This study investigates the subjective feeling of safety experienced by individuals when walking alone at night in various countries. It seeks to gauge how secure people feel in their environments, acknowledging that these feelings might not always correspond to actual crime statistics. Influences such as the presence of dangerous wildlife or urban design may affect one’s perception of safety.
Moreover, factors like crime underreporting or diminished trust in law enforcement might skew the relationship between actual crime rates and perceived safety. Nonetheless, exploring these perceptions of nighttime safety offers valuable insights into the overall sense of security in each nation.
In terms of perceived safety, the top five countries are Croatia, Slovenia, Iceland, Estonia and Czech Republic. Croatia leads with a notable safety rate of 75.21, followed closely by Slovenia at 74.38. Iceland is third with 71.83, while Estonia and Czech Republic complete the top five with rates of 69.46 and 68.91, respectively. These rankings highlight a robust sense of security felt within these countries.
Conversely, France is at the bottom of the list with a safety rate of 35.28, followed by Belgium at 40.88. Belarus is third from the bottom with a rate of 41.05, and the United Kingdom and Sweden finish the bottom five with rates of 42.26 and 43.4, respectively.
Surprisingly, countries like France, the UK, and Sweden, known for their economic prosperity and stable socio-political climates, report lower perceived safety. This may indicate a gap between real and perceived safety levels or reflect deeper societal issues affecting public security.
Although there appears to be a regional trend with individuals in the Balkans and Baltic regions feeling safer than those in Western and Eastern Europe, the data shows that GDP does not have a strong correlation with perceived safety. This underscores the complexity of safety perception, which is influenced by various factors beyond economic conditions. It’s important to recognize that these findings offer a broad overview and can vary locally across different cities, neighborhoods, and demographic groups.
| Country | Safety walking alone during night |
| Croatia | 75,21 |
| Slovenia | 74,38 |
| Iceland | 71,83 |
| Estonia | 69,46 |
| Czech Republic | 68,91 |
| Denmark | 68,63 |
| Switzerland | 68,07 |
| Finland | 67,34 |
| Netherlands | 67,06 |
| Montenegro | 67,02 |
| Cyprus | 66,21 |
| Slovakia | 64,45 |
| Serbia | 63,63 |
| Austria | 63,19 |
| Portugal | 62,31 |
| Hungary | 61,45 |
| North Macedonia | 60,71 |
| Norway | 59,4 |
| Romania | 59,26 |
| Poland | 59,25 |
| Bulgaria | 58,85 |
| Spain | 58,8 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 57,75 |
| Lithuania | 57,5 |
| Latvia | 55,32 |
| Malta | 54,83 |
| Luxembourg | 54,55 |
| Albania | 52,19 |
| Germany | 51,51 |
| Russia | 50,93 |
| Turkey | 49,24 |
| Greece | 49,05 |
| Moldova | 45,94 |
| Italy | 44,22 |
| Ireland | 43,77 |
| Sweden | 43,4 |
| UK | 42,26 |
| Belarus | 41,05 |
| Belgium | 40,88 |
| France | 35,28 |
These numbers come from Numbeo as they were on the 24th of April 2024.
Is Croatia Safe to Visit in 2024?
Croatia is a very safe country to visit. The U.S. Department of State gives Croatia a Level 1 travel advisory, which means it is one of the safest places to travel.
Croatia ranks 15th on the Global Peace Index out of 163 countries, showing it is a peaceful country. It also has a good healthcare system, ranking 48th out of 195 countries.
Crime rates in Croatia are low, and people can safely walk around during the day and night. However, as with any country, crime can happen. Some areas are safer than others, but by taking simple precautions, like avoiding risky places and keeping your valuables secure, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Crime in Croatia
The most common crimes in Croatia are pickpocketing and theft, especially in busy tourist areas. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you.
Croatia also has strict drug laws. Possessing or using illegal drugs can lead to heavy fines or even jail time, so it is best to avoid any involvement with drugs during your visit.
To avoid crime, do not walk alone late at night, use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas, and carry a copy of your passport instead of the original. It is also a good idea to keep valuables hidden and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches. When shopping, check your change to make sure it is correct.
Areas to Avoid
Most of Croatia is very safe, but some places have higher crime rates than others. One such area is Varazdin, a former industrial city in the northeast. It has a higher crime rate than the rest of the country, so it is best to avoid it if possible.
On the other hand, the safest places in Croatia include Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Zadar, and the island of Hvar. These areas are known for their low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
Best Places to Stay in Croatia
If you are planning your trip and wondering where to stay, there are many great options depending on your interests.
In Zagreb, the capital city, Lower Town, also called Donji Grad, is a lively area full of parks, museums, and restaurants. Upper Town, known as Gornji Grad, is a historic district with beautiful old buildings and great city views.
In Split, history lovers will enjoy staying in the Old Town, home to the famous Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman site. If you prefer the beach and nightlife, the Bacvice neighborhood is a great choice.
Hvar is one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. Hvar Town is perfect for travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere with its waterfront views and nightlife. If you prefer a peaceful getaway, the village of Jelsa offers a quiet retreat surrounded by nature.
Dubrovnik is one of the most famous cities in Croatia. The Old Town is a great place to stay if you want to be surrounded by history, as it is enclosed within ancient city walls. If you want a relaxing seaside escape while still being close to the city, the Lapad district is a wonderful choice with its beautiful beaches and local charm.
Zadar, another coastal city, is a great destination for those who enjoy both history and nature. The Old Town is rich in history, with Roman ruins and medieval churches. If you prefer to stay near the sea, the Borik district offers sandy beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.
12 Responses
More interesting would be to ask only women that question.
Best, men and women should be asked separately. Senior citizen might also constitute a risk group especially for robbery and hostile wildlife
could you give more information on the basis of the study. Who and how many men, women, children were asked?
Children walking alone at night? Hmm!
Try being less self-centered for a change
Where did you get Belarus statistic?
It is absolutely false
I’m from Belarus and I’m shocked about your ranking…
I don’t know your method of research, but I could totally ensure you that its 100% incorrect…
D’innombrables études et avertissements des Ministères des affaires étrangères européens qui déconseillent un voyage et des séjours en Bélarus sont disponibles sur le Web.
Donc, Oui, le Bélarus, régime totalitaire et dictatorial est un pays absolument pas Secure.
Votre avis en tant que citoyen belarus est totalement partial, sans valeur objective, et vous vivez dans votre bulle de déni.
First of all we spoke at international English language, I do not comment anything on Russian or Belarusian languages it a simple etiquette, if you know such word
Second of all, for todays point of view such regime Is even more safe for people walking along the streets than Paris or Barcelona
I’ve visited this countries, and much more other EU, have you visited Belarus?
It’s much more secure to walk around in Belarus than any other surrounding country, including Lithuania, Latvia or Russia..
These are some random numbers thrown around. It has nothing to do with reality
I’d like to know if it is just residents or are visitors included in this study.
I am from Croatia and I would agree very much! I never felt unsafe walking in any city in Croatia and especially in Zagreb (capital) where I very often walk alone home from a night out and never felt like something might happen. I lived abroad in Spain and Greece, so comparing to these countries Croatia is safer. Speaking from someone who lived in Athens, feel Greece should bea bit higher in this ranking. I have been to Bruxelles 3-4 time and for sure would say I didnt feel super comfortable walking alone at night or even in company, only place where I really felt uncomfortable/unsafe.