Iceland Is Officially the Most Peaceful Country in the World

When you think of a place that radiates positivity and happiness in the world, where does your mind wander off to? Well, according to many people, that place is actually a Norden country. Iceland is yet again the reigning supreme of countries and has taken its number one spot as the most peaceful country in the world for the 15th year in a row!

Iceland: The Most Peaceful Country in the World

The Global Peace Index (GPI) recently released its annual ranking of the safest countries. The United States did not make it into the top 100. Iceland, a small and isolated nation, has consistently secured the top spot as the most peaceful country for over a decade. They have been maintaining this position since 2008, according to the GPI.

How Is It Chosen?

The annual rankings, a collaboration between the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and the Global Peace Index (GPI), consider 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators. It assesses factors such as Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation. The 2023 report reveals that while 126 countries enhanced their peacefulness between 2009 and 2020. The global peacefulness average declined for the ninth consecutive year. Of the 163 countries assessed, 84 showed improvement. However, 79 experienced a deterioration, attributed largely to post-COVID increases in civil unrest and political instability.

Despite global challenges, there are several peaceful nations to explore. In addition to Iceland, the top 10 most peaceful countries include Denmark (2nd), Ireland (3rd), New Zealand (4th), Austria (5th), Singapore (6th), Portugal (7th), Slovenia (8th), Japan (9th), and Switzerland (10th).

Additional Information

Besides ranking as the number one most peaceful country in the world, Iceland, currently also holds the title of the third happiest country globally. It is noted that over 60% of its population resides in the capital city of Reykjavik. This was reported by National Geographic. Additionally, education is free for all Icelanders through college, and every student is instructed in both Danish and English.

Denmark Is Second

Denmark ranked second on the list. It features Copenhagen as its capital, housing institutions like the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, and serves as a key hub in Northern Europe. Despite residents paying high taxes, approximately half of their income, Denmark provides extensive social benefits. These include free healthcare, tuition-free education for university students grants, subsidized childcare, and support for the elderly, including pensions and home care helpers, as outlined on the country’s website.

Who Ranked at the Bottom?

The bottom five countries in the Global Peace Index are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan, all facing varying degrees of unrest. The United States is ranked 131st. This reflects a low position attributed to factors such as a high prison population rate, weapons exports, and militarization. However, it’s emphasized that this ranking doesn’t dictate travel decisions, and individuals are encouraged to consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories, distinguishing between travel alerts and advisories, for more informed choices.

You can see the full list here.

Are you surprised to see these countries on the list?

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