About the Global Peace Index (GPI)
The Global Peace Index is a measure of the peacefulness of 163 countries and regions around the world. It is based on 23 indicators across three domains: societal safety and security, domestic and international conflict, and militarization. A lower score indicates a more peaceful country. The index covers 99.7% of the world’s population and is widely used as a measure of international peace.
2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) Ranking
The 2025 Global Peace Index, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), an Australian international think tank, is as follows.
Japan ranked 12th, moving up from 17th in 2024.
Top 10 in the 2025 GPI Ranking:
- Iceland 🇮🇸
- Ireland 🇮🇪
- Austria 🇦🇹
- New Zealand 🇳🇿
- Singapore 🇸🇬
- Switzerland 🇨🇭
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Denmark 🇩🇰
- Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Top 10 in the 2024 GPI Ranking:
- Iceland 🇮🇸
- Ireland 🇮🇪
- Austria 🇦🇹
- New Zealand 🇳🇿
- Singapore 🇸🇬
- Switzerland 🇨🇭
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Denmark 🇩🇰
- Slovenia 🇸🇮
- Malaysia 🇲🇾
Why Iceland Consistently Ranks First
Iceland has consistently held the top position on the Global Peace Index for several key reasons:
- Low Crime Rate and Social Stability: Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Despite the legal possession of firearms, gun-related crimes are extremely rare. This is due to a highly educated populace, strong social equality, and a powerful sense of community. The police generally do not carry firearms, which symbolizes the country’s high level of safety.
- Lack of Military Force: As a NATO member, Iceland does not maintain its own standing army. This clearly demonstrates the nation’s commitment to peace and is a significant factor in its high score on the militarization index.
- Absence of Domestic and International Conflicts: There are very few political or social conflicts within the country, and terrorist incidents are nonexistent. Iceland also maintains a neutral stance, avoiding involvement in international conflicts.
In addition to these factors, the country’s social values, such as gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, also contribute to its high ranking as a peaceful nation.
