If travelling is your favourite hobby, you're probably pondering on your next destination. However, there's much more to traveling than just adventure, meeting new people and discovering new cultures; you should also consider your safety and security when choosing your next stop. Expat.com gives you an overview of the safest and the most dangerous countries, according to the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017.
The world's safest countries
Finland
With over 2.6 million tourist arrivals every year, Finland needs no introduction. The country has been attracting travellers from all around the world, not only for its breathtaking landscapes, but also for its unparalleled quality of life. It comes as no surprise that Finland is the safest country for travellers, thanks to very low crime rates. Its reliable police service also keeps terrorism threats quite low, compared to other European countries. On top of that, Finland is one of the world's most competitive countries for its great economic dynamism, affordable cost of living and connectivity.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is without a doubt a top notch destination for expatriates. Did you know that its major cities, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, also attract a massive number of tourists every year? In 2017, over 14 million tourist arrivals were reported. As one of the world's safest countries, the United Arab Emirates has it all – from its impressive infrastructure to a harmonious blend of cultures and traditions. Aside from its warm and welcoming population, the country also hosts a large number of events and offers a range of leisure activities for all tastes. Crime rates in the UAE remain low thanks to a reliable police service, which makes it a good choice if for both solo and family travels.
Iceland
Iceland is an inspiring land of contrasts, with beautiful, wild landscapes comprised of glaciers, volcanoes, and dark sand beaches. It attracted nearly 1.3 million tourists in 2017. Being the 3rd safest country in the world, Iceland is the place to be for nature lovers, especially those looking for solitude. The rate of crime and violence, as well as the risk of terrorism in Iceland is very low. If you're planning to travel there, you should not have much to worry about, except the extreme cold.
Oman
You have probably never considered Oman as part of your travels and will be surprised to learn that it is the world's 4th safest country – with 1.8 million tourist arrivals in 2017. Located at the crossroads of Gulf countries and Eastern Africa, Oman has many assets including a pleasant and humid climate, a huge historical heritage and a blend of various cultures. World-famous for its reliability, the Omani police service keeps the crime and violence rate really low. Travelling to Oman can thus bring you a greater peace of mind.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's economic dynamism and multiculturalism has helped it to attract a massive number of expatriates and tourists over the years. Over 26 million tourist arrivals were recorded in 2017, which is quite impressive for the Special Administrative Region (SAR) on its own. Hong Kong is home to a warm, hospitable and tolerant population, which makes it the world's 5th safest country. Terrorist threats are almost non-existant in Hong Kong and crime and violence rates remain low thanks to an effective police force.
The most dangerous countries
Colombia
Nicknamed "Locombia", Colombia keeps on attracting travelers from all over the world. Each year, some 3 million tourists move to Colombia to discover its abundant nature in the heart of the Amazon, its pristine beaches and its unique culture. However, Columbia remains the world's most dangerous countries, given high crime and violence rates that have created fear in the minds of people. If you're still willing to see more of Colombia, stay extremely cautious!
Yemen
If you've recently moved to Africa or to the Middle-East – regardless of the purpose of your stay – might probably want to go and explore neighbouring countries. Is Yemen, for instance, a good choice? Definitely not, even if you're seeking to discover the roots of Africa! Yemen ranks as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, with only 366,700 tourist arrivals in 2017. Even though its population is welcoming toward foreigners and willing to present a better image of the country, violence and crime rates remain exceptionally high, which isn't helped by an unreliable police force.
El Salvador
It is believed that El Salvador suffers terribly from a poor image in the international media. But how accurate is that? Despite having having picturesque landscapes that include beautiful grey sand beaches, some of the world's best surf spots and nature parks, El Salvador remains one of the world's most dangerous countries. Ranking 134th overall due to political instability and insecurity among its people, El Salvador still managed to attract some 1.4 million tourists in 2017 – which is quite impressive. However, you better stay on the safe side and avoid traveling there.
Pakistan
You may not have heard about it, but Pakistan actually has a lot to offer. Besides its magnificent landscapes – some of the most amazing in Asia – Pakistan has a warm and multicultural population living at the crossroads of two of the world's most ancient civilizations. Over the years, however, Pakistan seems to have become the symbol of violence, crime and conflict as described by the international media. Pakistan is known as one of the world's most dangerous countries. In 2017, around 900,000 tourist arrivals were recorded.
Nigeria
Moving to a politically unstable country such as Nigeria might not be so appealing. Yet, more than 1.2 million tourist arrivals were recorded in 2017! Being an underdeveloped (albeit rapidly developing) and densely populated country, Nigeria suffers not only from poverty but also from high violence and crime rates. It therefore comes with no surprise that it ranks as one of the world's most dangerous countries. If you're still planning to travel to Nigeria, you're advised to be cautious at all times.
