The Global Peace Index ranks global peacefulness and is compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in Australia, evaluating 163 countries using 23 indicators across Social Safety and Security, Current Domestic and International Conflicts, and Militarization. The 2025 index indicates a decline in global peace, with state-based conflicts at their highest since World War II.
Eastern Europe features the most “unpeaceful” countries, with Russia last (163) and Ukraine second last (162), followed by Sudan (161), DR Congo (160), Yemen (159), Afghanistan (158), Syria (157), South Sudan (156), Israel (155), and Mali (154).
The United States ranks 128th, lower than Honduras, Bangladesh, and Uganda, due to high militarization levels, comparable to North Korea, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia.
France is the most militarized in Western and Central Europe, while South America reports improved peacefulness, notably in Peru and Argentina. Canada and Costa Rica lead in North and Central America.
Bulgaria is deemed the most peaceful in Eastern Europe, while Iceland leads globally.
Despite protests in Bulgaria over election results and the euro introduction, it outperforms Romania, which has declined since last year.
The top 10 most peaceful countries are:
- Iceland
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Slovenia
- Finland
Bulgaria is 29th, ahead of the United Kingdom at 30th, with Norway and Sweden slightly below.
“Positive Peace,” which involves attitudes, institutions, and structures fostering peaceful societies, is key to peace amid conflict, contributing to GDP growth, low interest rates, public well-being, and resilience, according to the Global Peace Index report.
CNN highlights Iceland’s nature and social indicators making it a top Northern Hemisphere tourist destination.
Leave a Reply