How do we rank the safest countries for women?
We define safety for women as the combination of structural protections (laws, justice, and equality), societal conditions (peace and absence of conflict), and lived experience (how safe women feel in their communities and while moving around by themselves, especially at night). We use four complementary, globally comparable sources:
- Gallup World Poll (Global Safety 2025): the share of adults who feel safe walking alone at night; we use the women-specific indicator where available (as operationalised in WPS) to represent lived experience. and equality with everyday security.
- Women, Peace & Security (WPS) Index 2026: This is a women-focused composite of inclusion, justice, and security across 177 countries. This is our anchor because it is purpose-built for women’s safety and status.
- Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025: This well-known measure looks at national peacefulness across conflict, societal safety and security, and militarisation; it provides a macro stability context. It’s also how the overall safest countries in the world are measured.
- Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (WEF): A report that benchmarks gender equality in economy, education, health, politics to capture equality conditions that correlate with women’s safety.
14 Safest Countries for Women
These are 14 of the leading countries when it comes to safety, promotion of gender equality, upholding of community safety and all-round women’s inclusion in society.
1. Denmark
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 1 (0.939)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 8
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 14
Denmark is one of the safest countries for women, pairing low violent-crime levels with excellent city services and reliable, late-running public transport. In Copenhagen and Aarhus, well-lit streets, frequent metros and buses, and an embedded “biking culture” make it easy to get around confidently at night.
Around 85% of women say they feel safe walking alone after dark, and recent intimate partner violence is reported by about 3% of women, among the lowest rates globally. Strong, well-funded shelters and a high access-to-justice score translate into real follow-through if you need support.
For study, work, or relocation, day-to-day life feels organized and predictable, exactly what many solo female travelers and expats look for.
2. Iceland
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 2 (0.932)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 1
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 1
Iceland’s small-city feel, even in the capital of Reykjavik, means short commutes, familiar neighborhoods, and quick help if needed.
Women’s perception of safety sits around 74%, and the country records zero political-violence events targeting women in the latest period.
Health outcomes are stellar, with maternal mortality around 2.7 per 100,000, among the best globally. While night buses run less frequently than on the continent, taxis are regulated and easy to book.
For solo travelers and new arrivals, the mix of approachable scale, responsive services, and a community that shows up for gender-equality issues creates a reassuring environment.
3. Norway
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 3 (0.924)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 32
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 3
Norway combines stunning fjords and Arctic beauty with a high standard of living. Norway’s cities are bright, orderly, and built around public trust and that shows up in the numbers.
Roughly 86% of women feel safe walking alone at night, and maternal mortality is exceptionally low (~1.7 per 100,000).
On the security side, Norway records zero proximity to conflict and no political-violence events targeting women in the latest data.
For outdoorsy travelers or families, that day-to-day sense of calm extends from Oslo’s tram stops to trailheads a short train ride away. If your shortlist of the best countries to live in for women includes social stability and top-tier health access, Norway is a standout choice.
4. Sweden
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 3 (tie) (0.924)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 35
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 6
Sweden blends big-city culture with a strong everyday safety net. Stockholm and Gothenburg are designed for solo walkers and riders, with frequent trams, metros, and night buses.
Women’s employment is high (~80%), which tends to correlate with financial independence and help-seeking confidence. Perceptions of safety have improved over time, with about 74% of women now feeling safe walking alone at night, and maternal mortality is low (~4.5 per 100,000).
Sweden also boasts strong access-to-justice scores, which matters if you ever need to escalate a complaint. For many, Sweden’s balance of modern city life and practical protections is exactly what “countries safest for women” should look like.
5. Finland
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 5 (0.921)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 10
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 2
Finland’s calm cities and seamless transport make getting home late straightforward, especially in Helsinki, Tampere, and Oulu.
Notably, the share of women who feel safe walking at night has climbed from ~69% to ~78% over recent years, a meaningful upward trend.
Recent intimate partner violence is reported at ~8%, higher than some Nordic neighbors but still far below global averages. The country counters this with clear reporting pathways and easy-to-find support lines.
Maternal mortality is very low (~8.3 per 100,000), signaling strong health access. Add in high smartphone and bank-account access, and day-to-day independence is as smooth as it gets.
6. Luxembourg
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 6 (0.918)
- Global Peace Index ranking: (not listed in GPI tables)
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 50
This compact hub feels tailor-made for hassle-free living: short distances, multilingual services, and a polished public-transport system that’s free nationwide.
Women report very high night-time safety (about 88%), and recent intimate partner violence is relatively low (~4%). With strong cross-border policing cooperation and quick emergency response, daily security feels tangible.
For professionals (including single women moving for finance or EU roles), the combination of legal protections and community safety puts Luxembourg consistently in conversations about the safest country for women in the world, especially if you want a small, high-functioning country to make your base.
7. Belgium
Women, Peace and Security ranking: 7 (0.912)
Global Peace Index ranking: 16
Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 27
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the EU, runs on a dense STIB/MIVB metro-tram-bus network of roughly 2,190 stops that puts most neighborhoods within a short walk of a stop, plus weekend Noctis night buses and a weeknight shared-taxi service (Collecto) for getting home after dark.
About 63% of women report feeling safe walking alone at night, and Belgium records zero political-violence events targeting women in the latest data.
Justice measures are strong, with Belgium scoring 3.9 out of 4 on access-to-justice and posting low maternal mortality (~4 per 100,000).
For EU staffers, students, and comic-strip-and-café culture lovers, day-to-day life in Brussels is walkable and well-served by transit, even though the city’s after-dark safety perception still trails its Nordic and Alpine neighbors.
8. The Netherlands
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 8 (0.905)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 14
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 43
The Netherlands pairs an extensive cycling infrastructure with dense rail and metro networks, so getting from dinner to bed rarely requires a long walk.
Safety perceptions are good by international standards, about 72% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night, and recent intimate partner violence is ~5%.
Dutch cities also invest heavily in lighting, CCTV at major stations, and bystander-friendly design (sightlines, open platforms), which helps women feel in control of their commute.
As a base for work or grad study, the blend of independence, transport choice, and everyday civility is a major draw for female expats.
9. Austria
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 9 (0.898)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 4
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 56
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is regularly ranked among the world’s most livable capitals for good reason, namely spotless transit, late-running lines, and neighborhoods that feel safe on foot.
About 82% of women report feeling safe walking at night, and Austria shows zero political-violence events targeting women in the most recent data.
Justice measures are strong, with solid access-to-justice performance and low maternal mortality (~5.2 per 100,000).
For students and culture lovers, this is a place where evening concerts and last trains home can be routine without second-guessing the route you take or looking over your shoulder.
10. New Zealand
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 9 (tie) (0.898)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 3
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 5
New Zealand regularly features in shortlists for its rights structure and community-level supports.
One noteworthy nuance about this country is the share of women who feel safe walking alone at night being about 42%, lower than its European peers. This means planning night-time travel (rideshares, well-lit routes) in bigger cities is a less anxiety-inducing activity.
Offsetting that is the fact that women hold about half of parliamentary seats, and recent intimate partner violence prevalence is ~4% in the latest index cycle.
For relocators, the combo of responsive institutions, outdoor-oriented cities, and English-language services keeps New Zealand a practical and welcoming option.
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11. Portugal
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 26 (0.861)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 7
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 34
Portugal combines calm, walkable cores with dependable transit, so getting home late in Lisbon or Porto generally feels straightforward. Survey data show about 72% of women feel safe walking alone at night, and recent monitoring records zero political-violence events targeting women, signals that show day-to-day risk is low in most neighborhoods.
Support systems are visible and practical. Recent intimate partner violence is ~4%, and women benefit from strong legal protections plus solid access to justice in practice; maternal mortality is also low (~11.8 per 100,000), reflecting reliable healthcare access. If you’re weighing the safest countries for women for a longer stay, Portugal’s mix of community safety, services, and friendly city design stands out.
Relocation pathways are varied: the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, the Portugal D7 Visa for passive-income residents, and the Portugal Golden Visa, now focused on fund investment, research, culture, or job creation rather than real estate. These routes offer clear residence options, with up-to-date rules and processes outlined by GCS and recent policy updates.
12. Ireland
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 13 (0.891)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 2
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 9
Ireland’s compact cities, such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, are well lit and easy to navigate, with frequent buses and rail making evening connections feel predictable. About 78% of women report feeling safe walking alone at night, and Ireland records zero political-violence events targeting women and zero proximity to conflict in the latest cycle, aligning with the country’s reputation for everyday stability.
On the personal safety front, recent intimate partner violence is ~3%, and women have high access to justice when they need recourse. Health indicators reinforce that sense of reliability – maternal mortality is ~5 per 100,000, and financial inclusion is near-universal (~99.5% of women report an account), making routine life smooth for newcomers.
If you’re building something new, the Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) provides a residency path for innovative founders, with a minimum €50,000 funding requirement and a rolling application process; GCS’s overview and the official immigration portal outline eligibility and documentation in detail. It’s a practical route for women founders who want an English-speaking base with strong legal protections and a supportive startup ecosystem.
13. Switzerland
- Women, Peace and Security ranking: 19 (0.877)
- Global Peace Index ranking: 5
- Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 17
Clean, compact cities, punctual transit, and a culture of rule-following help explain why about 85% of women report feeling safe at night in Switzerland.
Recent intimate partner violence sits at ~2%, one of the lowest figures measured, and the country also reports zero recorded political-violence events targeting women in the latest dataset. Hiking towns and lake cities like Zurich, Bern, and Lausanne feel welcoming and manageable, and multilingual services make settling in straightforward.
If you’re shortlisting the safest countries for women in 2025, Switzerland’s combination of community safety, effective policing, and quick legal redress is hard to beat.
14. Singapore
Women, Peace and Security ranking: 17 (0.884)
Global Peace Index ranking: 6
Global Gender Gap Index ranking: 46
Singapore is one of the safest places in the world for women on nearly every measure the WPS Index tracks. Its MRT network reaches most of the island and pairs with a dense bus system and orderly street design that make walking home late feel unremarkable rather than fraught.
About 97% of women report feeling safe walking alone at night — the highest score in the developed-country group — and Singapore records zero political-violence events targeting women and zero proximity to conflict in the latest data.
Justice measures are strong, with a 3.2 out of 4 access-to-justice score, low intimate partner violence (~2.4%), and low maternal mortality (~7.5 per 100,000).
For professionals on regional postings, students, and solo travelers, Singapore is the rare place where late-evening errands, transit rides, and taxi-free walks home tend to be routine rather than something to plan around.
Comparison Table for the Safest Countries for Women
| Country | WPS Rank (Score) | GPI Rank | GGGI Rank | Women feel safe walking alone at night | Recent IPV | Maternal mortality (per 100,000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 1 (0.939) | 8 | 14 | ~85% | ~3.3% | ~4 |
| Iceland | 2 (0.932) | 1 | 1 | ~74% | ~2.8% | ~2.7 |
| Norway | 3 (0.924) | 32 | 3 | ~86% | ~4.4% | ~1.7 |
| Sweden | 3 tie (0.924) | 35 | 6 | ~74% | ~6.3% | ~4.5 |
| Finland | 5 (0.921) | 10 | 2 | ~78% | ~8.1% | ~8 |
| Luxemburg | 6 (0.918) | Not in top 20 | 50 | ~88% | ~3.5% | ~6.5 |
| Belgium | 7 (0.912) | 16 | 27 | ~63% | ~4.8% | ~4 |
| Netherlands | 8 (0.905) | 14 | 43 | ~72% | ~5% | ~4.3 |
| Austria | 9 (0.898) | 4 | 56 | ~82% | – | ~5.2 |
| New Zealand | 9 tie (0.898) | 3 | 5 | ~42% | ~4% | ~7.0 |
| Ireland | 13 (0.891) | 2 | 9 | ~68% | ~3.3% | ~4 |
| Switzerland | 19 (0.877) | 5 | 17 | ~85% | ~2% | ~7.4 |
| Portugal | 26 (0.861) | 7 | 34 | ~72% | ~4% | ~11.8 |
| Singapore | 17 (0.884) | 6 | 46 | ~97% | ~2.4% | ~7.5 |
What the 2025/26 WPS Index Tells Us
Unfortunately, the latest edition of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index highlights that global progress on women’s status has largely stagnated since tracking began in 2017, with declines in certain regions. Denmark holds the top spot again, scoring more than three times higher than Afghanistan at the bottom of the ranking.
The headline concern is exposure to conflict: approximately 676 million women worldwide were exposed to conflict in 2024, a 74% rise since 2010, and the highest number of women exposed to conflict ever recorded.
As lead author Haleema Hasan puts it: “As wars and conflicts reach a historic peak, progress on women’s status nears a historic low.”
For anyone weighing where to relocate, study, or invest, the takeaway is that the top-ranked countries in this piece are performing well on their own and are holding steady while much of the world is moving in the wrong direction.
Worst Countries for Women in 2026
The worst countries for women in 2026 are Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Syria.
| Country | WPS Rank (of 181) | WPS Score | Primary Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 181 | 0.279 | Since the Taliban’s 2021 return, women have been barred from secondary and higher education, most paid employment, and public life; severe restrictions on freedom of movement and dress; near-total loss of autonomy over daily life. Afghanistan’s score has fallen from 0.385 in 2018 to 0.279 today — one of the sharpest declines in the WPS Index |
| Yemen | 180 | 0.323 | Ongoing civil war and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises; extremely low women’s employment (historically ~5%); severely limited financial inclusion; high proportion of women living in close proximity to armed conflict; collapsed healthcare and education infrastructure. |
| Central African Republic | 179 | 0.362 | Protracted armed conflict and displacement; one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates; widespread conflict-related sexual violence; severe gaps in maternal and reproductive healthcare access; restrictive abortion laws compounding health risks. |
| Syria | 178 | 0.364 | More than a decade of civil war followed by post-Assad transitional instability; mass displacement (millions internally displaced and as refugees); ongoing exposure to conflict for large shares of the female population; collapsed public services and legal protections. |
| Sudan | 177 | 0.397 | Active armed conflict since April 2023 between SAF and RSF; mass displacement (largest displacement crisis globally in recent counting); documented conflict-related sexual violence; collapsed access to healthcare, education, and financial services for women. |
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel
Even in countries where women are reported to be safe, it’s still important for women to be aware of the right safety measures to take in new environments, especially when traveling alone. Here are some safety tips for female solo travelers.
- Save local emergency numbers before you land: For example, 112 covers the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. New Zealand is 111. Singapore is 999 (police) and 995 (ambulance/fire).
- Screenshot the last-train times for your route: Copenhagen’s Metro runs 24/7, and Vienna’s U-Bahn runs overnight on weekends, but Singapore’s MRT stops around midnight, and most European cities have gaps. Know before dinner runs late.
- Download the local transport app: Native apps (Rejseplanen in Denmark, NS in the Netherlands, MyTransport.SG in Singapore, Wiener Linien in Vienna) are often better than Google Maps for tickets and live updates.
- Use vetted rideshare over street hails: Bolt across the Nordics and Portugal, Uber in most Western capitals and New Zealand, Grab in Singapore, all log driver, plate, and route.
- Share your live location with someone you trust: Google Maps and Apple’s Find My both let you do so in 2 taps.
- Enroll in your country’s traveler program: STEP (US), Smartraveller (Australia), ROCA (Canada), or check gov.uk for UK guidance. Two-minute setup, and your embassy can reach you in an emergency.
- Pick accommodation close to transit: Choosing a hotel five minutes from a metro stop is better than. one that needs a long walk after dark.
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