On 9/6, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) published the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI). The ranking assesses 163 countries and territories, covering 99,7% of the world's population based on 23 indicators across three domains: societal safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarization.
This year, Iceland again ranked first, extending its lead to 16 consecutive years. According to the report, the nation's lack of a standing army and extremely low crime rate set it apart in the data, outperforming the rest "by a significant margin".
Below are the 10 most peaceful countries in the world according to the 2026 GPI:
| Order | Country | Highlights | Score |
| 1 | Iceland | Maintains stability, no internal conflicts, and ideal social security. | 1,161 (unchanged) |
| 2 | New Zealand | Lowest 'ongoing conflict' score in the Asia-Pacific region. Beyond natural landscapes, the country has political stability and social tranquility few can match. | 1,343 (up one place) |
| 3 | Switzerland | Known for its neutrality, it has long been perceived by travelers as one of the most stable and secure countries. | 1,363 (down one place) |
| 4 | Slovenia | An often-underrated European destination that is peaceful and boasts attractive landscapes. | 1,369 (up two places) |
| 5 | Ireland | Consistently maintains high peace indicators along with the warmth of its local people. | 1,371 (down one place) |
| 6 | Austria | Rich in culture, impressive Alpine landscapes, and a regular feature in the top peaceful nations. | 1,421 (down one place) |
| 7 | Portugal | The second least militarized country globally after Iceland. Its growing safety credentials enhance its appeal as a tourist destination. | 1,427 (up one place) |
| 8 | Singapore | Maintains its status as "the benchmark for safety and order in Asia". A notable achievement given the island nation's increasing population density. | 1,435 (down one place) |
| 9 | Finland | Attracts visitors with its high quality of life, strong social welfare, and stunning nature, from lakes to the aurora borealis. | 1,478 (up one place) |
| 10 | Japan | The most significant rise this year. A 25% increase in its internal conflict resolution score adds to the inherent appeal of the land of cherry blossoms. | 1,489 (up three places) |
However, experts note that the GPI measures macro-level peace, not the detailed safety of tourists. The index records factors such as armed conflict, militarization, or political stability, but does not account for actual travel risks like traffic safety, natural hazards, or petty theft.
"Travelers should consult their government's advisories in conjunction with this index", said Steve Killelea, founder of the IEP.
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Colorful houses in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. *Photo: Pham Huu Tuong* |
The 2026 report also indicates that internal conflicts with international intervention are becoming more frequent, increasing by more than 175% since 2010. The number of countries involved in at least one external conflict over five years has risen from 59 countries in 2008 to 103 countries in 2026.
The divergence in this year's report is also clearer, as the safety index of the 25 most peaceful countries has only decreased by 0,3% since 2008, while the 25 least peaceful countries have seen a nearly 19% decline.
Killelea stated that the global peace index has declined for 12 consecutive years, but the leading nations have maintained their positions.
Hoai Anh (According to Forbes, GPI)
