Portugal has once again been recognised as one of the safest countries on the planet, securing seventh place in the latest international peace and safety rankings.
The result comes from the Global Peace Index (GPI), produced annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, which assesses 163 countries and territories representing almost the entire global population. The index evaluates nations across a range of indicators, including levels of societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflicts, and militarisation.
According to the latest findings, Portugal remains firmly among the world’s most peaceful nations, retaining the seventh-place position it has held since 2023 and extending its run in the Global Peace Index’s top 10. The ranking places Portugal among Europe’s safest destinations, ahead of many larger economies.
The country’s strong performance reflects years of relative political stability, low levels of violent crime and a generally secure social environment. Analysts note that Portugal has made significant progress over the past decade, climbing steadily through international peace rankings and strengthening its reputation as a safe place to live, work and visit.
Data from recent Global Peace Index reports show Portugal has maintained a high position among the world’s safest nations for several years, underlining the consistency of its performance despite a broader decline in peacefulness across many parts of the world.
The Institute for Economics and Peace has warned that global peacefulness continues to deteriorate amid rising geopolitical tensions and a growing number of conflicts worldwide. The 2026 report highlights increasing instability in several regions, making Portugal’s continued presence among the leading nations even more notable.
Portugal’s reputation for safety has become an important factor in attracting international residents, investors and tourists. The country is regularly cited in international quality-of-life and relocation studies as offering a secure environment combined with political stability, a strong sense of community and relatively low crime rates.
Within Europe, Portugal continues to rank among the continent’s safest countries, alongside nations such as Iceland, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland. Europe remains the most peaceful region globally, accounting for the majority of countries occupying the highest positions in the index.
The latest ranking reinforces Portugal’s standing as one of the world’s safest destinations and highlights the country’s continued ability to maintain stability at a time when many nations face growing security challenges.
The top 10 countries in the ranking are:
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Slovenia
- Ireland
- Austria
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Finland
- Japan
