Key Facts
• Iceland ranked as the world’s most peaceful country in 2025.
• The Global Peace Index (GPI) evaluates 163 countries on safety, conflict, and militarization.
• Iceland has held the top position since the GPI’s inception in 2008.
• Top 5 peaceful countries: Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland.
• Iceland also ranked 3rd in the World Happiness Index.
• Global average GPI score has declined by 5.4% since 2008.
• Gap between most and least peaceful countries widened by 11.7%.
• 59 inter-state conflicts occurred in 2023, the highest since World War II.
• Russia ranked as the least peaceful country, followed by Ukraine.
• The U.S. ranked 128th due to high militarization, below Honduras and Uganda.
• France is the most militarized country in Europe.
• South America showed the only regional improvement in peace, led by Peru and Argentina.
• Mauritius, Botswana, and Namibia are the most peaceful in sub-Saharan Africa.
Summary
Iceland remains the world’s most peaceful country in the 2025 Global Peace Index, maintaining its top position since 2008. The index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, evaluates 163 nations based on safety, conflict levels, and militarization. Iceland also ranks 3rd in global happiness and is a popular travel destination. The top five peaceful nations include Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland. However, global peace has declined by 5.4% since 2008, with the gap between the most and least peaceful countries widening by 11.7%. Russia and Ukraine are the least peaceful, while the U.S. ranks 128th due to high militarization. South America showed improvement, with Peru and Argentina leading. In sub-Saharan Africa, Mauritius, Botswana, and Namibia are the most peaceful.
