According to the latest report from the Institute for Economics and Peace, which is measuring peace and violence on a global scale, Iceland is the safest, most peaceful country in the world, while Syria is the most perilous one, right after South Sudan.

Well, in case you love to travel and you're heading somewhere this summer as well, this report might come in handy as an indicator of safety at the destination of your choosing.

The Global Peace Index 2016 (GPI) report was prepared by the independent, non-partisan, non-profit Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and marks the tenth annivesary edition, ranking 163 independent countries, states and territories, based on their safety and peacefulness. The 2016 edition also includes Palestine for the first time.

The GPI consists of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators and uses three broader themes, including the level of safety and security in society, the extent of domestic or international conflict and the degree of militarisation. These various factors bring points, which are then calculated into one single number, which is the GPI. A country with the lowest total ranks first as the most peaceful one (the lower the number, the safer the country). 

Ten most peaceful countries in the world are:

1. Iceland (with a GPI 1.192 and as the only NATO nation without a standing army, it ranks first overall and regionally)

2. Denmark

3. Austria

4. New Zealand

5. Portugal

6. Czech Republic

7. Switzerland

8. Canada

9. Japan

10. Slovenia (with a GPI of 1.408 and its capital Ljubljana also being named European Green Capital 2016)

The first four countries rank the same as last year, however there are two new entries: Slovenia and Portugal made the top ten instead of Finland and Australia.

Ten least peaceful countries in the world are:

1. Syria (with a GPI of 3.806)

2. South Sudan

3. Iraq

4. Afghanistan

5. Somalia

6. Yemen

7. Central African Republic

8. Ukraine

9. Sudan

10. Libya (with a GPI of 3.200)

Due to civil war and the rise of Islamic State, Syria, which once ranked the 88th most peaceful country, now takes the top spot as the country that is least safe and peaceful.

June 20, 2016 Living photo: Profimedia

This website uses cookies.
To comply with the EU regulations you must confirm your consent to their use.

You can do that by clicking "OK" or simply continuing to browse this website.
If you do not wish to have cookies set, you can opt out in cookie settings

close