Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world [2026]

2026-03-05 - 16:57

According to the 2025-2026 Global Peace Index (GPI), published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, global peacefulness has reached its lowest level since the index began. Despite this global decline, several countries—mostly in Europe and the Asia-Pacific—continue to maintain high levels of safety, low domestic conflict, and minimal militarisation. Here are the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world heading into 2026. 1. Iceland GPI Score: 1.095 Iceland has held the #1 spot every year since 2008. With no standing army and one of the lowest crime rates in the world, it remains the gold standard for global stability. Even with recent volcanic activity affecting its “Safety and Security” indicators slightly, its institutional strength is unmatched. 2. Ireland GPI Score: 1.260 Ireland maintains its second-place position due to its long-standing policy of military neutrality and high levels of “Positive Peace” (the attitudes and institutions that sustain a peaceful society). It scores exceptionally well for having low levels of political terror and domestic instability. 3. New Zealand GPI Score: 1.282 The most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, New Zealand rose two positions in the latest report. Its geographic isolation helps keep it away from territorial disputes, while its robust democratic institutions ensure high levels of social trust. 4. Austria GPI Score: 1.294 Austria remains a top-tier peaceful nation, characterised by a stable political environment and low levels of internal conflict. It is a central hub for international diplomacy, hosting many UN and OPEC offices, which reinforces its commitment to global peace. 5. Switzerland GPI Score: 1.294 Sharing the same score as Austria, Switzerland is synonymous with neutrality. It ranks as one of the world’s most stable economies and benefits from a highly decentralised government that encourages local participation and minimises civil unrest. 6. Singapore GPI Score: 1.357 Singapore is the most peaceful country in Southeast Asia. It is often cited as the “safest” country in terms of personal security and low crime rates. While its high level of militarisation (relative to its size) prevents it from taking the #1 spot, its domestic stability is ironclad. 7. Portugal GPI Score: 1.371 Portugal has seen a steady rise over the last decade. It is praised for its high quality of life, work-life balance, and political stability. Unlike some of its European neighbours, Portugal has avoided significant political polarisation and social unrest in recent years. 8. Denmark GPI Score: 1.393 Denmark is a perennial leader in peace, though it dropped one place recently due to slight increases in military spending. It remains a world leader in human rights, freedom of the press, and social equality. 9. Slovenia GPI Score: 1.409 Slovenia is the most peaceful nation in Central and Eastern Europe. It stands out for its low levels of violent crime and minimal involvement in external conflicts. It is also recognised for its environmental safety and high level of biodiversity. 10. Finland GPI Score: 1.420 Finland re-entered the top ten in the 2025/2026 window. Despite an increasingly complex security environment in Northern Europe, it ranks third globally in the “Safety and Security” domain and remains the world’s happiest country, which strongly correlates with its peacefulness. Vanguard News