The 7 Most Peaceful Countries on Earth (And What Makes Them So Calm)

Iceland Where Peace Has 800 Years of Practice

Iceland retains its position as the world's most peaceful country for the 17th consecutive year. But this isn't just a recent trend.

Iceland has maintained an extraordinary 800-year period of peace, largely due to its commitment to cooperation, respect for nature, and strong cultural unity. Walking through Reykjavik feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale where conflict simply doesn't exist.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Iceland's peacefulness is its decision not to maintain a standing military force. Despite being a member of NATO, Iceland has no army, navy, or air force.

Instead, the country relies on a policy of neutrality and diplomacy to ensure its safety and security. The result?

The sense of safety is palpable: doors are often left unlocked, children ride their bikes freely along roads, and babies are left to nap outdoors in strollers. It's like the entire nation operates on the honor system—and it actually works.

Ireland Where History Became Harmony

Ireland continues its long-standing position near the top of the GPI, with notable strengths in the Militarisation domain, ranking fifth globally, and an improving position in Safety and Security. The country's score was bolstered by reductions in political terror and improvements in the perception of criminality.

What makes Ireland's peace particularly remarkable is how they transformed centuries of conflict into cooperation. Ireland's investment in education and social programs has fostered a culture of inclusion and opportunity.

Their approach to handling historical grievances through peace processes and reconciliation has become a model for other nations emerging from conflict. Crime is quite low outside of a few city neighborhoods (as in any country, one should be wary of pickpockets and scammers in tourist-dense areas), and there is little threat of cultural violence or terrorism.

The emerald landscapes aren't just beautiful—they're genuinely safe to explore, day or night.

Austria Where Alpine Serenity Meets Urban Safety

Austria is the third most peaceful country in the world and in Europe. The country performs well across all the Global Peace Index domains, securing a position within the top 15.

Vienna consistently ranks as one of the world's most livable cities, and there's a reason for that beyond just the stunning architecture and coffee culture. Austria's compelling combination of charming towns, breathtaking Alpine landscape, and rich cultural legacy contributes to its appeal as a safe and secure travel destination.

This country in Central Europe not only has amazing architectural achievements and landscapes to offer tourists, but it also gives them a sense of security and peace that makes their stay more enjoyable. When it comes to crime statistics, Austria continuously ranks among the safest countries in the world.

Theft and other criminal activity are generally low, whereas violent crime is rare. You could lose your wallet on a Vienna tram and have a decent chance of getting it back with everything intact.

New Zealand Where Nature Nurtures Peace

New Zealand's third-place position reflects its unique combination of geographic advantages and progressive governance. The country's isolation in the Pacific Ocean provides natural security, while its small population and strong democratic traditions create an environment conducive to the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The Kiwis have mastered something special here. Unlike its neighbor Australia, which is known for its dangerous wildlife (box jellyfish, taipan snakes, stonefish, funnel web spiders, and more), New Zealand has no deadly animals.

New Zealanders are generally open-minded and have laws in place to prevent the violation of anyone's freedom of speech or expression. As in Iceland, police in New Zealand do not carry personal firearms.

In New Zealand, peace isn't just a state of being—it's a way of life. And perhaps that is the country's most remarkable achievement of all.

From the rolling hills of Hobbiton to the bustling streets of Auckland, you'll find a culture that values kindness over competition.

Singapore Where Efficiency Equals Safety

Singapore joins the Global Peace Index top five for the first time, advancing from sixth place in 2023 with a score of 1.339. The city-state ranks second in peace in the Asia-Pacific region, behind New Zealand.

This tropical city-state has turned urban planning into an art form. Singapore's approach to safety and order is as efficient as its world-renowned public transportation system.

Low Crime Rates: Singapore boasts one of the lowest crime rates globally. In fact, the Global Peace Index ranks it first in the Safety and Security domain, with a near-perfect score of 1.213.

As a city-state, Singapore also ranks as the second-safest city in the world according to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). In 2019, Singapore ranked first for infrastructure security and personal security, second for digital security, and eighth for health security.

Walking through Marina Bay at midnight feels safer than most cities at noon. The secret?

A perfect blend of smart urban design, community engagement, and yes, strict but fair laws that everyone respects.

Portugal Where Warmth Meets Welcoming Arms

Portugal marches to the beat of its own drum when it comes to peace and safety. Over the past few years, this nation of about 10 million people has emerged as one of the biggest climbers of the Global Peace Index, moving from the 18th spot it held in 2014 into the top 10—a trend that shows no sign of reversing.

This year, Portugal gained one additional position. What sets Portugal apart isn't just its stunning coastlines and historic cities.

Portugal is a great place to vacation all year round because of its Mediterranean climate, which is marked by warm summers and pleasant winters. The Portuguese are renowned for being hospitable, kind, and welcoming to outsiders.

In a friendly and safe setting, visitors may engage with locals, discover Portuguese culture, and create lasting relationships. Portugal is especially safe because of its long-term political stability, low crime rates, and strict gun control laws.

What's more, Portugal doesn't get involved in foreign conflicts, so the risk of terrorist attacks is extremely low. It's like the entire country operates on a philosophy of "vida boa"—the good life, lived peacefully.

Denmark Where Happiness Creates Harmony

Denmark takes eighth place with a score of 1.383. This Scandinavian nation consistently ranks near the top in global happiness indices, with its comprehensive welfare system and high social trust contributing significantly to its peaceful environment.

The Danish concept of "hygge" isn't just about cozy candlelit dinners—it's a national mindset that prioritizes contentment and community. Danish citizens feel relatively safe thanks to low crime rates, stable political relations with their neighbours and a general trust in institutions such as the police and legal systems.

Safe public spaces, a sense of community, and progressive policies like gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights all help to promote inclusivity. Denmark maintains remarkably low crime rates, with violent incidents particularly rare.

The homicide rate stands at just 0.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. Even in Copenhagen, safety perceptions remain high, with 91% of residents reporting feeling safe walking alone at night.

Copenhagen's bike lanes aren't just eco-friendly—they're a symbol of a society that trusts its citizens to do the right thing.

The Secret Recipe Behind Global Peace

So what's the magic formula that makes these seven nations so remarkably peaceful? It's not just luck or geography, though isolation certainly helps some.

Researchers have determined that Positive Peace, which includes the attitudes, institutions, and structures that pre-empt conflict and facilitate functional societies, is the main driver of peace. The eight pillars of positive peace are well-functioning government, sound business environment, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbours, free flow of information, high levels of human capital, low levels of corruption, and equitable distribution of resources.

These countries have cracked the code on building societies where people feel genuinely secure. They've invested in education, healthcare, and social safety nets that make crime less appealing than cooperation.

They've fostered cultures of trust where neighbors look out for each other rather than fear each other.

What Peace Actually Looks Like in Daily Life

Living in one of these peaceful havens means experiencing life differently. The Icelandic community is tight-knit, and social values emphasize mutual respect and support.

This sense of community extends to everyday interactions, fostering a peaceful and cooperative environment. The emphasis on community and social welfare plays a crucial role in maintaining one of the lowest crime rates globally, further reinforcing Iceland's position as one of the safest countries to visit.

Imagine never checking if your car is locked, leaving your laptop unattended in a café, or walking home alone after a night out without a second thought. These aren't pipe dreams—they're Tuesday afternoons in these countries.

Children grow up with a fundamentally different relationship to the world around them, one built on trust rather than fear.

The Economic Dividend of Peace

Peaceful societies enjoy greater income growth, stronger currencies and higher foreign investment—not to mention political stability and a greater sense of happiness among their citizens. But here's something that might surprise you: peace isn't just feel-good politics—it's economically smart.

The economic impact of violence on the global economy is quantifiable: in 2024, it accounted for $19.97 trillion in purchasing-power parity (PPP) terms, or 11.56% of total global GDP—that's $2,446 less economic output for each person on the planet. Military spending alone contributed $9 trillion to this figure, making up 45% of the total economic impact of violence.

These peaceful countries are proof that investing in harmony pays dividends that extend far beyond crime statistics. They're not just safer—they're wealthier, healthier, and happier too.

The Challenges Peaceful Nations Face

Even paradise has its puzzles. Denmark's overall standing in the Peace Index is weighed down by its performance in the militarization domain: along with Norway and Bangladesh, in 2025 Denmark registered the steepest decline in this index subcategory, falling from 24th to 59th place.

Some of these nations struggle with the balance between maintaining their peaceful nature and contributing to global security. Safety is a major concern for many travelers, and Iceland's low crime rates and gender-inclusive environment make it a top choice for those seeking a peaceful getaway.

This increased demand could continue to fuel growth in Iceland's tourism industry, but the cost of travel may also serve as a limit for those with tighter budgets. Success brings its own problems—when your country becomes known as a peaceful haven, everyone wants to visit or move there, potentially straining the very systems that made it peaceful in the first place.

Lessons for a Turbulent World

Iceland's centuries-long peace stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a society aligns its values with the environment, its citizens, and the world it lives in. As the most peaceful country on earth, Iceland is a country that should be followed and a vacation spot that offers peace of mind for travelers seeking a sanctuary of peace.

These seven nations prove that peace isn't some utopian fantasy—it's an achievable reality when societies prioritize the right values. They show us that the choice between security through fear or security through trust isn't really a choice at all.

While countries like Iceland and New Zealand may benefit from their geographic isolation—making them more culturally cohesive and less exposed to territorial disputes—several nations in the top positions of the index fought vicious wars at one point in history, but today are integral members of the world's most peaceful region, Europe. Elsewhere, Singapore and Malaysia illustrate the impact of democratic institutions and economic growth, as well as the ability to draw important lessons from a past marked by struggle and poverty, on bolstering peace.

They've learned that investing in people's wellbeing, building strong institutions, and fostering social trust creates a virtuous cycle that makes everyone safer and happier. So here's the question that might keep you up tonight: If these seven countries can create such peaceful societies, what's stopping the rest of us from following their lead?

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