Experts from the World Economic Forum (WEF) have compiled a ranking of the safest countries in the world for tourists. According to news agencies, Finland took first place on the list.

The second position is in the UAE, and Iceland is in third place. The top 10 rankings also included Oman, Hong Kong, Singapore, Norway, Switzerland, Rwanda and Qatar.

In turn, Colombia (136), Yemen (135) and El Salvador (134) were recognized as the most unsafe countries in the world.

In total, the list includes 136 countries. When compiling the rating, criteria such as the level of crime, the terrorist threat and the presence of armed conflicts were taken into account.

World map of the safest countries in the world

Experts from the medical service company International SOS compiled interactive map world, where the most dangerous and safe countries to travel in 2017 are marked.

On the map, which can be found on the company’s website, countries are marked in different colors depending on the degree of risk that awaits the visiting tourist.

The most dangerous are indicated in dark red: Libya, Mali, South Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Central African Republic, Afghanistan and Venezuela.

This also includes some areas of Congo, Somalia and Sudan and others, RIA Novosti reports.

States that are slightly safer for tourists are highlighted in orange. This list includes some states of Mexico, border areas of Colombia and Ecuador, Nigeria, Pakistan, part of India and others.

Experts classified Ukraine, in the east of which there is an ongoing armed conflict, Belarus, Poland, Turkey, Egypt and a number of other countries, as states with a medium level of danger for tourists. These countries are indicated in yellow.

Russia, along with Brazil, China, India, Kazakhstan and some other countries, was classified as a country with “rapidly developing variable risks.”

“Green countries”, the level of risks in which were considered insignificant, are the USA, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, Slovenia and Denmark.

When creating the map, factors such as terrorism, politically motivated riots and wars, social unrest, crime rates, reliability transport infrastructure, the effectiveness of security and emergency response services, and the country's exposure to natural disasters.

The safest countries in Europe for tourists from Russia have been named

The safest countries for tourists are Estonia, the Czech Republic and Germany, Izvestia reports.

The insurance company SG SOGAZ conducted a study, according to which Estonia turned out to be the safest for Russian tourists. This is where Russian tourists are least likely to seek medical help.

It is believed that most insurance cases occur in Bulgaria, Thailand and other popular resorts among Russians. However, this is a very rough estimate, since most Russians travel to these countries. And in this case, the principle works - the more people there are, the more unpleasant incidents there are. The SOGAZ company for the first time tried to assess the safety of certain countries based on the frequency of requests for medical insurance policies from those traveling abroad.

In the first half of the year, the insurer recorded 560 cases of tourist claims due to illnesses, poisonings, injuries and other medical reasons. Policies with worldwide coverage were not taken into account in the calculations. The final list of the study included 25 states, in which a total of 17 thousand policies were sold in the first half of the year.

According to the study, tourists who vacation in the Baltics are least at risk. Estonia became the safest country for Russian tourists. Only 0.5% of tourists (that is, one person out of 200 vacationers) sought medical help in this country. The Czech Republic took second place in the ranking, where the risk barely exceeds 1% (1.13%). An almost similar situation is in Germany, which closes the top 3 safest tourist countries, - only 1.22% of tourists seek medical care. And this despite the fact that these states are among the most popular destinations among Russian tourists.

The list of countries with a low risk for Russians also included Slovakia (1.40%), Portugal (2.05%), Serbia (2.37%), Norway (2.86%), Switzerland (3.15%), Italy (3.32%). Hungary closes the top ten safest countries for Russians in the Old World, where the frequency of calls is 3.49%.

According to Dmitry Yanin, Chairman of the Board of the International Confederation of Consumer Societies, there are four factors that influence the traumatic nature of vacations. Hygiene in the host country (quality of food and water) influences National cuisine, which may taste unusual, hot climate and plenty of sun, as well as alcohol.

The less sun, the fewer problems. In Asia, food is a risk factor. There are problems with both its quality and the quality of water. In addition, in hot countries there are quite extreme beach activities. In Estonia there is little sun, the cuisine is close to us, such a favorable situation, and most importantly, there is no all-inclusive system with alcohol. If you drink less, you get injured less,” explained Dmitry Yanin.

• Obtaining a residence permit. The purchase of any real estate guarantees you a residence permit. This document will allow you to stay in the country for an unlimited amount of time.

In Northern Cyprus it is very easy to obtain citizenship - this is the goal of most people who return from vacation there.

It is worth saying that according to Interpol, the crime rate in Northern Cyprus is 5 times lower than in Western Europe. And the reason why Northern Cyprus not included in the list of the safest countries in the world - status unrecognized state. Otherwise, this country is an ideal place to relax and live.

Spain is the most popular resort in the ranking for family holidays

Another one popular country among tourists. It’s no joke, more than 50 million people visit the resorts of this country every year. This is the most popular European resort. Such popularity and a large influx of tourists provides appropriate conditions for a comfortable vacation:

• Low prices. Spain is the most affordable Western European country for holidays. Almost everyone can afford a vacation on the famous Costa or Barcelona.
• Wherein low prices have no effect on quality of services provided. By flying to this country you guarantee yourself positive emotions.
• Developed tourist infrastructure. Spain combines everything you love modern tourist. You can spend your holiday relaxing on the famous Spanish beaches. Or enrich yourself culturally by visiting local attractions and famous cathedrals. Also, many events are held annually to attract tourists, including the famous Encierro.
• Visas. Visas in Spain are somewhat more complicated; after all, this country is a member of the Schengen agreement. Accordingly, in order to visit this wonderful country you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. One of the advantages is that applying for Schengen visa to Spain is quite simple; you just need to provide the embassy with a voucher.

Like any other Western European country, Spain pays a lot of attention to security. So in the general list of countries it is in 18th place, and Barcelona occupies fifteenth place in a similar ranking of cities. It is not surprising that Spain is included in the list of the safest countries in the world in which you can relax in comfort.

We should also pay attention to recent events when Catalonia tried to hold a referendum on independence. This event was received ambiguously throughout the world, but the fact that there were no serious clashes, not to mention casualties among the local population or tourists, is indicative. Which once again speaks of the highest level of security in this country.

Czech Republic - expensive but safe

The Czech Republic is on the list of the safest countries in the world for tourists and for permanent residence. In the latest rankings, this state took sixth place, which is an astonishing result. And if we consider the Czech Republic from the point of view of tourism, then this is a very popular destination in our country, so why does this country take third place in our top? Let's take a closer look:

• Prices. Holidays in the Czech Republic are one of the most expensive in Europe. If you want to spend your holiday here comfortably, you will have to spend a decent amount of money.
• There is no usual resort holiday here. This country is rich in history, museums and atmosphere. In addition, every year a huge number of tourists come to this country to try the famous Czech beer. If you want to enrich yourself culturally, then this is a great choice.
• Service. Our people are not used to European service. No, its quality is at the highest level, but the system itself is very different from the Turkish one. For example, finding hotels with an all-inclusive system is quite problematic. Therefore, if you are used to being on vacation and not caring about anything, then it is better to choose, for example, Northern Cyprus.
• Visas. The Czech Republic is also a member country of the Schengen Agreement, but obtaining a visa to this country is much more difficult than to Spain. You will not only need to present vouchers, but also prove your solvency throughout the entire period of stay in this country.

Of course, the Czech Republic can be called the safest country in the world, which annually receives a huge number of tourists, but you will have to pay extra for this security, because this is the dear country presented today in our top.

What else should you take care of when going on vacation? 5 rules

Of course, our list of the safest countries in the world to live shows a general trend, but you can’t leave everything to chance, relying on research data. Here's what you need to take care of when going on vacation:

1. Medical insurance. We are accustomed to relatively free medical care and compulsory insurance. But all over the world, medicine is a very expensive pleasure. Therefore, before departure you should definitely purchase health insurance in case of health problems. Especially it concerns independent trips, since travel packages often already include contracts with insurance companies.
2. Be sure to purchase a ticket for way back straightaway. Again, if you are flying on a package deal, then usually everything is already included. But in case of independent trips, this must be taken care of in advance. It is also worth knowing that the criterion for obtaining visas to some countries is the presence of this ticket.
3. Get vaccinated. Especially it concerns exotic countries South-East Asia. It will be unpleasant to come down with an unknown illness on the first day of vacation. All over the world, they have already abandoned the practice of entering only if they have vaccinations, but in any case, this is in your interests.
4. Protection from pickpockets. If we talk about security throughout the world, then in the countries presented above it is at the highest level. But you need to understand that huge flows of tourists attract petty pickpockets and scammers. Therefore, you should not store money and documents in accessible places. Many hotels provide safes for such needs.
5. Do not leave the resort areas. To a greater extent, this applies to countries with not the most prosperous economies. As a rule, in resort towns with security everything is at the highest level, but with the rest of the state everything may not be so smooth.

Conclusion

Today we looked at the safest countries in the world for tourists and for living. Of course, this is a very important factor for a comfortable vacation. And if you want to return only with positive emotions, then you should not rush into various adventures. Today in the world the best combination of quality of recreation, price and safety is Northern Cyprus.

When a person chooses a holiday 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 evaluate everything possible risks. But most people expect a pleasant stay, a feeling of comfort and complete relaxation from their vacation. 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, it is a 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. None of the above criteria are met African countries and states of South Asia.
• Level of 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 safest state 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 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 affectionate warm sea and a wonderful tan even in summer. After all, this is a 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 traffic rules move on the country’s roads. 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 most low level crime 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 with its extraordinary natural beauty. Here the clouds seem to be born from the depths of the waters. It is impossible to find large 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, steeped in culture and traditions.

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 volcano crater 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 happen every year. emergency situations 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 magical city made of multi-colored bricks has been built here for children. What is especially delightful is that all the streets and houses are assembled from Lego - the 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 (the town of Odense) will make a lasting impression on both 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 is a small state with the 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 recreation, 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.

Beautiful 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, a tourist 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 incredibly 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 ebb and flow of the tides are very noticeable, because the state is surrounded on all sides by waves 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 get to know 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 freely available in 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.

New Zealand has an amazing 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 lovers 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 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 coast Atlantic Ocean. 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 ensured in the country, it is imperative to comply with the rules of public order, not to challenge traditions and customs, and then your vacation will be safe and comfortable.

Many people believe that traveling is dangerous. At the same time, they forget that they themselves live in states with extremely high crime rates. By traveling to the safest countries for tourists, you will feel safer than at home.

After a series of terrorist attacks at resorts around the world, many travelers are wondering where it is now safe to go on vacation abroad. This issue is especially of concern to Russian tourists, who suddenly lost their two most popular destinations. Of course, such places exist. According to company research Unisys, 10 states were included in the list of safe countries for tourists.

• Do not miss:

Not so long ago, the country was ruled by a totalitarian regime, which did not prevent it from making a tremendous leap in development over the past decades. Now it is a quiet and peaceful state with a developed tourism infrastructure. The murder rate here is 0.7 people per 100 thousand inhabitants. For comparison, in the most dangerous country in the world, Honduras, this figure is 66, in Russia - 9.7.

9. Canada

Despite fairly relaxed legislation regarding gun ownership, only 1.73 murders per 100 thousand are recorded here. This is half that of its southern neighbor, the United States. The indicator is slightly higher than that of Slovenia, but the number of violent deaths is far from the only indicator that allows us to determine safe countries for tourism.

8. Austria

If it weren't for minor incidents of racism towards travelers, Austria would rank higher on the list. There are only 0.9 violent deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants. High level of education and amazing law-abiding nature of the country ski resorts allow you to safely add it to the list of safe destinations for Russian tourists.

• Read also:

7. Czech Republic

It turns out that the country owes its high popularity among tourists not only to its unique architecture. A high level of comfort and safety also plays an important role.

6. Japan

The famous yakuza, as it turned out, is nothing more than an attraction for visitors. It has one of the lowest murder rates in the world (0.3 per 100,000), and respectful treatment of travelers makes visiting the state a pleasure. Thanks to this, Japan has long been on the list of the safest countries for tourists, including Russian ones.

5. Denmark

The picturesque Scandinavian country is quiet place, where people live in peace and quiet. Rarely does anything happen here, which is why Denmark is not often on the front pages of the international press.

4. Switzerland

The local law enforcement system works with the same precision as the notorious Swiss watch. Highest level education and non-aligned status keep Switzerland aloof from all global conflicts, which provides good reason to list it among the safest countries for tourism.

3. Norway

It’s just that the dog’s cold has made the Norwegians so tolerant and tolerant, both towards their compatriots and towards tourists. Here you can safely explore even the most remote and uninhabited corners, which attracts many Russian tourists here.

2. Sweden

The country of victorious socialism is popular tourist place. Despite this, crime is practically absent here. Maybe because the concept of “poverty” does not exist in Sweden? Or because the Swedes firmly believe (and not without reason) that the state will protect them, despite their status and social status...

1. Iceland

If you can handle the cold well, then Iceland is an ideal place to live and travel. It was she who topped the list of the most safe places for tourists (0.3 murders per 100 thousand inhabitants). Here you can safely leave the entrance doors open, a car with keys, or a bicycle on the street. Friendliness and hospitality local residents knows no boundaries, and besides, the landscapes here are simply indescribable.

• Do not miss:

It is interesting to note that 4 of the safest countries for tourists are in Scandinavia, and only 2 are outside Europe. Maybe this is where the formula lies that could help reduce crime in the rest of the world?...

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 the beginning of the summer season, the World Economic Forum (WEF) 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.

In terms of murder rates, the last places in the world (out of 137 countries studied) are 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 content with far from 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 most important 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. There are both terribly dangerous countries and those that are among the ten most “calm” (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 is for last years survived several major terrorist attacks.

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 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 around 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 North Caucasus 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 tourist season in Russia it will pass calmly.

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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