The 11 safest cities in the world

Aine Cain
Monday 16 October 2017 11:08 BST
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Japan has two locations in the top three safest cities in the world
Japan has two locations in the top three safest cities in the world (AFP)

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Big cities aren't necessarily unsafe.

In fact, some of the safest cities in the world are urban hubs that boast low crime rates and high levels of safety.

The Economist's 2017 safe cities index, sponsored by NEC, ranked 60 cities based on the factors of personal security, digital security, health security, and infrastructure security.

Personal security takes into account urban crime, terrorism, and other violence. Digital security measures threats like cyber attacks. Health security considers healthcare access, hospitals, and emergency services. Infrastructure security looks into cities with safe buildings, roads, and bridges. The Economist analyzed 49 indicators across each aspect of security in order to come up with a score out of 100. Safer cities received higher scores.

Overall, however, The Economist found that man-made dangers, like cyber threats, terrorism, and inequality-induced violence are on the rise in urban areas.

No US cities cracked the very top of the list — San Francisco came closest, with a ranking of 15.

On the other hand, Japan and Australia each saw two cities make the top 11.

Here are the safest cities around the globe:

11. Frankfurt, Germany

Manufacturers of cars and other vehicles were the main driver behind the overall surge
Manufacturers of cars and other vehicles were the main driver behind the overall surge (REUTERS)

Overall score: 84.86

Personal security ranking: 11

Digital security ranking: 16

Health security ranking: 3

Infrastructure security ranking: 23

10. Zurich, Switzerland

Overall score: 85.2

Personal security ranking: 20

Digital security ranking: 19

Health security ranking: 4

Infrastructure security ranking: 10

9. Hong Kong

The financial hub’s long-term issuer credit rating was lowered to AA+ from AAA, S&P said
The financial hub’s long-term issuer credit rating was lowered to AA+ from AAA, S&P said (Anthony Wallace/AFP)

Overall score: 86.22

Personal security ranking: 7

Digital security ranking: 5

Health security ranking: 24

Infrastructure security ranking: 7

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Overall score: 86.72

Personal security ranking: 9

Digital security ranking: 13

Health security ranking: 10

Infrastructure security ranking: 4

7. Sydney, Australia

()
() (Getty)

Overall score: 86.74

Personal security ranking: 12

Digital security ranking: 12

Health security ranking: 6

Infrastructure security ranking: 9

6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands (Jeroen Swolfs)

Overall score: 87.26

Personal security ranking: 10

Digital security ranking: 4

Health security ranking: 12

Infrastructure security ranking: 6

5. Melbourne, Australia

Overall score: 87.3

Personal security ranking: 8

Digital security ranking: 11

Health security ranking: 9

Infrastructure security ranking: 7

4. Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada.
Toronto, Canada. (Shutterstock)

Overall score: 87.36

Personal security ranking: 5

Digital security ranking: 6

Health security ranking: 11

Infrastructure security ranking: 14

3. Osaka, Japan

Overall score: 88.87

Personal security ranking: 3

Digital security ranking: 14

Health security ranking: 1

Infrastructure security ranking: 11

2. Singapore

Overall score: 89.64

Personal security ranking: 1

Digital security ranking: 2

Health security ranking: 13

Infrastructure security ranking: 1

1. Tokyo, Japan

Japan's cherry blossom (seen here in Tokyo in 2017) is within reach for £248
Japan's cherry blossom (seen here in Tokyo in 2017) is within reach for £248 (AFP/Getty Images)

Overall score: 89.8

Personal security ranking: 4

Digital security ranking: 1

Health security ranking: 2

Infrastructure security ranking: 12

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