180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: Highly RecommendedLGBT+ visiting: Recommended
Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world with a UNESCO town on its shore, and it costs about half what you'd pay for the equivalent view anywhere west of it. Skopje's old bazaar is the real thing, Matka Canyon is an easy half-day, and the wine is a quiet secret. Safe, calm and one of Europe's best bargains. LGBT+ acceptance is middling, so a little awareness helps.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people — lower is better.
North Macedonia: 1.3
Ranked 48th in the world for the lowest homicide rate.
1.26 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024 — a low rate by world standards.
Lower than 73% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is — lower is better.
North Macedonia: 1.8
Ranked 65th most peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 69% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 1.799.
Down 4 places since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom — higher is better.
North Macedonia: 7.6
Ranked 58th freest country in the world.
Freer than 67% of the 165 countries measured — 7.64 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 8.26; doing business and owning property, 6.76.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life — higher is better.
North Macedonia: 4.9
Ranked 67th most equal in the world for LGBT+ people.
Better for LGBT+ equality than 65% of the 197 countries scored — 49 out of 100.
The law runs ahead of public opinion here — legal protections score 65 out of 100, everyday attitudes 33.