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Global Safety Ratings Reach Unprecedented Levels Amidst Global Conflicts

In a surprising twist to a year characterized by unparalleled global conflicts, the latest findings from the 2025 Global Safety Report by Gallup reveal that a record number of people now report feeling safe. This upward trend marks a significant moment, as 73% of adults across the globe indicate they feel secure walking alone at night. This statistic not only represents a marked increase but also stands as the highest recorded level since Gallup began measuring feelings of safety in 2006.

Regional Safety Gains

Safety enhancements have been particularly pronounced in several regions, contributing to this optimistic outlook. Areas such as the Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa have all recorded notable gains. Impressively, for the first time, 50% of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean now report feeling safe during nighttime walks. Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, emphasizes that, despite ongoing conflicts and uncertainties, individuals worldwide are striving to cultivate safer communities. “Safety is not merely defined by the absence of violence; it embodies trust in institutions and communal resilience,” he states.

Leading the Safety Index: Singapore

Among the countries assessed, Singapore shines as the leader in global safety perceptions. A staggering 98% of individuals in Singapore express confidence in their nighttime safety, a fact that marks its twelfth consecutive year at the top of the list. On the contrary, South Africa postures at the bottom of the safety index, with only 33% of adults feeling secure, while its neighboring countries, Lesotho and Botswana, follow closely behind with 34%.

Gender Disparities in Safety Perceptions

Despite the overall improvement, significant gender disparities persist in feelings of safety. Globally, 67% of women report feeling secure while walking alone at night, a stark contrast to 78% of men. In over 100 countries, the gender gap in safety perception exceeds 10 percentage points. In wealthier nations, including the United States, Australia, and several EU members, these differences can be even more pronounced, with gaps of 26% or more. Specifically in the U.S., 71% of adults claim to feel safe during nighttime strolls. This aligns with previous years’ data; however, the gender gap remains one of the most significant in high-income countries, where only 58% of women feel safe compared to 84% of men.

GCC Dominates the Top Rankings

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states notably dominate the rankings, with five of the top ten countries for safety being GCC members: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Each of these nations reports safety levels exceeding 90%.

A New Partnership for Safety Insights

The 2025 report is a product of collaboration between Gallup and the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University. Merging Gallup's extensive global data with CIC's expertise in violence prevention and peace promotion, the partnership underscores the importance of localized efforts in enhancing safety. Daniel Friedman, Program Director at the CIC, notes, “Understanding what fosters a sense of security is crucial for creating resilient societies. The findings highlight that positive change is within reach.”

About Gallup

Gallup has spent over 80 years delivering analytics and advice, assisting leaders and organizations in tackling their most significant challenges. By leveraging its vast global reach, Gallup provides unparalleled insights into the attitudes and behaviors of people around the world.

About the Center for International Cooperation

The Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at NYU has been a leader in applied policy research for over two decades, focusing on the interconnected domains of policy, security, justice, development, and humanitarian issues.