Exploring the Least Racist Countries in Europe: A Look at Unity, Diversity, and Racial Equality

Europe, a continent of over 742 million people, is home to diverse cultures, countries, and social backgrounds.

Every year, millions of people move to European nations seeking better opportunities and living conditions. Yet, these new beginnings often come with the challenge of integrating into new communities, with racism being a significant barrier for many. By examining this issue more closely, five European countries stand out where racism appears to be less prevalent.

United Kingdom

Score: 4.28

The United Kingdom ranks among the least racist countries in Europe, reflecting its long history of immigration and the government's efforts to improve the lives of immigrants.

According to Index Mundi, the UK scored 4.28 points. While the survey showed that many respondents do not view racial discrimination as a significant problem, some still do. The UK also ranks 16th globally for racial equality. This ranking reflects a balance between public sentiment and institutional efforts to combat racial discrimination. On a global scale, South Africa scored highest at 6.86 points.

Portugal

Score: 3.72

Known for its rich cultural diversity, Portugal has become home to numerous people from South America, Africa, and the UK in recent years. The country has embraced its diversity, working tirelessly to improve laws that welcome newcomers regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion. Portugal ranked 13th globally for racial equality and received a score of 3.72 in the Index Mundi study. Notably, Portugal records the lowest level of racist harassment in the EU, with only 6 percent of respondents reporting such experiences.

Spain

Score: 4.52

Spain scored 4.52 points in the Index Mundi study, placing it at the top of this list of European countries. According to a report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the prevalence of racist harassment in Spain stands at 16 percent, positioning the country as a leader in tackling racial discrimination. Spain’s legal framework has played a crucial role in addressing racism, with recent updates to the Criminal Code that classify racism as an "aggravated circumstance" in criminal offenses, leading to stricter penalties.

The country's population is diverse, with significant numbers of Moroccans, Ecuadorians, and Chinese residing there.

Poland

Score: 3.58

Poland may not initially come to mind when considering the least racist countries in Europe, but the data reveals otherwise. Among the 6,750 black people surveyed across 13 EU member states, 19 percent reported facing discrimination in Poland over the past year.

While still significant, this number pales compared to the 67 percent reported in Austria, according to the FRA. Poland, with its influx of immigrants from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, ranks 25th globally for racial equality.

Sweden

Score: 4.50

Sweden ranks fourth globally for racial equality, the highest position of any country on this list. Yet, the FRA study shows that 21 percent of participants in Sweden reported experiencing racism in the past year. Despite its progressive policies, Sweden, like much of Europe, continues to face challenges related to racial discrimination. Neighboring countries Denmark and Finland have also seen an upward trend in racism. In Denmark, 43 percent of respondents experienced racism in 2022, a slight rise from 41 percent in 2016. Finland's numbers are more troubling, with 54 percent of respondents reporting racism in 2022, up from 45 percent in 2016, showing that more than half of the population has faced racial discrimination.

Methodology

The scores for each country were determined based on a study conducted by Index Mundi, which analyzed ten different factors related to racial discrimination, including human rights violations, economic disparities, and the impact of racism on mental health. Racism not only infringes on human rights but also undermines social cohesion by fostering inequality and division. The harmful effects of racism also extend to education and employment opportunities, contributing to poverty and systemic inequality.

In addition to the Index Mundi study, the findings of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) report on people of African descent in the EU were considered, as well as data from Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office. Together, these sources provide a clearer picture of the state of racial equality across Europe. 

By fLEXI tEAM