The 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI), released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranks 163 countries and territories based on 23 indicators acros…
1/1010. Japan: The country, which ranks tenth is recognised for its soft power and peacefulness. It recorded a 6.3% improvement in its Ongoing Conflict domain, hence jumping to the tenth place. The country also saw a 25% improvement in its internal conflict indicator. (Image: Canva)
2/109. Finland: The Nordic country ranked ninth and is known for its frigid landscapes and natural beauty. It has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year. Within the domain of Societal Safety and Security it is ranked as the second most peaceful country in the world in behind Norway. (Image: Canva)
3/108. Singapore: The city-state which is ranked as the eighth most peaceful nation is located in the strategic Malacca Strait region is known for its rise from a muddy backwater region to a global economic powerhouse. Singapore also has Asia’s highest per capita income at $107,758 in 2026. In the domain of Society Safety and Security the country ranks sixth. (Image: Canva)
4/107. Portugal: The country which is ranked as the seventh most peaceful country is known for its sunny weather and is often considered a quieter alternative to Spain. Within the domain of Militarisation, it ranks third indicating very low levels of military buildup. (Image: Canva)
5/106. Austria: This European country perched high upon the Alps has been ranked the sixth most peaceful. It is well regarded for its natural beauty and alpine towns. However, despite its overall rank, Austria was noted for having one of the largest country-level deterioration in the terrorism impact indicator this year. (Image: Canva)
6/105. Ireland: The country is ranked as the fifth most peaceful in the world. It constantly ranks high globally for its development indicators and can be considered a quieter alternative to the United Kingdom. The country, with its green meadows and rainy landscape is also known as the ‘Tech Hub’ of Europe. Ireland is among the countries with the highest per capita income in the world at $140,186 (2026). (Image: Canva)
7/104. Slovenia: The country is home to quaint European towns and villages and hosts one of the world’s oldest grapevines. It rose two places in the global rankings this year and is the most peaceful nation in the Central and Eastern European region. (Image: Canva)
8/103. Switzerland: This alpine nation which is ranked as the third most peaceful country in the world is well known for its mountains and natural landscapes. It is one of the most forested countries in Europe and has over 1500 lakes. The Swiss franc served as one of the “safe assets” that global investors rushed into, alongside gold and the Japanese yen during the Iran war. (Image: Canva)
9/102. New Zealand: This country in the deep south of the world was ranked the second most peaceful. It is well known for its temperate climate, high mountains and indigenous culture. Its high ranking this year was strengthened by a 3.3% improvement in the Militarisation domain, which is attributed to a reduction in weapons import. (Image: Canva)
10/101. Iceland: At first place, Iceland was ranked the most peaceful country in the world for the eighteenth consecutive year. The country is well known for its natural volcanic beauty and black sand beaches. It improved its peacefulness score by 2% this year, largely driven by a massive 42.9% improvement in its violent demonstrations’ indicator.
