The Institute for Economics & Peace, a nonprofit organization, releases an annual Global Peace Index that highlights the most and least peaceful countries worldwide.
Covering 163 countries and territories, which account for 99.7% of the world's population, the report assesses peacefulness based on 23 indicators related to national safety, security, involvement in domestic and international conflicts, and levels of militarization.
A higher score in the ranking indicates less peace. The most peaceful nation achieved a score of just 1.124, while Afghanistan, for the eighth consecutive year, holds the title of the least peaceful country with a score of 3.448.
The United States is ranked 131st with 2.448 points, while Canada secures a place in the top 15.
The study evaluates both the direct costs of violence and destruction, as well as indirect costs such as lost wages, productivity due to crime, and economic activity affected by violence.
Explore further to discover the rankings of the most peaceful countries, starting from No. 15 and concluding with the safest country of all.
15. Germany
Peace Rating: 1.456 (Considered High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Climbed two positions since 2022
Despite a history marked by turbulence, Germany has experienced a sustained period of tranquility in the last few decades. Following the challenges of two world wars and the division during the Cold War, Germany found stability after reunification in 1990.
Presently, Germany boasts the largest economy in Europe, and its population ranks second only to Russia.
14. Croatia
Peace Rating: 1.45 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Ascended one position from 2022
Similar to Germany, Croatia has transitioned from the Cold War's uncertainties and currently relishes in stability. This tranquility follows four years of conflict that ensued after Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
As a NATO member and a prominent tourist destination, Croatia has embraced a new era of peace. Additionally, it recently became the 20th country to adopt the euro, a change implemented just this year.
13. Finland
Peace Rating: 1.399 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Advanced three positions from 2022
Once reliant on farming and timber, Finland has evolved into a modern, well-diversified economy, boasting one of the highest per-capita incomes in Western Europe today.
However, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia created unease for peace-oriented Finland. With a lengthy shared border, Finland became the 31st member of NATO in April, reflecting growing concerns about its security.
12. Czechia
Peace Rating: 1.379 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Decreased by five positions from 2022
Formerly known as the Czech Republic, Czechia was once part of Czechoslovakia and lived under the influence of the Soviet Union until the renowned and nonviolent Velvet Revolution of 1989, which brought an end to communist rule.
In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into Slovakia and the Czech Republic, the latter adopting the additional name of Czechia in 2016. Czechia primarily engages in trade within the European Union and maintains a low unemployment rate.
11. Canada
Peace Rating: 1.35 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Improved by two positions from 2022
Canada, boasting one of the world's largest landmasses and abundant natural resources, has a historical connection with Britain, gaining legislative independence only in 1931.
Presently, Canada holds one of the globe's largest economies and stands as the United States' primary trading partner. Significant industries include timber, oil, and gas.
10. Switzerland
Peace Rating: 1.339 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Advanced by one position from 2022
Often associated with tranquility, Switzerland, the small landlocked European nation, has maintained a stance of neutrality since 1516. The capital city, Geneva, hosts over 200 international organizations, including the International Red Cross and the European seat of the United Nations.
Despite its reputation, Switzerland is ranked as the 10th most peaceful nation in the Global Peace Index, not securing the top spot.
9. Japan
Peace Rating: 1.336 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Unchanged from 2022
With a population of 124 million people, Japan heavily relies on imported and foreign sources of energy, as noted by the CIA World Factbook.
Since surrendering at the end of World War II, the small nation has become the world's fourth-largest economic power, boasting a highly diversified economy. However, Japan grapples with economic challenges, including heavy debt, slow wage growth, a declining labor force, and a stagnant tourism industry.
8. Slovenia
Peace Rating: 1.334 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Declined by four positions from 2022
Slovenia, a small central European country, was once part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia throughout much of the 20th century.
With a population of just over 2.1 million people, Slovenia is smaller in population than the U.S. city of Chicago.
7. Portugal
Peace Rating: 1.333 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Ascended by one position from 2022
Portugal, a well-known tourist destination, is highlighted by the travel site World Nomads as one of the safest places in Europe for visitors. However, it notes that petty crimes like car theft, bag snatching, pickpocketing, and scams targeting tourists are not uncommon, particularly in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city.
6. Singapore
Peace Rating: 1.332 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Improved by four positions from 2022
Singapore takes the lead in global visa-free access, as reported by Henley & Partners, a global investment company. According to the Henley Passport Index, holders of a Singapore passport enjoy visa-free entry to 192 countries out of 227, surpassing all other passports. The index utilizes data from the International Air Transport Association.
This achievement dethrones Japan, which previously held or shared the top spot for five consecutive years. Following closely, German, Italian, and Spanish passports jointly secure the second position, providing visa-free access to 190 countries.
5. Austria
Peace Rating: 1.316 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Slipped down by one spot from 2022
Austria maintains official neutrality on the global stage, a stance established in 1955 when the Soviet Union and allied powers acknowledged Austrian independence after World War II.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, serves as a hub for over 40 international diplomatic organizations today.
4. New Zealand
Peace Rating: 1.313 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Advanced by two spots from 2022
New Zealand, known for its low crime rates and stringent gun laws, faces scrutiny following a recent shooting in the capital city of Auckland that resulted in two deaths and 10 injuries.
Despite tightened regulations in the aftermath of the nation's deadliest attack, the 2019 Christchurch shooting that claimed the lives of 51 Muslims, some New Zealanders may be feeling less safe, according to reports by the BBC. It's worth noting that gun violence remains relatively rare in the country.
3. Ireland
Peace Rating: 1.312 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Dropped by one spot from 2022
When considering Ireland, it's important to note Northern Ireland as well, a separate state that experienced violent conflict resulting in at least 3,500 deaths between the late 1960s and late 1990s.
"The Troubles," as that period is known, has concluded. In 1998, a historic agreement established a power-sharing government and disarmament. The conflict involved a predominantly Catholic nationalistic movement seeking to leave the United Kingdom, contrasting with Protestants who largely supported existing British rule.
Ireland, also known as the Republic of Ireland, located to the south, is an independent nation with a population of 5.1 million. Occupying most of the island of Ireland, it is a member of the European Union.
According to the Irish government, homicides decreased by 38% between the second quarters of 2021 and 2022.
2. Denmark
Peace Rating: 1.31 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Improved by one spot from 2022
Denmark is characterized by a laid-back culture, as stated by the Cooperative of Danish Student Unions. According to the organization, Danish culture and daily life are founded on a high level of mutual trust and tolerance.
Notably, Denmark boasts a low crime rate. Additionally, the cooperative emphasizes the value placed on work-life balance in the country, stating, "... work-life balance is valued in Denmark, so you will rarely get extra points for working extra or overtime." The prevailing idea is to work smarter, not harder.
1. Iceland
Peace Rating: 1.124 (Considered Very High)
Recent Global Peace Index Movement: Unchanged from 2022
Iceland stands as the epitome of stability. Since 2008, the Global Peace Index has consistently named Iceland as the world's most peaceful nation.
Despite its small size, with a population of 361,000 as of 2023, Iceland maintains no standing military force. The country boasts a low crime rate and a robust educational and welfare system.
Notably, the Icelandic legislative assembly, the Althingi, holds the distinction of being the oldest functioning legislative body in the world, established in 930 A.D.
