Global Peace Index - Safest countries in the world

The Global Peace Index ranks countries based on safety, tranquility, and the absence of violence. It provides insights into the state of peace across the globe, highlighting the safest nations and those facing significant challenges to stability. This comprehensive ranking sheds light on global peace trends and the factors contributing to them.

Which are the safest countries in the world?

Iceland tops the Global Peace Index with an outstanding score of 1.107, maintaining its position as the safest country in the world. New Zealand (1.269) and Ireland (1.288) follow closely, reflecting their low crime rates, political stability, and high levels of social cohesion. Denmark (1.296) and Austria (1.300) round out the top five, showcasing their peaceful societies and strong governance frameworks.

Other high-ranking nations include Portugal (1.301), Slovenia (1.316), and the Czech Republic (1.318), all of which benefit from effective policies that promote safety and harmony. Singapore (1.326) and Japan (1.336) complete the top ten, illustrating the importance of strict law enforcement and cultural emphasis on respect and order.

What challenges do the lowest-ranked countries face?

Afghanistan ranks last with a score of 3.554, facing significant challenges including ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Yemen (3.394) and Syria (3.356) also rank poorly due to war and widespread insecurity. Other nations at the bottom, such as South Sudan (3.184) and Russia (3.275), face internal and external conflicts that hinder peace and development.

Countries like Somalia (3.125) and the Central African Republic (3.021) also struggle with systemic instability and lack of governance, further emphasizing the global disparities in peace and safety.

How does peace vary across global regions?

Peace levels vary significantly across regions. European countries dominate the top rankings, benefiting from stable democracies, strong institutions, and low levels of crime and corruption. The Asia-Pacific region, represented by nations like New Zealand and Singapore, also showcases strong peace indicators.

Conversely, regions such as the Middle East and Africa face considerable challenges, with nations like Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia grappling with ongoing conflicts. Emerging economies like Brazil (2.465) and India (2.578) occupy mid-tier positions, reflecting a mix of progress and persistent challenges in achieving higher peace levels.

What factors contribute to high peace rankings?

High-ranking countries often exhibit low crime rates, strong governance, political stability, and effective judicial systems. Economic stability, social equality, and cultural values that prioritize harmony also play pivotal roles. Conversely, countries with low rankings typically face issues such as conflict, corruption, weak institutions, and socio-economic disparities.

Why is the Global Peace Index important?

The Global Peace Index provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and researchers by identifying trends and patterns in global peace. Understanding these rankings helps nations and organizations develop strategies to foster safety, stability, and prosperity worldwide.