The safest countries to travel. Where to relax safely: choose a country The safest countries for tourists in

Six women were killed in an attack in Hurghada in July. The terrorist attack in the very center of Barcelona killed 15 people. The Coxsackie virus is rampant on the Turkish coast, in hotels in Belek and Kemer, more than 36 Russians have fallen ill. And this is just for a couple of summer months.

But is traveling really that dangerous? Experienced tourists know that holidays abroad can be almost safer Everyday life in your home country. The main reason: you are a tourist, which means you are always on your guard. Remember how many medications you take with you on a trip and how much you carry in your purse to work? A big difference. In addition, in another country you always have medical insurance with you; without it, you are simply not allowed into many countries. And you’ll be more likely to cross the road at a red light at home, rather than in Paris. “What if I run into a big fine?” - you might think. And you'll be right. From ignorance of some customs and rules of the country, fear of dealing with law enforcement agencies, you become more attentive to your behavior.

Holidays abroad are almost safer than everyday life

It is impossible to predict everything - the terrorist threat is real in any country, this is the objective situation of today. But it’s easy to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises.

Before your trip, you should look at what they write about your host city in the news - you can use a regular search engine and read crime news for the last week. If the city is not known for any crime or terrorism, then this increases the chances of a safe trip. In Europe and the USA, ratings of more and less safe countries for tourists are compiled. Of course, such lists are subjective, but they are worth a look. As an expert in the field of tourist security with experience in special services told RG, the entire Middle East is colored red on the American and European scale and it is better not to go there for tourism purposes. The safest place is in Scandinavia. There is another rating - the World Economic Forum has compiled a list of countries for 2017 where tourists can feel calm. In first place is Finland, in last place, 136th, is distant Colombia. Also, before your trip, it is worth studying the recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visiting certain countries - all of them are posted on the Rostourism website.

According to WHO, most road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. These include Thailand, beloved by many travelers, and less popular, at least with us, Africa. So be careful and check the condition of the car before driving away from the rental office.

Crowded places, processions, and holidays are potentially dangerous. Today it is better to avoid them. And just when walking along the streets, don’t dress too flashy - by blending in with the crowd, you are less likely to become a victim of scammers.

Will you invite me to visit?

Student Alina from Yekaterinburg left an advertisement on the website of a popular hospitality exchange network: “We are traveling from Yekaterinburg to warmer regions along the route: Ufa - Samara - Volgograd - Rostov-on-Don - Krasnodar. We will be grateful for the warm welcome, you will have a place on the floor, on the rug (mats with you), from us - help around the house and sincere conversations over evening tea." As she says, she has no fear of such an overnight stay, it’s an adventure, and the young man persuaded him: “And it doesn’t require any special expenses, for which you need to work for a whole month.”

The international hospitality exchange network, or couchsurfing, is definitely not for those who spend a very long time choosing a hotel, meticulously looking through photos on all possible sites and reading all published reviews. A complete stranger is ready to offer you his home for free. You come to him, but do not expect luxury apartments - as a rule, you have to sleep on a folding bed in the walk-through room, cook in the same kitchen with the owner of the house. Couchsurfing will help you look at the country through the eyes of locals - who better than them knows where the most delicious seafood is, where the best coffee is brewed, and when is the best time to go to a museum to avoid the crowds. There are many disadvantages - you need to spend time looking for good hosts, waste energy on communication when you don’t want to after a tiring walk around the city, and the conditions of your stay will not always be ideal. Despite the fact that over the 10 years of the networks’ existence there have been only a few cases of crime, it is still worth taking precautions.

Make requests in advance, preferably 3-4 weeks in advance.

Be sure to read reviews about the owner - if there is information on the site that he promised to shelter and disappeared, then it is better to forget about it. At least 20 positive reviews inspire confidence.

It is best for single women not to write to men whose profile resembles the one left on a dating site.

When you write a personal request to the owner, ask him to tell you as much as possible about himself.

Most people who are ready to provide shelter to a stranger themselves love hiking and traveling. Therefore, it is useless to look for someone in July in Irkutsk - everyone is on Lake Baikal. So in the summer it is better to plan your check-in on weekdays, as there are more chances of success.

And most importantly. "If you're nervous about hosting or meeting someone, don't date," advises one popular network. All responsibility lies entirely with you. The networks themselves are not responsible for your choice.

Clearly

20 safest countries

1. Finland

3. Iceland

5. Hong Kong

6. Singapore

7. Norway

8. Switzerland

11. Portugal

12. Luxembourg

13. New Zealand

14. Austria

15. Estonia

16. Sweden

17. Slovenia

18. Spain

19. Netherlands

Security is one of the main criteria on which a potential immigrant relies and ordinary tourist when deciding to move or visit a country for a short time. Unfortunately, today in different parts of the planet there are armed conflicts, terrorist attacks are carried out and the overall crime rate is growing. The safety of people and the country as a whole largely depends on these factors.

International organizations and large travel agencies on an ongoing basis they compile various ratings and lists of states with the highest level of security. According to experts, these are the most suitable destinations for both tourism and comfortable living. Based on the data from the Global Peace Index 2018 report compiled by the Institute of Economics and Peace, let’s look at the TOP 10 safest countries on the planet in 2018–2019.

THE SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD - LIST

№	A COUNTRY	INDEX
1.		1.096
2.		1.192
3.		1.274
4.		1.318
5.		1.353
6.		1.372
7.		1.381
8.		1.382
9.		1.391
10.		1.393

RANKING TOP 10 SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

ICELAND

Iceland is rightfully considered the safest country in the world in 2018–2019. This small island state is located in the north Atlantic Ocean close to Greenland and Great Britain. The population is just over 339 thousand people. Political stability, a strong economy, the absence of territorial disputes and the social cohesion of the inhabitants make Iceland practically ideal place for living, working and relaxing.

NEW ZEALAND

DENMARK

It is quite difficult to imagine a coup d'état or civil conflict breaking out in Denmark. This northern country has a high standard of living and a reliable social security system, a high-tech economy and a stable political situation. In addition to security issues, according to many authoritative publications, Denmark is included in the list of the happiest countries in the world.

CANADA

In conclusion, we note that of the 163 countries that are analyzed in the report, the safest country in the world 2018/2019 - Iceland, is already in first place for a decade. The bottom lines of the ranking are occupied by Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Iraq and Yemen.

Compared to last year, the position has noticeably worsened North America, Africa and the Middle East, and the most peaceful and safe region on the planet is Europe. Among the CIS countries, Russia is ranked lowest - 154th place. Ukraine is on line 152, and the Republic of Belarus is on line 101.

When a person chooses a vacation destination, especially abroad, he is interested in many important points - climate, hotel comfort, general service and much more. Not least on this list is the safety indicator. It is rare who dares to travel as a tourist to Kenya, Somalia or Syria. There is a serious risk of coming under fire, being kidnapped, or simply going missing.

Therefore, you should choose the safest country for tourists in the world. And the main feature here is not only the absence of militants or war zones on its territory, but the minimal risk of natural disasters and much more. You can learn from the material in this article what criteria you should use to choose the most comfortable country for your holiday, and which countries in the world are in the TOP safest.

Some tourists go to the mountains in search of adrenaline, others raft along mountain rivers, and still others go to the impenetrable Amazon jungle. But before you decide on any extreme journey, it is important to assess all possible risks. But most of people expect a pleasant stay, a feeling of comfort and complete relaxation from their holidays. That is why, before going on holiday to an unfamiliar country, it needs to be assessed on a safety scale. These are indices accepted in international practice and their meaning can be easily found on the Internet:

Peace index. The level of crime within the state and its aggressiveness towards neighbors are taken into account.
Index of observance of democratic rights and freedoms. Also an important indicator. It is built according to the degree of convenience of living in the country, the ability to express one’s opinion or take a certain political position.
Indicator of the possibility of natural disasters. Storms, tsunamis, tornadoes, earthquakes pose a threat to life. It is better to immediately cross off territories that are often prone to natural disasters from the list of desired countries. For example, - wonderful place for tourists, if not for the endless earthquakes.
Level of sanitary and epidemiological safety. Everything should be taken into account here - the prevalence of various diseases, the need for vaccination, the availability of quality water and food, the level of medical care. African countries and South Asian countries do not meet any of these criteria.
Level economic development. In underdeveloped countries, it is unlikely that you will be able to relax in special style; even the standard level of comfort may be in question. Here the volume of state investment in the development of the social sphere, the level of corruption and the quality of life of the population are studied. For example, you should not go on vacation to Angola or Zambia, unless of course the goal is a charitable mission.

Each vacationer can outline a number of important criteria for himself and choose the most suitable state for tourism.

The safest countries for tourism and recreation

Before going to a distant country, you need to assess the level of medical care, the development of tourism infrastructure and minimize all the above risks. As a result, it turns out that there are not so many countries suitable for holidays. In this article we will arrange them in a specific order. The first place will be occupied by the state that is the safest for recreation.

In addition, the top ten safe ones included -, and. Less safe, but comfortable for relaxation are, Malta, and. For your holiday, you can choose any country from each list. It is guaranteed that tourists are safe in these states.

Peace-loving Iceland

Climate

In general, the climate is favorable, although the state belongs to the north. Softness is provided by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. No natural disasters are observed. There is some concern about the active volcano. It periodically disrupts the seismic calm.

Best season for vacation

The most best season The best time to travel is summer, especially July and August. Here during this period of time one can observe a special a natural phenomenon- White Nights. But you should understand that Iceland will not please you with a gentle warm sea and a wonderful tan, even in summer. After all, this northern country. Even in August, the average temperature does not rise above +10. Daily indicators are of course higher – about +20.

But even in winter it doesn’t get very cold here, but you won’t be able to get to know the country, since there is only 5 hours of daylight.

Iceland on video:

Road accidents

It seems that only competent drivers who fully comply with all rules move on the country’s roads traffic. And the roads here are simply excellent. As a result, no more than 1 thousand accidents occur per calendar year. However, most of them do not cause serious harm to passengers and drivers. There are no more than 10-20 fatal accidents per year.

Crime

Iceland has the lowest crime rate in Europe. At the same time, the country does not spend its income on maintaining the army at all. It is a member of NATO and is fully protected by the alliance.

Iceland attracts travelers extraordinary beauty nature. Here the clouds seem to be born from the depths of the waters. Can't be found here major cities or fashionable resorts, capable of satisfying the tastes of biased tourists.

Many holidaymakers stop in Reykjavik. The capital of Iceland received the title of cultural capital peace. That is, there is something to do and see here. But this is only for curious travelers. If tourists prefer to relax in nightclubs or discos, they will not like Reykjavik, which is steeped in culture and tradition.

Here you should get acquainted with the works of local artists, stroll through galleries and museums, or visit the theater. For lovers active rest Fishing or climbing to the crater of a volcano are suitable. Swimming in the valley of geysers will be a particular pleasure.

Denmark - Andersen's birthplace

Denmark has an excellently developed tourism infrastructure, since it is this area that fills the country's budget. Very often the country is called the “pearl of the Scandinavian Peninsula”.

Climate

Denmark is a comfortable place to live and relax. There are no sudden temperature changes, natural disasters or heavy rains. Winter begins according to the calendar - in December, capturing the first month of spring - March. The average low temperature is no more than 7 degrees below zero.

Summer can hardly be called hot. That's why people don't come here for beach activities. At average temperature air at 15-16 degrees is not very comfortable for sunbathing. The warmest months are July-August.

Best season for vacation

It is better to choose the summer months for relaxation. Here at this time it is warm, sunny and there is practically no precipitation.

Road accidents

The number of accidents on the roads is slightly higher than in Iceland, although there are no less good roads and highway. According to statistical estimates, about 5 thousand emergency situations occur per year, of which approximately 10% end in serious consequences.

Crime level

It may seem that crime has been completely eradicated from Denmark. The state is among the ten countries with the lowest crime rates. Here you can calmly walk along the streets at night, without fear that the traveler will be waylaid by a maniac or robber. There are practically no serious crimes committed here.

The atmosphere of Copenhagen - in the video:

Other indicators of safe and comfortable rest

Denmark attracts tourists with its rich history. After all, it was from here that the Vikings launched raids on nearby countries. Traveling to the country is a small adventure.

For example, for young guests of the country, a trip to the land of fairy tales will be a visit to the town of Billund. A real one has been built here for the kids. magical city made of multi-colored bricks. What is especially delightful is that all the streets and houses are assembled from Lego - the very same construction set that children love.

It’s simply wonderful to have a family holiday in Denmark. A visit to the Odense Zoo on Southern Boulevard (Odense town) will produce vivid impression, both for children and parents.

Denmark can boast of cozy and comfortable hotels, but they will not be cheap. But here you have the opportunity to spend the night completely free of charge at a campsite or with couchsurfers.

Danish cuisine is based on Scandinavian traditions. It abounds in vegetables and seafood, but is not particularly sophisticated. A modest lunch in an inexpensive cafe for one person costs 1.5 thousand rubles (about 150 Danish kroner).

Austria - a country of stunning mountains

This small state with its capital in Vienna and a population not exceeding 8.5 million people. It is one of the richest European countries and has a very high standard of living. Now the state is at the peak of its development, which makes Austria attractive not only for holidays, but also for living. Tourism is not the country's main source of income. They make money here from agriculture and industry.

Climate

Austria does not have a harsh climate. Here it varies depending on the zonation - it is colder in the mountains. Winters are mild and snowy, summers are hot and dry. In August, temperatures can rise to 30 degrees.

Best season for vacation

It should be determined depending on the purpose of the trip. If this is a holiday at ski resorts, then the season opens in November and lasts until April. For relaxation on the shores of Lake Carinthia best time- July August.

But to get to know Vienna and other cities of Austria - early autumn or late spring.

Beauty Vienna - on video:

Road accidents

Here, the danger of movement is determined by seasonality and location of movement. So in mountainous areas there is a high probability of avalanches or rockfalls. Special danger mountain roads represent winter. But at any, even the slightest hint of a threat to life, dangerous areas are immediately blocked by emergency services.

However, about 40 thousand traffic accidents are recorded here annually. About 10% of people are seriously injured or disabled. Almost 100% of road accidents are associated with the Austrians’ love for high-speed travel.

Crime level

Vienna is one of the ten safest cities in the world. You can compare the level of serious crimes committed here and in Russia. For example, per 100 thousand Austrians per year there are 0.6 intentional murders, while in Russia the figure is 10. That is, in our country the crime rate, by this indicator alone, is almost 17 times higher.

Other indicators of safe and comfortable rest

The only natural danger here is an avalanche. But if you use proven slopes and do not go far from villages and bypassed routes, the risk is minimized. Another problem is mites. They are found in mountainous areas and can become a source of dangerous infectious diseases. Therefore, you should not remove them yourself. There are trained personnel for this. In any hospital, tourists will be provided with any medical care at a high level.

Here you can not be afraid of swimming in local reservoirs and calmly drink unboiled tap water.

New Zealand - the land of the magical rainbow

It's extraordinarily beautiful here. People come here to “hold” a rainbow in their hands and enjoy the pristine beauty of the flora. It feels like the country is a combination of different climatic zones and natural wonders.

There is an excellent ecological situation here, healthy food, no poisonous insects, and dangerous infectious diseases are not common.

The only natural disadvantages include increased seismic activity near volcanoes and the presence of capito spiders and sand fleas.

Such a different New Zealand - in the video:

Climate

The country has a subtropical climate. Summer falls during our winter, that is, the hottest month is January. But it is relatively hot here, from 20 to 30 degrees, depending on the area. The ebbs and flows are very noticeable, because the state is surrounded on all sides by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Winter is usually very snowy.

Best season for vacation

The country has two tourist seasons. The first occurs in the local summer - December, January. The second is for the winter (June and July). In the second case, the skiing season starts. The lowest number of tourists is observed in March, April and November.

Road accidents

Driving safety in the country is ensured by the government. Since many tourists want to explore the country on wheels, a special brochure has been published for them. It describes traffic rules, features of road markings, signs and much more. It can be found in free access different languages.

Drivers diligently follow traffic rules, as there are many winding and difficult routes. Before any dangerous areas there are instructions to slow down or other warnings.

Crime level

Here the freedom and will of any person is respected, there is no discrimination or racial prejudice. Public safety is the norm.

There is a very low crime rate, and the commission of serious crimes is very rare. Due to its geographical isolation, access to unwanted emigrants is prohibited; the country is not involved in any conflicts.

Other indicators of safe and comfortable rest

Holidays in New Zealand are very diverse. This includes sailing, skiing on snow-covered slopes, skiing on sand dunes, swimming in thermal springs and much more. No one will be bored here for sure.

Local establishments serve delicious wine to visitors. The most popular dish is specially baked potatoes with fish.

Amazing in New Zealand natural landscape- mountains, lakes, sand dunes, glaciers, caves with tempting grottoes and amazing geysers. Of particular interest is the cave with fireflies. In New Zealand, both fans of extreme entertainment and those who prefer to lazily lie on the beach will enjoy their holiday.

Portugal – a country of bright holidays

Tourists here get the most magical and memorable experiences. In Portugal you can get a safe holiday for every taste - tempting beaches, excellent cuisine, cozy cafes and restaurants, and cute city streets in French and Italian styles.

In 2016, Portugal took an honorable 5th place among countries with a high level of life safety. There is excellent medicine and good income among the population. The country makes money from the agricultural industry, so the environmental situation is more than favorable.

The enchanting landscapes of Portugal - in the video:

Climate

Portugal is located on the Atlantic coast. The Gulf Stream flows nearby, providing warmth in winter and welcome coolness in summer. It's incredibly beautiful here. Not every country can boast of centuries-old trees and endless forests. Even pineapples grow here.

Portugal delights residents and tourists with a mild subtropical climate. There are sunny days here 360 days a year. Even in winter, the air temperature remains at 16 degrees (Madeira region).

Best season for vacation

In order to sunbathe on the beach, you should come to the country in the summer season. Bright sun, warm sea and optimal temperature of 25 degrees above zero make the holiday very attractive.

Road accidents

Portugal is famous for its European quality of roads. As long as you follow the traffic rules, it is quite safe to travel around the country by car. But the driving style of Portuguese drivers can be called chaotic and unpredictable.

Traffic is especially complicated by the presence of a large number of agricultural machinery and motorcycles. Therefore, road accidents are not uncommon. When moving around, it is worth considering that many roads are toll roads.

Crime level

The country has a minimal crime rate. This largely depends on the tightening of the penal system, improving the economic component and the legalization of drug trafficking.

Here you can move freely at dusk and even at night, although Portugal has the highest crime rate compared to other European countries. There are 1.2 murders per 100 thousand people.

If serious crimes are not common in the state, then pickpocketing and robbery are commonplace. This statement applies to large cities - Lisbon and Porto. It is not safe to walk alone here, and you should keep a close eye on valuables.

Other indicators of safe and comfortable rest

Portugal attracts tourists with its magnificent beaches. They can be found in the Azores or Algarve. Lovers of ancient architecture will be delighted by ancient castles, monasteries and fortresses.

In order for vacationers and residents major cities felt safe with surveillance cameras installed everywhere. In places where there are special concentrations of tourists, there are special police units that ensure their safety. But it will be difficult to agree on anything with them, since knowledge of foreign languages is not necessary for employees.

You can choose any country from the list for your holiday. Your holiday there will be comfortable and safe. But this statement will not apply to tourists eager for “adventure”. That is, if a vacationer is careless about general safety recommendations, ignores weather forecasts, or walks at night in an unfamiliar area, then he may invite disaster upon himself. Whatever level of security is provided in the country, it is imperative to follow the rules public order, do not challenge traditions and customs, and then your vacation will be safe and comfortable.

Looking at the unstable world situation, natural disasters, terrorist threats multiplying in last years, involuntarily, when planning your annual vacation, you ask yourself: in which countries can you relax calmly and safely? After all, unpleasant and sometimes tragic situations arise completely unexpectedly. No one could have imagined that Egypt, one of the most favorite holiday destinations for Russians, would be closed after an explosion in the sky of an Airbus, which occurred due to the poor performance of the security service at the Egyptian airport. No one thought that it would ever be dangerous to go on vacation to your favorite resorts in Tunisia, after the shooting of vacationers on the beach in . Who could have thought that the situation with Turkey would also become very ambiguous and, although air traffic with it is open, many are afraid to go there on vacation. It would seem that in the recent past such a safe Europe and its countries - Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, Greece - have now become refuges for migrants who do terrible things there.

In order for your vacation to be safe and calm, you need to thoroughly prepare for it, study several countries where you would like to relax at sea, analyze all the pros and cons, possible man-made and natural problems that may await you there. And only then make a choice: is this foreign country worthy of becoming your vacation destination at sea, does it guarantee you maximum security, or will you go to it at your own peril and risk? We decided to help you with this choice by considering a number of countries where, according to reviews from tourists, you can relax relatively safely and peacefully. But the decision, of course, is yours.

It may not be strange, but the leaders in safe holidays this year are Asian countries, and the leader among them is Vietnam. It is quite difficult to imagine a terrorist with a beard lurking on one of the beaches of this country. Surely, such a type would attract close attention and would not be able to blend in with the crowd. According to the Interpol security rating, Vietnam is a leader among countries with low crime rates. In addition, there is practically no organized crime here, thanks to the stability of the political regime. Vietnam has nothing to do with international political terrorism. In this country, even murders are a rarity, and armed robberies almost never happen. Of course, as in any country in the world, there are pickpockets here. Well, where are they not? The only problem that tourists who come on vacation to Vietnam may have is intestinal upset due to the consumption of unusual food, but this can be easily solved with modern pharmaceutical drugs. We also recommend that you get vaccinated, just in case, against some exotic disease characteristic of a humid climate.

Another safe country in the Asian region. Regarding terrorism issues, for China this is very a rare event. Almost no serious crimes are committed against foreigners, but there are petty thefts, fraud, and the circulation of counterfeit bills. It’s worth saying right away that China is located in a seismically active zone of our planet, there are sometimes earthquakes, and the southeast coast is often subject to typhoons and storms, which mainly occur from July to October. But for a relaxing holiday, tourists only need to choose the appropriate season for it or go on holiday to that part of the country where it is comfortable at that time. It's safe to relax on. This place is famous natural beauties, rich in cultural and entertainment programs, gorgeous beaches. China is safe for tourists due to the “totalitarianism” of the ruling regime, which successfully ensures peace in local resorts. There are also disadvantages to holidaying in China: the length of the flight, the very humid and hot climate, but that’s where the disadvantages end. And this is a small price to pay for safety and quality of rest.

It is very difficult to believe, but Israel, a country surrounded by warlike and unfriendly neighbors, is considered one of the safest countries in terms of recreation in the world, in addition, it is a state that guarantees tourists a very rich and varied vacation. There are many religious shrines of different religions, wonderful resorts where you will find the highest level of service, incredible nature, absolutely contrasting in the north and south of the country. Israel, having militant Islamic countries in its neighborhood, has accumulated a wealth of experience in the fight against terrorism. In this country, security services are always on guard; tourists understand this upon arrival at the airport, when they undergo a thorough search. Thanks to such vigilance, which affects all areas of life and recreation in Israel, the Holy Land is very rarely chronicled with sad news. There is a very low crime rate here, and even at night, walking around the city is completely safe: the streets are always well lit, controlled by police officers and cameras. And there is no such thing as “drunken brawls” in Israel at all. All local residents are invariably friendly and kind, many of them speak Russian well, and the inscriptions at resorts in Israel are dubbed into Russian.

A very beautiful and calm country with a large number of historical attractions, with numerous sea and ocean resorts. Every year more and more Russians come here on vacation, especially because the Portuguese are happy to give our compatriots “long-term” Schengen visas. There is no danger of terrorism waiting for you here. All Portuguese are nice, friendly people, they always smile and are ready to help any tourist. Vacationers in Portugal do not have to worry about their personal safety; here you can even walk alone at night and be sure that nothing bad will happen. Of course, there are pickpockets and thefts from car interiors, but nothing more. But we still recommend that tourists do not take large sums of money with them on a walk and hang themselves with jewelry. Is it worth tempting fate? Portugal is not particularly threatened by natural disasters, but in the central part of the country in summer time Fires occur periodically. In Portugal, vacationers are not exposed to any dangerous diseases, so no special vaccinations are required.

One of the safest and calmest countries beach holiday Abroad. Russians traditionally love to come to the seaside in Bulgaria, because there is a wonderful and healing climate, the locals are our Slavic brothers, there is no language barrier, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Bulgaria makes Russians happy low prices and at the same time very good service. But you should understand that the economic level of development of the country is not too high, and pickpockets may try to make money at your expense, but still the level of pickpocketing here is not as high as in others European countries. Here, sometimes the car can be opened, especially if you left some expensive items in the cabin. Sometimes tourists in Bulgaria become victims of scammers. But there are no such dangers that threaten the life and health of holidaymakers in Bulgaria. There are no migrants here, this is too poor a country for them and they will safely bypass Bulgaria.

The beautiful Mediterranean island has been included in the top five safest countries in the world by Interpol. One need only say that in the entire long history of Cyprus, there have never been terrorist attacks or serious political unrest. The crime rate here is so low that local residents, out of habit, do not lock their houses. The safety of holidays in Cyprus is due to reasonable government policies and the efficient work of the security services. Political measures are aimed at preventing refugees from entering the territory of the island and categorically refusing to accept them, even despite the insistence of officials from the European Union. Cyprus is a welcoming country for tourists, but is opposed to hosting seekers here better life at someone else's expense.

A country where many different cultures are mixed: Indian, Chinese, Malay, Arab, however, there are no conflicts between representatives of these ethnic groups. Singapore is the second safest country in the world, second only to Luxembourg. In addition, it is the least corrupt state in the world, with a low crime rate. Of course, there are cases of pickpocketing and fraud here too, but this is rare. Many people know that Singapore is a country of complete prohibitions, for violation of which heavy fines await. In general, Singapore has very strict laws; many crimes here are punishable by death. It must be said that it is impossible to solve anything here for money or through acquaintances, the law is the same for everyone, which is why neither locals nor tourists try not to break it. But thanks to this policy, holidays in Singapore are completely safe and very relaxing. Outbreaks of tropical fever are rare among contagious exotic diseases, but there are none that can be recommended before traveling to this country.

If your goal is to find a country for a relaxing and safe holiday, then New Zealand is it. On vacation in New Zealand, tourists will find thousands of kilometers of gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, always ready to help tourists. The country has a low crime rate, here you can feel safe from terrorist threats and other violence against the individual. The country is famous for its stable economy, which does not give rise to any political or popular unrest. In addition, New Zealand is in first place, sharing it with Denmark, for the lowest level of corruption in the world. Tourists shouldn’t expect natural disasters either; there are no natural disasters here, and there are no poisonous insects or animals.

The ten safest countries for tourists were named by experts from the World Economic Forum. In first place is Finland. Then come the UAE and Iceland. Well, Qatar closes the top ten. Well, what places were occupied by the popular ones? Russian tourist directions - Türkiye, Egypt, Tunisia?

From Qatar to Finland

At first summer season The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published a ranking of the safest countries for tourists. Each country was assessed according to five criteria: the reliability of police services, the number of terrorist attacks, the murder rate (per hundred thousand population), and the costs of the tourism industry related to countering terrorism and crime.

According to WEF, the police work most effectively in the following countries: Finland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Singapore and Norway.

By murder rate last places in the world (out of 137 countries studied) Greece, Cyprus, Japan, Singapore and Iceland.

Businessmen working in the tourism sector spend the most on ensuring security in the United United Arab Emirates(UAE), Lesotho, Qatar, Finland, Rwanda.

Americans name specific areas where terrorist attacks could occur

But the greatest costs for countering the terrorist threat have to be borne by businesses in Lesotho, Uruguay, Finland, Iceland and Zimbabwe. This is such a strange neighborhood...

Speaking of terrorism. Although today it is called “global”, even last year there were many countries on the planet where they had never heard of terrorist attacks - there were 33 of them (out of 137 studied by WEF experts). Moreover, among them were European states (Poland, Serbia, Romania, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Norway), but also “third world” countries (Gambia, Uruguay, Vietnam, Bolivia, El Salvador, Costa Rica). Russia ranks 109th in the ranking, and Ukraine ranks 127th.

Having summed up all the statistical criteria, WEF experts named the five safest countries on the planet, where nothing threatens tourists.

Switzerland took eighth place, Rwanda soared to ninth, and Qatar rounded out the top ten.

In Egypt you can get killed for drinking alcohol

But countries popular with tourists, on the contrary, are far from being satisfied with the most prestigious places. Let's say Egypt ended up only in 130th place - for this state, of course, the terrorist threat is extremely relevant. Just since the beginning of this year, according to estimates by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Measures to Combat It (START), there have been almost three dozen terrorist attacks in Egypt, in which more than 180 people were killed.

Moreover, they occur not only on Sinai Peninsula(for Egypt this is approximately the same as the North Caucasus - for the rest of Russia), but also in major cities. In Cairo, there have been several attacks on police patrols since the beginning of the year, and in early April, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a Coptic (Christian) church in Alexandria, Egypt's second city.

On January 3, a fanatic in the center of Cairo killed a Christian owner of a liquor store. When the owner was calmly smoking a hookah on the street in front of the shop, the Islamist approached him and cut his throat in cold blood. As he later explained to the police, this was punishment for selling “sinful” goods. By the way, even though Egypt is an Islamic country, you can buy alcohol here without any problems, and in large cities such as Cairo and Alexandria (not to mention coastal hotels) there are even pubs.

In general, the Middle East is an extremely heterogeneous region in terms of security, WEF experts note. It's so creepy here dangerous countries, as well as those that are among the ten most “quiet” (Oman, Qatar and the UAE).

The authors of the rating note that significant progress has been made in ensuring the safety of tourists Bahrain, Iran, Morocco And Algeria. At the same time, for example, Tunisia, which is extremely popular among Russians, occupies only 102nd place in the ranking. Although since the beginning of the year, there have been only two terrorist attacks here: on March 12, militants staged a shootout at a checkpoint, and on June 3, they kidnapped and killed a shepherd (both incidents took place in the west of the country, very far from the tourist coast).

Experts who compiled the rating note a significant decline in the positions of such European “resort” countries as Spain And Italy. Once again, the threat of terrorism (as well as a noticeable deterioration in police performance) is to blame, of course.

According to WEF estimates, the terrorist threat remains extremely high in France, which has experienced several major terrorist attacks in recent years.

There are also countries popular among tourists whose low indicators are not related to terrorism. This is, in particular, Mexico, where the level of street and organized crime is traditionally extremely high.

To the airport - like an interrogation

WEF experts note that in the next decade it is the safety of vacationers (and not comfort at all) that will become the main trend in the tourism business of the planet. This is due to the wave of terrorist attacks that have swept across European capitals since 2015.

The world experienced roughly the same thing after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: over ten years, airports and airlines across the planet spent $7.5 billion on implementing additional security measures.

This is exactly how the TSA PreCheck system, launched in 2011 by the US Transportation Security Administration, works. A passenger who has provided the most complete information about himself (including fingerprints and a biometric photo) is screened at the airport and checked in for the flight faster than others, without queuing.

Another system, GOES, works in a similar way, which makes it easier for “trusted” travelers to arrive in the United States: they must be citizens of “selected” countries and undergo an interview in advance to collect a complete dossier.

Such digital technologies ultimately make borders between countries more porous - but, of course, not for terrorists. At the same time, WEF experts note, in continental Europe today they are taking a completely different path: they are strengthening security measures, limiting freedom of movement. In fact, the very existence of the Schengen zone, the main achievement of European integration over the past twenty years, has been called into question.

Well, what will be the prospects for “tourist” security in Russia? The Free Press asked our experts this question.

Program Director for the North Caucasus of the International Crisis Group Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya:

I don’t foresee a serious increase in terrorist risks in the resort regions of Russia. New terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, but rather, they are possible in big cities. Although isolated attacks on tourists in the North Caucasus (especially in southern Dagestan) can occur at any time. But such a threat has existed throughout recent years, and now it has been largely minimized. So there is every reason to expect that the tourist season in Russia will be calm.

Expert of the Institute of National Strategy and editor-in-chief of the scientific journal “Muslim World” Raisu Suleymanov:

I believe that in Russia they will copy all the security system innovations that exist abroad, in order to then introduce them in our country. Increasingly, the Israeli experience in terms of control and inspection measures is being taken as a model in its main international airport(in Tel Aviv), since the Jewish state has effective experience in countering terrorism.

Today even on domestic flights In Russia, quite a thorough search has been carried out for a long time: for example, I recently flew from St. Petersburg to Kazan, and at Pulkovo airport all passengers during the search were asked to open their suitcases, take out laptops, turn them on and show that they are working - that is, these are not dummies some kind of explosive devices.

“SP”: - At the same time, Rais, when the same strict security measures began to be introduced at the Confederations Cup games, this caused misunderstanding and rejection of many fans: they say, but in Europe everything is not so strict.

But even your publication reported that ISIS supporters allegedly invented an improvised explosive device that looked like either a tablet or a laptop. Hence such meticulousness.

Of course, such unusually strict measures create certain inconveniences even at the airport when passing through a metal detector and a baggage scanner. After all, many people carry laptops with them in a suitcase or backpack, and everyone has to obediently take them out, turn them on, and show the guard that they are working. But these difficulties can be endured - safety is more important!

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“SP”: - In your opinion, will strengthening security measures only affect the transportation of goods through transport hubs?

Of course not! I admit that they will be more careful about the religious literature being transported. Objectively, little is looked at: luggage goes through a scanner, which shows that there is a book or several books in the suitcase. But that this is literature, little attention has been paid to this issue.

Now they will probably be looking to see if there is any extremist book. Although it is unlikely that someone planning to commit a terrorist attack on an airplane or at an airport will carry with him a book by a Wahhabi preacher. They usually try not to attract attention. But here the question is about who exactly is entering the country.

* “Islamic State” (ISIL) is a terrorist group whose activities on the territory of Russia are prohibited by the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation dated December 29, 2014.

Based on materials from the Free Press website

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