Iceland has, for the 16th year running, been named the world’s safest and most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index (GPI). The report, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), gauges the relative peace and safety standings of nations and regions globally.
The GPI evaluates 163 independent nations and territories, representing a massive 99.7% of the global population, ranking them based on their security levels.
Several factors contribute to Iceland’s stellar ranking, with the nation’s unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights at the forefront. Other contributors include its low crime and violence rates, a robust social welfare system, and a staunch stance on military neutrality.
Denmark secured the second spot, closely followed by Ireland in third. As for the best-performing former Yugoslav state, Slovenia claimed the honours, coming in at an impressive eighth. Meanwhile, Croatia ranked 14th, North Macedonia 38th, Montenegro 45th, Bosnia and Herzegovina 61st, and Serbia 65th.
In essence, the rankings highlight the continuous efforts of countries like Iceland in maintaining a secure and peaceful environment for their citizens, while also pointing out areas of improvement for others.