I think the point should be to find a dependable email provider in the same country you live in. That way, your data is subject to the same jurisdictian you are and can only be used against you with a court order.

Also, look for a service with good support. You don't want Google shutting down your account for no reason with no person to talk to for getting your data back.

I am German. Thus I use a German paid mail provider with good customer service track record.