the spending of other high military expenditures like China and Russia. This, paired with military aid to other countries such as $66.9 billion and $174 billion to Ukraine and Israel, negatively impacts the index.

Violent Crime in The US

The US has lower levels of violent crime than in previous years, but it is still higher than in the rest of the developed world. In 2024, the 29 largest cities in America averaged 12 homicides per 100,000 residents, while Canada (ranked 14th on the GPI) has a homicide rate of 1.91 per 100,000, and the UK consistently has lower rates than the US. These stats show how US cities continue to struggle in comparison to the safety offered in places like Iceland.

What Makes Iceland Special

Iceland holds the number 1 spot, and it is well deserved. The population is less than 400,000 residents, creating a more tight-knit community with a greater level of trust. The police do not carry guns, and the country has some of the toughest gun control laws in the world. Civil unrest is low, and the population has strong access to education, healthcare, as well as economic stability.

Those who travel to Reykjavik and cities in Iceland tend to comment on the relaxation and the visible tranquility of the place. Visitors, for instance, have stated that the streets feel safe even during the late hours of the night and report the comfort of exploring the wild without a worry for their safety. A missing violent crime rate and social policies, coupled with Iceland’s tranquility, make it an ideal country for peace-loving travelers.

The United States’ Challenges

Even as a superpower, the United States has had to contend with a number of challenges with regard to the perception of safety. Military expenditures, foreign wars, and crime fueled by firearms all sink the United States in safety rankings. Geopolitical and even some conflicts with neighbors add to the lack of peace in the country.

The violence and crime in American cities have prompted action from the local community and authorities. This is, however, only a tiny fraction of the bigger picture, which still puts the country far behind the safe countries.

Travel Tips

When looking to fly out of the U.S. for a trip to Iceland, take the time to look at the safety measures of the country. Iceland, for example, is extremely safe and low risk. They have strong societal trust and are considered a safe community. In contrast, the U.S. has inner city areas that might require extra precaution. The authorities of travel and tourism suggest that travelers look at the local climate, crime rate, and safety sources of the country that they are going to visit.

The Future

The safety that Iceland has is a forward and harsh reminder of the low crime rate, the productive social systems, and not rampant militarization that welcomes both visitors and residents. The powerful and influential United States has some work to do with crime, gun violence, and military spending on both domestic and international border control to help improve the nation’s safety reputation on a global scale.

Travelers nowadays are putting safety as their top priority. The trust and safety community that Iceland has fostered for travelers will most likely be the standard for countries trying to increase international tourism. The U.S. has the looming challenge of trying to keep domestic violence and global violence in balance. This will impact the safety perception of the United States for some time.