The World's Most Peaceful Countries
If you'd like a peaceful life, these countries are the best for you to have it.
In a world experiencing increasing political tensions and armed conflicts, peaceful countries provide an important example of how safety, stability, and social harmony can be maintained.
According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, global peacefulness declined for the twelfth consecutive year. Despite this worrying trend, ten countries stood out as the most peaceful in the world.
Iceland ranks first with a score of 1.161, maintaining its position as the world's most peaceful country for the nineteenth consecutive year. Its exceptionally low crime levels, strong social cohesion, and lack of a standing army contribute to its outstanding performance.
New Zealand, ranked second, is known for its political stability, peaceful society, and low levels of ongoing conflict. Switzerland, in third place, also demonstrates strong stability and security, supported by effective institutions and a long tradition of neutrality.
Slovenia ranks fourth, reflecting its safe environment and social stability. Ireland, in fifth place, continues to perform strongly across the GPI's measures of peace.
Austria, ranked sixth, combines political stability with high levels of safety and security. Portugal, in seventh place, is particularly notable for its low level of militarization and peaceful domestic environment.
Outside Europe, Singapore ranks eighth and is one of Asia's strongest performers. Despite its high population density, the country maintains high levels of public safety, security, and social order.
Finland, ranked ninth, is another Nordic country recognized for its stable institutions and peaceful society. Finally, Japan takes tenth place, demonstrating how a highly developed and densely populated country can maintain strong social stability and security.
The ten countries have GPI scores ranging from 1.161 for Iceland to 1.489 for Japan, with lower scores indicating greater peacefulness. Seven of the ten are European, highlighting the continued strength of Western and Central Europe in the global peace rankings. New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan represent the Asia-Pacific region among the top ten.
Overall, the 2026 rankings show that peace is supported by more than the absence of war. Safety, stable institutions, social cohesion, and low militarization all contribute to creating peaceful societies. These ten countries demonstrate that long-term stability depends on a combination of effective governance, public security, and strong social structures.