Hey, America — need a safe space?
According to the masterminds behind this year’s Global Peace Index, don’t look anywhere in — or even near — the relatively rancorous United States, which ranked a dismal #133 on a new list of the safest countries in the world.
Compiled by the Institute of Economics and Peace, the ranking takes into account statistics like homicide and prison population, terrorism, military might and international conflicts.
But wait, there’s more bad news — the list ranks countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and violence-ravaged Central American states like El Salvador and Honduras as more “peaceful” than the good ol’ US of A.
The knife-crime ridden United Kingdom rings in at 37th, while Australia ranked No. 22.
At least the US isn’t considered to be among the ten worst places to visit — those less-than-coveted slots were assigned to Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Russia, the South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Somalia, Central African Republic and Sudan.
Setting aside our wounded provincial pride, this year’s ten safest — most peaceful — places do read like a who’s-who of must-sees. Read on for the complete list.
10. Switzerland
9. Japan
8. Slovenia
7. Portugal
6. Singapore
5. Austria
4. New Zealand
3. Ireland
2. Denmark
1. Iceland
Overall winner: Finland
Finland, according to the organization compiling the GPI, deserves a special mention as one of the best, happiest and safest places to see this year.
Low crime and violence rates, as well as a low mortality rate and decreased risk of natural disasters, has allowed the Scandinavian country closest to Russia to be considered a top locale to see.
Finland was labeled as the most joyous nation for the sixth consecutive year in the separate, annual World Happiness Report.
That report looked at as subjects such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption to make a conclusion.
