Best/Worst
Most Peaceful Countries 2026
Global Peace Index (1-5)
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5 Most Peaceful Countries
- Lower Global Peace Index scores are preferable, as they indicate a higher level of peace. Higher scores indicate greater turmoil.
- Because a lower peace index is more desirable than a high one, year-on-year changes that have a negative value are improvements, whereas year-on-year changes with a positive value indicate a decrease in peacefulness and safety.
Each year, the Institute for Economics and Peace releases the Global Peace Index. This is a study of 163 independent nations and territories around the world, comprising approximately 99.7% of the world’s total population, that analyzes which nations are the safest and most peaceful, as well as which are the most dangerous. The GPI evaluates a total of 23 indicators to compile the list, which can be sorted into three distinct categories: militarization, safety and security, and domestic and international conflict. These indicators are then combined into a single Peace Index Score.
Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries in the World
As of 2024, the most peaceful country in the world is Iceland (1.112). This should come as no surprise to those familiar with the index, as Iceland has taken the top spot for 16 years in a row. Qualities that make it the most peaceful nation on Earth include low crime rates, robust education and welfare systems, fair pay for workers, and virtually non-existent tension among the economic classes.
The second-place rank went to Ireland (1.303), marking the country’s fourth consecutive year in the top five most peaceful countries. Austria (1.310) ranked as the third-most-peaceful country in the 2024 rankings. Austria ranks particularly well for political stability, low crime rates, quality of life, and respect for civil liberties, all of which contribute to its strong standing as one of the world’s most peaceful countries.
New Zealand (1.323) retained its fourth position in 2024 for the second year in a row, after having ranked as the second-most peaceful country worldwide between 2014 and 2022. As in Iceland, New Zealand’s police do not carry personal firearms, as they do not see a need to do so. Violent crime is low in New Zealand. Theft is relatively common, especially (as in most every country in the world) pickpocketing and petty thefts targeting tourists. New Zealand also scores well for earnings, jobs, and education.
The United States, in the wake of a stressed economy and increasing hostile political divisions among its populace, placed 131st for a second year in a row with a score of 2.622.
