The safest countries in the world and their real estate

The Institute for Economics and Peace has presented the world ranking of internal security for 2016. Countries were compared by 16 parameters: the number of police officers and the quality of infrastructure, the level of corruption, residents' trust in law enforcement agencies, the number of terrorist attacks and other crimes… Analysts studied the situation in 127 countries of the world and found those that can best provide a carefree life for their citizens.

Geographically, the majority of safe countries are in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The worst positions are in South Asia and Central America. And the most dangerous countries for life are in Africa. The worst ones include Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.

In Europe, which is most often chosen by Russian-speaking real estate buyers, the safest place to live is Germany, Austria, Switzerland, as well as Scandinavia – Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland. The law and order situation is excellent in Portugal, Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Poland and the Baltic countries. A little worse, but still not bad – in southern Italy and Greece.

The top five safest countries in the world in 2016 are:

5. Germany

Scientists have found that living in a small country is, on average, safer than living in a large one. Only one country in the top ten has a population of more than 25 million people, and only one in the bottom ten has a population of less than 25 million people. Germany is just such an exception. More than 80 million residents, and the level of safety is high.

There is very little corruption among law enforcement agencies, and 82% of residents trust them. The murder rate is half the European average, and the number of other crimes is at the European level (4% of Germans said they had experienced some kind of violation in the last year).

Germany is exceptional in another area – unlike other countries that have won the safety rating, it has comparatively low property prices. In small towns and villages – from €500 per square meter, in medium-sized settlements – from €1,000. In the capital Berlin – from €1,500, and in the most expensive city, Munich – from €4,000 per square meter.

4. Austria

This is one of the most desirable countries in Europe for moving. Vienna regularly ranks first in the rankings of the best cities in the world to live in. People come here not only for the money (in Luxembourg and Norway, for example, salaries are higher), but Austria has better culture, infrastructure and safety.

Human rights are strictly observed here, and 86% of Austrians completely trust the local police. The murder rate is one of the lowest in the world, and in general, crimes are rare – only 3% of residents have encountered such troubles. 81% of Austrians admitted that they feel safe walking around their city at night.

Thousands of foreigners come here for a quiet and comfortable life. Every fifth resident of Vienna is an expat. Of course, the population growth pushes up the prices of apartments. In the capital, the cost per square meter has jumped by more than 50% since 2008. Today in Vienna you should focus on €5,000 per square meter, in the suburbs – about €3,000.

3. Denmark

This is where the happiest Europeans live. Danes are happy not only with their health, financial situation, social connections, but also with the level of safety in their home country.

Denmark has achieved such a high position due to the effectiveness of its public law enforcement systems – corruption is extremely rare, criminal authorities are impartial and respect the rights of citizens, crimes are few and mostly solved. 80% of local residents feel completely safe when they are in the city at night. And yet the number of police officers in the country is one of the lowest in the world.

Property prices in Denmark have been growing by 5-7% annually in recent years. The fastest in the capital, where there is a shortage of housing. To buy an apartment in Copenhagen, you will need €3,000 – 5,000 per square meter. In other regions, prices are lower – about €2,500 per square meter in Aarhus, €2,000 in Aalborg, €1,500 in Esbjerg. The smaller the city, the cheaper the property, of course.

2. Finland

Suomi has become a favorite place for Russians to buy a dacha for good reason. It has not only magnificent nature, but also excellent security. The owner of even the most secluded house by the lake does not have to worry that his peace will be disturbed by intruders. The feeling of security is formed not by high fences – they are not generally built here, but by the very system of organizing life in the country.

Finland has one of the lowest corruption rates in the world, and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies is rated very highly – they are trusted not only by ordinary citizens (85% said so), but also by recognized experts in international law. Interestingly, Finnish police almost never use force against ordinary citizens, and cases of mass violence or terror are extremely rare here. Only 2% of residents encounter violations in their everyday life.

In the areas of Imatra and Lappeenranta, which are close to the border with Russia, a square meter in a modern cottage with all utilities (and, of course, a sauna) will cost €1000-1500. In a simple country house – from €500 per sq.m. Cottages in the outskirts of the capital are two to three times more expensive.

1. Singapore

We don't often think about this exotic city. But when Singapore appears in the world news, it's always with some kind of record. It is recognized as the best place to do business, one of the richest and most convenient countries for expats (67% of immigrants say they live better here than in their home country). And now Singapore can add another honorary title to its collection – the safest country in the world.

Perhaps the country has achieved such high results due to the strict fines that are set here for the slightest offenses. For example, eating a hamburger in the wrong place will empty your wallet by €500, smoking – by €1000. Even spitting in public places is punishable. Serious crimes do not occur here at all – since 1998, not a single terrorist act has been registered. Only 1% of local residents encounter something illegal.

Unfortunately, we have to disappoint those who are already thinking about moving to this carefree country. Real estate prices in Singapore are among the highest in the world. In the central areas, you will be asked for €12-15 thousand for each square meter in an apartment, on the outskirts, in not the most prestigious places – from €7 thousand per square meter. If the prices do not stop you, read the detailed instructions on purchasing housing in Singapore.