Based on several criteria, The Economist has determined a ranking of the 50 safest cities in the world for 2015.

The Safe Cities Index 2015 (Economist Intelligence Unit) report is based on an index of over 40 quantitative and qualitative indicators. These indicators are themselves divided into four categories:

1. Digital Security (cyber crime and identity theft)
2. Health Security (life expectancy, number of doctors and hospital beds, access to healthcare, air quality...)
3. Infrastructure safety (quality of roads, deaths from natural disasters)
4. Personal safety (number of violent crimes and illegal activities).

The wealthy Asian cities occupy the top spots. And Tokyo (Japan), which ranks as the safest city in the world, is considered little affected by crime and violence,  with effective fight against cybercrime and itis noted that air quality has improved considerably since the ban on diesel vehicles.

We then find Singapore and Osaka (Japan), which form the top three on the podium, followed by Stockholm (Sweden) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). That said, on the other hand, it is also an Asian city, Jakarta, which closes the index at the 50th position (preceded by Tehran,  49 and Ho Chi Minh City, 48). Paris is in 23.

1. Tokyo
2. Singapore
3. Osaka
4. Stockholm
5. Amsterdam
6. Sydney
7. Zurich
8. Toronto
9. Melbourne
10. New York
11. Hong Kong
12. San Francisco
13. Taipei
14. Montreal
15. Barcelona
16. Chicago
17. Los Angeles
18. London
19. Washington DC
20. Frankfurt

Not surprisingly, this ranking shows that wealth, economic development and security are linked. However, the authors also explain that "statistically safe is not the same as feeling safe." Of the 50 cities, only Zurich and Mexico get the same rank in the overall index than one that measures the perception of safety among their citizens. And the conclusion says:

"The challenge for city leaders is to translate progress on safety into changing public perceptions. But cities also aspire to be attractive places to live in. So smart solutions, such as intelligent lighting, should be pursued over ubiquitous cameras or gated communities."

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