Rebecca Manzi Iceland tops the Global Peace Index 2025 once again, while the U.S. ranks 128th. The gap between the most and least peaceful countries is growing worldwide.
@Rudy Kirchner/Pexels @FraMagu/Pexels
Life in the safest country on earth
According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Iceland once again claims the top spot as the world’s most peaceful nation. It has held this position since 2008, thanks to its solid social balance, extraordinarily low crime, and one of the lowest levels of militarization anywhere on the planet.
In Iceland, safety is woven into daily life. It’s not unusual to see children sleeping outdoors in strollers or people walking alone at night without fear. Mutual trust and strong gender equality policies reinforce social cohesion. The country consistently ranks among the leaders worldwide for equal rights and opportunities. Add to that a deep sense of community, high-quality public services, and reliable institutions, and you begin to see why Iceland is a model of peace.
For travelers, visiting Iceland means experiencing tranquility firsthand. Whether you’re soaking in a geothermal pool while chatting with locals, trekking through the raw landscapes of the Highlands, or catching a live concert in Reykjavík, the sense of community and security is never far away.
Who else is on the podium
Ireland secures second place, a remarkable shift for a country once scarred by conflict, now standing as a symbol of neutrality and hospitality. New Zealand follows in third, where strict gun laws, pristine natural settings, and community spirit combine to create a peaceful lifestyle. Austria holds firm in fourth place, relying on its tradition of neutrality and investment in social welfare, while Switzerland rounds out the top five, balancing political stability with quality of life.
The 20 most peaceful countries
The report highlights the top 20 nations ranked by peace:
- Iceland – 1.095
- Ireland – 1.260
- New Zealand – 1.282
- Austria – 1.294
- Switzerland – 1.294
- Singapore – 1.357
- Portugal – 1.371
- Denmark – 1.393
- Slovenia – 1.409
- Finland – 1.420
- Czechia – 1.435
- Japan – 1.440
- Malaysia – 1.469
- Netherlands – 1.491
- Canada – 1.491
- Belgium – 1.492
- Hungary – 1.500
- Australia – 1.505
- Croatia – 1.519
- Germany – 1.533
A widening gap
Despite these success stories, the global picture is less encouraging. Since 2008, the average level of world peace has declined by 5.4%, and the gap between the most and least peaceful countries has widened by more than 10%. Russia sits at the very bottom of the index, just below Ukraine.
And what about the United States? The U.S. ranks a low 128th place, weighed down by its high degree of militarization. This stands in stark contrast to smaller nations like Iceland or Ireland, where defense spending is modest and community trust is strong. For a country that sees itself as a global leader, it’s a sobering reminder of the costs that come with prioritizing military might over social cohesion.
Italy, meanwhile, lands at 33rd, improving slightly from last year’s position.
Peaceful oases beyond europe and oceania
Europe and Oceania dominate the upper ranks, but there are bright spots elsewhere. In Latin America, both Peru and Argentina have made significant progress. In Africa, Mauritius, Botswana, and Namibia shine as examples of stability, attracting travelers drawn to natural beauty and calm environments.
The power of positive peace
The report emphasizes the concept of Positive Peace—the institutions, attitudes, and structures that nurture prosperity, resilience, and well-being. Peace, in this sense, is not just the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of opportunity, economic growth, and a high quality of life.
Source: Global Peace Index 2025
