180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: Highly RecommendedLGBT+ visiting: Recommended
Slovakia is the quiet one that alpine countries hope you won't find: the High Tatras give you granite peaks and mountain huts at a fraction of Alps prices, Spiš Castle is one of Europe's largest, and Bratislava's old town makes a fine long weekend. Safe, free and still refreshingly uncrowded. LGBT+ acceptance lags the west, so a little awareness helps.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people — lower is better.
Slovakia: 1.1
Ranked 44th in the world for the lowest homicide rate.
1.07 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024 — a low rate by world standards.
Lower than 75% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is — lower is better.
Slovakia: 1.6
Ranked 39th most peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 83% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 1.609.
Barely moved — up one place since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom — higher is better.
Slovakia: 8.1
Ranked 37th freest country in the world.
Freer than 78% of the 165 countries measured — 8.14 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 8.71; doing business and owning property, 7.33.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life — higher is better.
Slovakia: 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.