Most Peaceful Countries 2023

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 20 Most Peaceful Countries in the World (2022 Global Peace Index — lower is better):

1. Iceland — 1.107
2. New Zealand — 1.269
3. Ireland — 1.288
4. Denmark — 1.296
5. Austria — 1.300
6. Portugal — 1.301
7. Slovenia — 1.316
8. Czech Republic — 1.318
9. Singapore — 1.326
10. Japan — 1.336
11. Switzerland — 1.357
12. Canada — 1.389
13. Hungary — 1.411
14. Finland — 1.439
15. Croatia — 1.440
16. Germany — 1.462
17. Norway — 1.465
18. Malaysia — 1.471
19. Bhutan — 1.481
20. Slovakia — 1.499

As of 2022, the most peaceful country in the world is Iceland. This should come as no surprise to those familiar with the index, as Iceland has taken the top spot for 15 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.

New Zealand is the second-most peaceful country worldwide, a rank it has enjoyed since 2014. 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 third most peaceful country in the world is Denmark, which ranks particularly well for political stability, freedom of press, income equality, and human rights, all of which contribute to a high level of peacefulness. The United States, in the wake of a stressed economy, an increasing hostile political divisions among its populace, and a still-lingering COVID-19 pandemic, placed 129th with a score of 2.440.

Top 10 Least Peaceful Countries in the World (2022 Global Peace Index Score):

1. Afghanistan — 3.554
2. Yemen — 3.394
3. Syria — 3.356
4. Russia — 3.275
5. South Sudan — 3.184
6. DR Congo — 3.166
7. Iraq — 3.157
8. Somalia — 3.125
9. Central African Republic — 3.021
10. Sudan — 3.007