Five safest countries in 2024: Uzbekistan stands out as low-risk travel destination in Central Asia

In an annual study conducted by International SOS, a risk assessment firm, several colder countries have been identified as the most secure. The countries that stood out in terms of safety were Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, and Denmark. These nations outperformed others, securing the safest designation on the organization’s global Travel Risk Maps.

The authors of the map considered the security levels of countries, based on the threat posed to employees by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest, and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal, and ethnic violence), and violent and petty crime.

Countries that struggled with these issues and failed to meet the safety criteria included South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and Somalia. Countries like Afghanistan and Syria have frequently been recognized as dangerous; Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, and Russia are more recent additions to this list.

Photo: Iceland is the safest place in the world for travel purposes

Iceland was ranked the overall safest country in the world due to its “insignificant security risk.” This is attributed to low violent crime rates, absence of political violence, and minimal sectarian, communal, racial, or targeted violence against foreigners, among other factors.

In Central Asia, Uzbekistan is the only country with a low level of travel risk, while Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan are recognized as countries with an average level of risk.

Photo: The study considers various factors such as political violence, social unrest, and crime rates

South Sudan, described as an “extreme security risk,” tops the list of the most dangerous places in the world. The lack of government control and minimal law enforcement across large areas are cited as reasons. There is also a serious threat of “violent attacks by armed groups targeting travelers and international assignees.”

International SOS has reported an increase in climate-related alerts, as rising global temperatures are believed to be increasing health risks worldwide. Businesses are increasingly seeking more support on this matter. In 2023, there was an 80% increase in the number of medical alerts issued by International SOS related to climate change factors compared to the previous year. This statistic underscores the magnitude of the issue for businesses and their leaders.

Photo: South Sudan is described as an “extreme security risk” due to lack of government control and minimal law enforcement

Dr. Irene Lai, Global Medical Director at International SOS, stated, “The extreme heat events this year, with the first ever named heatwave hitting Europe, may become commonplace. In addition to the physical impacts of extreme heat, there can be significant negative effects on mental health.”

She further emphasized, “It is essential businesses plan for this, adapting our way of living and working to protect health, while also taking steps to slow and eventually reverse the trend in rising temperatures.”