According to Gallup’s 2024 Global Safety Report, global perceptions of safety have worsened.

While 70% of people worldwide feel safe walking alone at night, this is down from a high of 72% in 2020. Rising state conflicts and fear are among the factors driving this decline.

Regions like post-Soviet Eurasia have seen significant gains, with 71% of residents feeling safe in 2023, nearly double the number from 2006. Meanwhile, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa struggle, with safety perceptions below 50%.

Ecuador, in particular, has seen a severe drop, with just 27% feeling secure amid escalating gang violence.

In contrast, El Salvador has made an astonishing turnaround.

Once one of the world’s most dangerous nations, 88% of Salvadorans now feel safe following a major crackdown on gangs. The country boasts one of the lowest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere.

Safety perceptions in Israel have declined sharply following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Only 68% of Israelis feel safe, down from 82% in 2022. This marks a significant shift in a region long characterized by instability.

Local police and community services remain critical drivers of safety perceptions worldwide.

Gallup’s report shows that trust in local law enforcement is the strongest predictor of safety, with 71% of people expressing confidence in their police. However, this figure drops to just 53% in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A persistent gender gap in safety remains, with men 20% more likely than women to report feeling secure.

The report emphasizes that addressing women’s safety concerns is crucial to closing this gap. Economic conditions also play a significant role in shaping safety perceptions globally.

Liberia ranks lowest on Gallup’s Law and Order Index for the second year. Only 30% of its residents feel safe walking alone, and 45% reported theft. On the other hand, Kuwait tops the list, with 99% of its population feeling safe and low crime rates.