You know what time it is? To give peace a chance. That’s all we are saying, guys. The best way to achieve this is by visiting the most peaceful countries in the world and then taking their ideals and principles back home with you, assuming you’re able to get that stuff through customs. For this list, we’re looking at the safest countries in the world based on such factors as crime rates, political stability, civil order, and how cute pop music sounds in their language. That last one is a lie. Anyway, enjoy!
10. Ireland
While Ireland might not be on the top of the list in terms of safest countries to visit, it’s definitely the friendliest country I’ve ever been to. When you go to a pub, expect random people to come up and share their life story with you. The stereotype about everybody being drunk and rowdy is greatly exaggerated. The country is also full of small, welcoming towns and lush green countryside.
9. Japan
There are several good reasons why Japan deserves to be placed on this list. The cities are impeccably clean and homicide rates have fallen every year since 1955. Also, no wars since the horrible one that they started nearly 80 years ago. In addition the people are extremely polite. Proper etiquette and civility are ingrained in Japanese culture. There’s even an anecdote about how the Japanese will bring gift-wrapped boxes of laundry detergent to neighbors before starting home construction/remodeling work. Why? To keep their clothes free from the inevitable dust that will result, of course!
8. Slovenia
When Communism began to fall in the late 80s and early 90s, few countries were as eager to transition to democracy than Slovenia. In fact, this tiny former territory of Yugoslavia had so much success with this whole capitalism thing that they became the first in Eastern Europe to adopt the Euro. It’s kind of a sleepy country – the capital Ljubljana is the only city with more than 100,000 inhabitants and only one other town even has a population greater than 40,000 – but this would explain why the citizens have such a laid back attitude.
7. Czech Republic
Another former country that was once behind the Iron Curtain, the Czech Republic and Slovakia had a peaceful divorce when the former Czechoslovakia split into two. The locals that I interacted with in Ostrava, Brno and Prague were always friendly and hospitable. Petty crimes such as the occasional pickpocketing aside, you’ll have no problems with walking around at night, even in Prague.
6. Canada
I’ve been known to given Canada a hard time, and not just because of the funny way they pronounce “o” or the fact that they’re America’s hat. The truth is, I know I won’t suffer any repercussions because Canadians are such peaceful, loving people who will withstand my insults feeling more joyful and embracing their Canadianness even further!
5. Denmark
In Denmark, people don’t bother to chain their bicycles when they park them on the street because they know nobody will steal them. Oh, and they leave their baby strollers – with their babies still in them (!!!) – on the curb near shops and cafes because… they know nobody will steal them. What more needs to be said?
4. Switzerland
Sure, Switzerland makes this list because they’re legitimately one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world – they haven’t fought in a war in 500 years, after all – but even if this were a super violent place, I must confess that it would still be included because you need to go there and try their chocolate.
3. Austria
If you’re for peace, love, and yodeling, Austria is the country for you! The people have a lot of trust in their police, there is no social strife to speak of, they don’t feel the need to bomb other countries, and they brew Schlossbrauerei Eggenberg Samichlaus Bier, the beer with 14% alcohol content.
2. New Zealand
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that New Zealand makes the list, especially when the sheep population outnumbers the country’s human inhabitants. Crime is low, their military rarely gets involved in conflicts, and most of all any country that gave birth to Flight of the Conchords is alright with me!
1. Iceland
For the millionth year in a row, Iceland tops the list of peaceful countries. Let’s give them a hand, folks! Here is one simple stat that speaks for itself: the Land of Bjork averages less than one murder per year. We can only assume this means it takes a killer around two full years to complete the job.
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