For teh eighth consecutive year, Iceland has been named the most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI). The report, released today, ranks 163 autonomous sovereign states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. Iceland achieved a score of 1.144,significantly ahead of the next most peaceful nation.

The GPI is compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) and considers 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three domains: civil conflict and political instability, societal safety and security, and militarization. Iceland’s consistently high ranking is attributed to its lack of armed forces,low levels of crime,and strong social safety net.

Top Five Most Peaceful Countries in 2025

Following Iceland, the top five most peaceful countries are:

Denmark secured second place wiht a score of 1.289. The report highlights Denmark’s strong political stability and well-developed social welfare system as key contributors to its peacefulness.Portugal and Austria round out the top five, demonstrating a continued trend of northern and Western European nations dominating the rankings.

Finland, previously in second place, dropped to sixth, with a score of 1.349. The report cites increased tensions related to its border with Russia as a contributing factor. Ireland moved up one position to seventh place.

Switzerland, known for its neutrality, ranks eighth, while Canada and Singapore complete the top ten.

global Trends: A Worsening International Context

The 2025 Global Peace Index paints a concerning picture of global peace. The report notes a deterioration in global peacefulness for the ninth consecutive year, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and conflicts. This year’s edition highlights three new interstate conflicts, representing an unprecedented level since World War II. The ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and rising tensions in the South China Sea are cited as major contributors to this decline.

The report also points to a significant increase in military expenditure globally, with many nations increasing their defense budgets in response to perceived threats. This militarization trend is further exacerbating instability and undermining efforts to promote peace.

Ukraine remains the least peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since the start of the conflict with Russia. Other countries at the bottom of the index include Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen – all nations grappling with ongoing conflict and instability.