14 Countries with Safer Streets Than the U.S.

U.S. street safety is a mixed bag. There are some areas that shine like a beacon of safety, but others… well, you wouldn’t want to be wandering around that area late at night. To put that in context, the United States experiences about 4.0 violent crime incidents per 1,000 people per year. This isn’t the worst globally, but it’s far from the best. Other nations have been able to create environments where folks feel safer about going about their daily routines.

Lower crime rates, better urban planning, and strong social cohesion: Several countries are far safer on the streets than the U.S. is, and it’s not for lack of trying. These aren’t just tourist havens, locals walk about freely, even after the sun sets. Let’s have a closer look at some of these safer spots.

Japan

All those Chinese tourists are often in Japan to visit cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Community responsibility is a big part of Japanese public safety. You’ll see children commuting to school alone, something that would make an American parent nervous. Japan is one of the safest countries globally according to the Global Peace Index.

Iceland

It’s the set of a cozy mystery novel, without the crime. With a small population and an even smaller area, it is no surprise that the streets are safe. It’s nearly free of violent crime and the police don’t even carry guns. Citizens and law enforcement having such a high level of trust for each other creates a feeling of calm.

Singapore

In Singapore, you walk around as if you are in the future: clean, orderly, and very safe. Strict laws and strong enforcement of those laws keep crime rates staggeringly low. The fact that the city state lays so much emphasis on public surveillance may raise some eyebrows but it keeps the city a very safe place for locals and visitors alike.

Norway

Like its fjords, Norway’s approach to safety is serene. A strong welfare system reduces social inequalities that can be the seedbed of crime. Its capital Oslo is a city where people trust the authorities and have low violent crime rates. But locals say they feel safe taking nighttime strolls, even in urban areas.

Switzerland

The chances of running into a crime scene are much less likely than running into the cheese festival in Switzerland. Its cities like Zurich and Geneva are clean and crime free. This safe atmosphere is a result of a focus on quality education and strong social systems.

New Zealand

New Zealand, more affectionately known as Kiwi, is known for its friendly, welcoming people, sense of community, and street safety. However, like so much of Australia, the country has impressively low levels of violent crime, making it a quiet and secure spot for its residents and tourists alike. Locals are not averse to contacting the police, who are accessible and are generally considered helpful protectors of public safety.

Canada

Streets in Canada feel more safe and well-maintained. Toronto and Vancouver for instance are large urban centers supporting relatively few crimes when compared to similar-sized cities in the U.S. This is a country of polite people, and it seems that translates into a more secure public sphere.

Denmark

Just as Denmark’s hygge-inspired homes are, Denmark’s streets are welcoming. It is a Scandinavian gem with low crime rates, high levels of social trust, and this seems to be reflected in the fact that it is conferred as one of the happiest and safest countries. Another layer of comfort for Copenhagen’s residents and visitors comes from the city’s bike-friendly culture.

Australia

Australia is as relaxed and easygoing as you could imagine it, a vibe that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. The streets are safe, but also inviting, with a feeling of safety that makes exploring a pleasure. Sydney and Melbourne, in particular, are famous for their low crime rates and friendly warm communities.

Finland

No one stands out more than Finland when it comes to safety and social structure. The capital, Helsinki, is remarkably safe, and local people consider equality and community wellbeing as important. It also feels safe because public spaces are well-lit and well-maintained.

Austria

Austria’s streets are also among the safest in Europe, and while they’re not quite as charming as the ones in Vienna, they do have their fair share of history. Low crime and a high standard of living is a shining example of Vienna. Not surprisingly, Austria often pops up on international safety indices.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has a great record of street safety and an impressive set of canals. Amsterdam is famous for its culture and has relatively low crime rates. Dutch cities are secure, welcoming, and governed well, thanks to the Dutch emphasis on inclusivity.

Portugal

Many know Portugal for its beautiful coastline and friendly people but it’s also a safe haven. Residents and tourists alike in Lisbon and Porto are able to rest assured in the fact of a secure community thanks to a strong police presence.

Germany

Germany manages to have vibrant city life whilst protecting personal freedom and public safety. Munich and Berlin are cities with good infrastructure and low levels of violent crime. People feel safe in even busy areas because locals appreciate the sense of order.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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