What's happened
The Global Peace Index 2025 has ranked Iceland as the most peaceful country for the 17th consecutive year, followed by Ireland and New Zealand. The report highlights shifts in global peace and security, with notable changes in rankings for Austria and Switzerland. The findings reflect ongoing global tensions and the importance of peacekeeping efforts.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Iceland's Dominance: Iceland remains the most peaceful country, with no military forces, emphasizing its unique position in global peace efforts.
- Ireland's Consistency: Ireland's strong commitment to peacekeeping has solidified its second-place ranking, showcasing its role in international diplomacy.
- New Zealand's Rise: New Zealand's improvement in peacefulness reflects its proactive stance in global peace initiatives, marking it as a leader in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Austria and Switzerland's Shifts: Austria's drop in ranking highlights the impact of regional instability, while Switzerland's rise underscores its contributions to peacebuilding.
- Global Context: The report serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges to global peace, urging nations to prioritize stability and cooperation.
What the papers say
According to Gulf News, Iceland has maintained its position as the most peaceful country since 2008, with a significant gap between its score and that of Ireland, which ranks second. The report notes that New Zealand has climbed to third place, reflecting a 3.1% improvement in its peacefulness. Business Insider UK highlights that Denmark, despite being ranked highly for quality of life, has seen a deterioration in its militarization ranking due to increased military spending. The Independent emphasizes that the U.S. cities did not rank in the top 20 for liveability, with Honolulu being the highest at 23rd. This contrasts with Copenhagen's top position in the Global Liveability Index, showcasing the varying metrics used to assess peace and quality of life.
How we got here
The Global Peace Index, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, evaluates countries based on various indicators of peace and security. The 2025 report reveals significant trends in global stability amidst rising conflicts worldwide.
Go deeper
- What factors influence a country's peace ranking?
- How do these rankings affect international relations?
- What role do peacekeeping efforts play in these rankings?
Common question
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Why are Denmark, Slovenia, and Portugal the Best Countries for Expats in 2025?
As the world evolves, so do the preferences of expatriates seeking new homes. In 2025, Denmark, Slovenia, and Portugal have emerged as the top choices for expats, driven by factors like quality of life, safety, and economic opportunities. This page explores what makes these countries stand out and answers common questions about expat relocation trends.
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Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland, and the capital of the canton of Zürich. It is located in north-central Switzerland, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich.
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.
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Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel.