People all over the world consider uprooting their lives and seeking out a fresh start in another country. There reasons for moving overseas are many and varied, with the most common drivers being enticing job offers and better education systems, but one factor that plays a major role in any decision is safety.
For some it is itself a motivator – those who wish to escape a conflict or political instability, for example – but for everyone looking to make that monumental move it is a critical consideration.
MoneyTransfers.com have analysed a range of different metrics to ascertain which countries are the safest for expats, and, on the other side of the coin, which are the most dangerous.
1. Denmark
Denmark takes the top spot as the safest country in the world for expats, and there are lots of benefits to starting afresh in this Scandinavian country. UNESCO rates Denmark as the third most peaceful country in the world and people across the globe are cottoning on to the benefits of hygge and the quiet contentment that comes with the Danish way of life. Danes take quality of life seriously, spending 10.1% of their GDP on health care, which is well above the European average and no doubt why the small country is rated 5th in the world for its healthcare. The Danish economy is also one of the strongest in the world, with the country taking 10th place for the economic freedom of its citizens.
2. Austria
Another European country takes our second spot; in fact the top 10 is made up exclusively of Northern European nations. Austria is known for its high education and healthcare standards, ranked at number eight on the world healthcare index. Public health insurance is mandatory in Austria and expats will find that they’re automatically covered when starting a role in the country. The Global Peace Index ranks Austria as the 6th most peaceful country in the world, with its policy on neutrality enshrined in its constitution.
3. Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its liberal attitudes towards everything from drugs to euthanasia, and with over 90% of its citizens supporting gay marriage it is also one of the most tolerant nations in the world. The Dutch economy is the 8th most-free in the world and the country’s health care ranks at number nine on the health care index, with health insurance mandatory for all citizens.
4. Czech Republic
Situated right in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic benefits from an enviable location bordering Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. This makes weekend trips into Europe a doddle, but with over 2,000 castles and keeps you’ll likely be happy to explore closer to home. The Czech Republic ranks as the 9th most peaceful nation on UNESCO’s Global Peace Index and with a very low cost of living the country boasts one of the lowest poverty ratios in the world, ranking in 7th position.
5. Finland
At 10.8%, Finland has the 9th lowest poverty ratio in the world. Much of this owes itself to the good nature of Finns, who repose a great deal of trust in their fellow countrymen and are willing to pay high taxes into the nation’s welfare system. A recent study showed that 80% of Finns trust other Finns, which is higher than any other country in Europe. Finland also has the 10th best health care system in the world, which expats can use after applying for a kola card. Although for minor ailments most Finns will recommend that classic Finnish institution – the sauna!
Jonathan Merry, CEO of MoneyTransfers.com, was not surprised to see the top ten made up exclusively of European nations. He said: “Europe is widely considered to be the safest continent in the world, and indeed when it comes to the Global Peace Index 14 out of the top 20 destinations are situated within Europe. In contrast, the United States ranks at 129th place, receiving a lower score than the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Egypt. One of the main reasons that Europe achieves such a high score is because of its tough gun laws.”
These destinations are ideal for expats looking to guarantee a safe experience, but there are others that expats may wish to avoid, as they promise an altogether more different experience. These are the most dangerous countries for expats:
1. Colombia
Colombia is ranked as the country with the second highest poverty ratio in the world, with a 42.5% gap between its richest and poorest citizens. The South American country also ranks particularly poorly for political stability, with 8 million Colombians displaced by conflict-related violence since 1985. Landmines are an on-going issue and expats should avoid going out after dark.
2. Argentina
Many expats find that the hardest thing about living in Argentina is the unstable economy and the bureaucracy. There are plenty of rules that expats must abide by which just don’t make sense. Argentina has the third highest poverty ratio in the world at 42%, and there is increased gang violence in Rosario due to its prominent location along a major drug-trafficking route.
3. Mexico
Statistically Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America, and as only 5% of Mexicans speak English, non-Spanish speakers may be tempted to look elsewhere. Violence is a serious problem in Mexico, with 2022 seeing an alarming 30,968 homicides. While this represents a 7% fall against the prior year, it is nonetheless one of the highest in the world and there is a risk of expats being caught up in the violence. At 43.9%, Mexico has the highest poverty ratio in the world, which represents the size of the gap between its richest and poorest citizens.
4. Ecuador
There are plenty of places that expats should avoid in Ecuador, with particular mention going to the 20 km exclusion zone around the Colombian border and the city of Guayaquil. In rural areas there is also a risk of rabies and few hospitals around. At 26.3% Ecuador has a particularly low ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index, this is despite having specific legislation in place to tackle cybercrime through its penal code.
5. Peru
At 67.6%, Peru has a particularly poor ranking in the Crime Index, with the 11th highest crime rate in the world. Expats are often targeted as visitors are seen as wealthy, with theft, mugging and pickpocketing being common in crowded areas. Corruption within the police can make it impossible to receive a positive outcome.
While the countries at the bottom of our rankings all have some significant drawbacks when it comes to safety, it’s important to recognise that the majority of stays are hassle-free, and expats who stay aware of the risks and exercise caution can avoid running into trouble. Every nation has its good and its bad, and even in our most dangerous location, Colombia, expats are keen to extol the virtues of this vibrant country, including the low cost of living, the pristine nature and the amazing cultural experiences.
