For nearly two decades Iceland has held onto a title few nations can match. In the latest Global Peace Index 2025, the Nordic island nation was declared the most peaceful country in the world for the 18th consecutive year. With its breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, hot springs and volcanic mountains, Iceland not only attracts travellers but also continues to stand as a beacon of stability and harmony in an increasingly turbulent world.
The Global Peace Index, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranked 163 independent states and territories this year, covering almost the entire world’s population. It measures peace through 23 indicators that include levels of safety and security, the degree of conflict and the extent of militarisation. While 74 countries recorded some improvements, 87 saw a decline, showing that the world as a whole has become less peaceful compared to previous years.
Iceland’s dominance at the top is the result of a unique blend of social trust, community-driven values and policies that reduce militarisation. The country has no standing army despite being a member of NATO and maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Everyday life reflects this sense of security. Visitors often marvel at the sight of infants sleeping in prams left outside cafés while parents enjoy a coffee indoors. Children grow up playing outdoors freely, illustrating the culture of trust that permeates Icelandic society. This year Iceland also recorded a two percent improvement in its overall peace score, driven by societal wellbeing and stability.
Ireland held onto second place, showcasing its position as one of the few nations with little involvement in global conflicts and a strong emphasis on social safety. New Zealand, with its rich Māori heritage and commitment to inclusivity, climbed to third place, while Austria and Switzerland completed the top five. Together, these countries represent regions where peace, social cohesion and resilience have become deeply rooted.
The report also explained that the foundation of peace lies in what it calls Positive Peace, which is the presence of attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain harmonious societies. Countries scoring high on these measures are not only safer but also tend to enjoy higher economic growth, lower financial risks, stronger resilience to global shocks and greater happiness among citizens. This was reflected in Iceland’s parallel ranking on the World Happiness Report where it secured third place globally.
India’s performance in the 2025 index tells a story of gradual progress. Ranked 115, the country moved up one position from last year. While still far from the top tier, this shift indicates incremental improvements in societal security and conflict management. However, the report noted that unrest in Kashmir remains a key concern and a hotspot for escalation. Within Asia, the most peaceful countries were Singapore in sixth place, Japan in twelfth, Malaysia in thirteenth, Bhutan in twenty first and Mongolia in thirty seventh.
Yet, even with bright spots, the broader outlook remains troubling. The index revealed that the world overall has become less peaceful. Escalating conflicts, rising militarisation and a widening geopolitical divide have created an environment where stability is increasingly fragile. Russia, for the first time, ranked as the least peaceful nation in the world, coming in last at 163. Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen were also placed at the bottom, reflecting regions severely affected by war and humanitarian crises.
The Global Peace Index serves as both a snapshot and a warning. It reveals where societies are thriving through trust, social harmony and resilience, while also shining a light on regions struggling with instability. For travellers, these rankings offer insights into destinations known for safety, tranquillity and quality of life. And for nations like India, they highlight areas where efforts to build peace and stability can bring not only social benefits but also economic and cultural growth.
As the world grapples with new challenges, Iceland’s continued leadership stands as proof that peace is not just possible but sustainable when supported by the right values and policies.
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