Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world in 2023

According to the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), several nations are making significant efforts to maintain the peace they experience daily.

The GPI provides a comprehensive analysis that ranks 163 independent nations and territories, covering approximately 99.7% of the world's population. It evaluates 23 indicators across three categories: militarisation, safety and security, and domestic and international conflict, resulting in a single Peace Index Score. A lower score indicates a higher level of peace within a country.

Below are the top 10 peaceful countries renowned for their tranquillity and peace globally:

Iceland

Iceland proudly upholds its status as the world's most peaceful country for the 17th consecutive year. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Iceland ranks 3rd in the safety and security domain and holds the top positions in the ongoing conflict and militarisation domains. However, it is worth noting a 4% decline in its overall score which is 1,124, due to an increase in the homicide rate and the impact of terrorism indicators.

Denmark

Denmark, with its political stability, freedom of the press, and commitment to human rights, fosters an environment where peace flourishes. The country has climbed two spots in the latest index, now proudly holding the second rank. Previously positioned fourth in the 2022 index, Denmark's advancement is notably marked by the minimal economic impact of violence, which constitutes merely 4% of the country's GDP.

Ireland

Ireland steadfastly maintains its rank as the world's third most peaceful nation with a score of 1.312. According to the 2023 GPI, it holds the fourth lowest position regarding the economic repercussions of violence, and it operates a neutral military force, free from the expenditure targets associated with NATO membership.

New Zealand

New Zealand secures the 4th position globally and stands as the epitome of peace in the Asia-Pacific zone. The country has seen positive shifts in factors like the frequency of violent protests, prison population figures, and the influence of terrorism. Yet, it faces a costly economic impact of violence when measured against its peers in the top ten.

Austria

Austria consistently holds its position as the 5th most tranquil nation. Succeeding in all sectors, it ranks within the top 15 and is distinguished for its minimal economic cost of violence. However, it's important to note that recent terrorist incidents have necessitated a robust governmental reaction, which has intensified the terrorism metric.

Singapore

Singapore has achieved significant progress, ascending three ranks in the index. It also proudly occupies the second position in the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore is also among the top five in the domains of safety and security, as well as ongoing conflict, even with its considerable military spending of $3,227 per capita.

Portugal

Ranked 4th in terms of militarisation and acknowledged as the 5th most serene nation within Europe, Portugal firmly upholds its status as the seventh most peaceful country in the world among its top ten peers.

Slovenia

Slovenia stands out as the sole Central European nation among the top ten in peace rankings. It has seen a slight drop, moving to the 8th position against its 7th position in the Global Peace Index. Furthermore, Slovenia holds a commendable 5th place in the militarization category.

Japan

Japan has advanced by one position from the 2023 Global Peace Index. It also secured the 2nd rank in the safety and security domain and stands as the 3rd most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan's strategic defence spending is influenced by its geographical closeness to China and North Korea.

Switzerland

Switzerland has made its way into the global top 10 for most peaceful nations. It's noteworthy that even with this distinction, Switzerland continues to be one of the leading nations in terms of per capita weapons exports as of 2023.