Imagine feeling so secure that you'd stroll through the city streets alone in the dead of night without a second thought. That's the reality for a staggering 98% of adults in Singapore, according to the latest Gallup Global Safety Report 2025. But here's where it gets controversial: while Singapore's safety record is undeniably impressive, can its success be replicated elsewhere, or is it a unique case study in urban security? Let's dive in.
For the 12th time since 2006, Singapore has claimed the top spot in Gallup's safety-perception rankings, a feat that's hard to ignore. This American multinational analytics firm surveyed over 145,000 people across 144 countries and territories, and the results are eye-opening. When asked if they feel safe walking alone at night, 73% of adults worldwide said yes – the highest global figure in nearly two decades. And this is the part most people miss: Singapore's 98% safety rate isn't just a one-off; it's been consistently high, never dipping below 94% in the past five years.
What's even more striking is the near-parity between genders: 98% of men and 97% of women in Singapore feel safe walking alone at night. Gallup credits this to the city-state's low crime rates, robust law enforcement, and strong public order. However, the report also raises a thought-provoking point: Singapore's success as a small, affluent island nation might be difficult to replicate in larger, more diverse countries. Is this a fair assessment, or are there lessons here that any city can learn?
Following Singapore in the rankings are Tajikistan (95%), China (94%), Oman (94%), and Saudi Arabia (93%). In contrast, South Africa sits at the bottom, with only 33% of adults feeling safe walking alone at night. This figure has barely budged since 2006, when it was 41%. But why is this the case? In many South African communities, particularly under-resourced townships and informal settlements, crime – including assault, robbery, and gender-based violence – remains a persistent threat, shaping residents' perceptions of safety.
Regionally, the Asia-Pacific (79%) and Western Europe (77%) lead the way in nighttime safety perceptions. So, what can other cities learn from Singapore's example? Is it all about resources, or are there deeper societal factors at play? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Could your city ever achieve Singapore-level safety, and if so, what would it take?
