Numbeo’s latest international crime data highlights Venezuela as the most dangerous nation, while Pakistan edges past India in a surprising shift across Asia’s safety landscape
28 July 2025, New Delhi
The Numbeo Crime Index 2025 , based on real-time public data and global user inputs, offers a startling glimpse into where safety stands across the globe. The annual index evaluates countries on various factors including perceived crime levels, incidents of theft, assault, corruption, and citizen confidence in law enforcement. This year, the rankings come with notable surprises, particularly within Asia — where Pakistan has been ranked safer than India — and Latin America, which continues to dominate the bottom of the global safety chart.
Most Unsafe Countries in the World: A Shocking Line-Up
The report names Venezuela as the most unsafe country in the world in 2025 , plagued by widespread violence, kidnappings, political unrest, and systemic lawlessness. Papua New Guinea holds the second spot due to rampant gang-related crime and minimal police control, especially in urban areas. Haiti , ranked third , continues to spiral into chaos following governmental collapse and unchecked militia violence.
In the fourth and fifth positions are Afghanistan and South Africa, respectively. Afghanistan’s conflict-driven instability, combined with a weakened governance structure, keeps it firmly among the least safe. South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of robbery, carjacking, and murder, particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The World’s Safest Countries
On the brighter end of the index, Andorra is named the safest country in the world in 2025 , followed closely by the United Arab Emirates and Qatar . These countries boast exceptional law enforcement efficiency, low crime rates, and strong public safety policies. Taiwan and Oman also make the top five, with their high safety index scores supported by low rates of violent crime and strong community policing models.
Other countries with commendable safety records include Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Armenia, and the Isle of Man. These nations continue to demonstrate how structured governance, economic stability, and civic discipline foster safer societies.
Asia’s Safety Map: Where Does It Stand?
- Most Dangerous Areas in Asia
Afghanistan remains among the lowest safety scores, confronting terrorism and militant violence.
Parts of South Asia, including some urban zones in India like Delhi-NCR , continue to have elevated crime rates, especially violent offences and gang activity
- Safest Areas in Asia
In Pakistan, Islamabad and Lahore rank among the safest major cities globally, with Safety Index scores of 67.9 and ~63 respectively. Law enforcement reforms have led to sharp reductions in street crime, theft, and violent incidents in 2024–25
Pakistan overall ranks 65th globally with a Safety Index of 56.3, edging ahead of India at 66th (55.7)
Pakistan vs. India
Although regional neighbours, Pakistan is narrowly safer than India in the 2025 Numbeo rankings. Pakistan’s score of 56.3 places it 65th globally , just ahead of India’s 55.7 at 66th . Major Pakistani cities—including Islamabad and Lahore—have shown tangible improvements in safety through police reforms, urban awareness campaigns, and data‑driven policing efforts. Delhi, on the other hand, remains among India’s highest‑crime metropolitan area.
Experts emphasize that safety is not just about statistical reductions in crime but about how secure people feel in their daily lives. “Public perception of safety is often shaped by transparency, community trust in police, and visible law enforcement presence,” says global security analyst Dr. Arman Leclerc . “Countries that succeed in building these systems often outperform even wealthier nations.”
The 2025 Crime Index doesn’t just rank nations—it reveals global truths. While nations like Venezuela and Haiti remain mired in chaos, others like Andorra, Qatar, and Taiwan set the benchmark for public safety.
Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.