Israel ranks safer than Germany, UK and US in Global Safety Index Rating

Israel is frequently presented in international media as a dangerous place. However, Israel was ranked the 34th safest country in Numbeo website’s Annual Safety Index, which ranks 147 countries and territories around the world. The researchers ranked countries based on overall crime levels as well as an individual's perception of safety while walking in public during both day and night.

The site also collected data from respondents worldwide concerning risks of robbery, theft, physical assaults by strangers, harassment in public spaces and various other threats. 

"It’s important to note that Numbeo’s crime index is based on user-reported data and perceptions, which may differ from official government statistics," the researchers stated.

"The index serves as a comparative tool to evaluate safety levels between different cities or countries, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and understand the crime landscape in specific areas."

Israel’s respectable 34th-place ranking positioned it ahead of several Western nations, including Spain (46th), Germany (52nd), the United Kingdom (87th), and the United States (89th). While Nordic countries are often viewed as particularly safe, Israel ranked higher than Norway (39th). Sweden, once considered one of the safest countries globally, is currently facing high levels of crime, largely attributed to immigration-related factors, and was ranked 85th.

The small European country of Andorra was ranked the safest in the world.

The United Arab Emirates was ranked in second place, followed by Qatar, Taiwan and Oman.

Japan secured the 10th spot, while high-ranking Western countries included Iceland (19th), Denmark (20th), and Switzerland (23rd).

Overall, the Jewish state was ranked higher than most Western democracies. However, it is important to note that the Global Safety Index focuses mainly on safety and crime levels within societies and not external threats such as terrorism, which Israel faces on several fronts. 

Venezuela was ranked as the world’s least safe country. Other countries that ranked at the bottom of the safety index list included Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and South Africa. 

In March, Israel was ranked 8th in the World Happiness Index, maintaining its strong position despite ongoing internal challenges and prolonged conflict with Iran-backed terror proxies over the past 18 months.

It was also recognized as the happiest country in the Middle East, surpassing most Western nations in the rankings. Finland and Denmark led the list, with Nordic countries continuing to dominate the top 10.