Government of Portugal

06/17/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/18/2021 14:32

Portugal among the five most peaceful countries in the world In 2020, Portugal registered the lowest crime rates since the current registration model was implemented, more than[...]

2021-06-17 at 10h13

Portugal among the five most peaceful countries in the world

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Portugal is one of the five most peaceful countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2021, behind Iceland, New Zealand, and Denmark. In other words, it's the second in the European Union.

The Institute for Economics & Peace report, where Portugal ranks 4th among the 163 states and independent territories can be viewed at:

https://www.visionofhumanity.org/resources/?fbclid=IwAR3zB0W6K3H4w6jvd07JE4LAWGJO2Exg1xAClibhZuiF-5lMHlRsSLA9iOI

According to the Portuguese Minister of Home Affairs, Eduardo Cabrita, '[the fact that] Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world is an asset in the quality of life for the Portuguese and is a competitive advantage compared to other countries'.

'Peacefulness is far from being a strictly law enforcement matter. Today, it is a decisive factor to attract investment, attract the tourists we hope to regain, for the strengthening of the country's overall image. We easily recall countries with huge potential such as ours, where insecurity restricts economic development, investment or tourism', the Minister underlined.

'In 2020, Portugal registered the lowest crime rates since the current registration model was implemented, more than 30 years ago. And it is important to recall that this was attained during a year as difficult as this, with the pandemic, which in many countries led to a rise in conflict and the rise in some types of crime', he concluded.

In this 15th edition of the Index, which covers 99.7% of the world's population, the key highlights indicated that the average level of global country peacefulness has deteriorated, in a world where the conflicts and crises from last decade started to diminish, only to be replaced by a new wave of tension and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the growing tension between the major powers.

The significant steps taken by Portugal in the last few years in terms of safety and security have allowed us to reduce crime and, as a result, gradually rise in this ranking, in a consolidated manner.

We note that in 2014 Portugal was in 18th place and has been making its way to the top of the list over the last few years.