This is the safest country in the world (for the 17th year in a row)

2026-01-13 22:22:35Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
This is the safest country in the world (for the 17th year in a row)
Puffin Island

In a year like 2025 marked by escalating wars, growing militarization, and high geopolitical tensions, peace seems rarer than ever.

According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, the number of state-to-state conflicts worldwide in 2025 reached its highest level since World War II, with three new conflicts erupting this year alone. However, some countries still stand out, consistently performing highly on the peace index.

The GPI, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, rates 163 countries based on 23 indicators, including levels of militarization, internal and external conflicts, and security issues such as crime, terrorism and homicide rates.

The countries in the key positions have shown remarkable stability for nearly two decades, which, according to analysts, reflects the long-term impact of peaceful policies.

Iceland: Consistently first since 2008

Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world for the 17th consecutive year, having held the top spot since 2008. In 2025, it even recorded a 2% improvement, widening the gap with second place in the ranking. It leads in all three key areas of the index: security and defense, absence of conflict, and low militarization.

Residents describe a daily life where a sense of security is a given: people walk alone at night without fear, babies often sleep in strollers outside cafes and shops, and the police do not carry weapons. An important role is attributed to social policies and a strong welfare state.

Ireland: From a past of conflict to a priority for peace

Despite a violent history in the late 20th century, Ireland is now among the most peaceful countries in the world. The index records a significant decline in militarization and few active domestic or international conflicts, while the country is also in the top ten for social security.

Military neutrality – which keeps Ireland out of NATO – and an emphasis on diplomacy are seen as crucial factors. At the same time, residents stress the importance of social cohesion and everyday solidarity, elements that, they say, reduce social tensions.

New Zealand: Safety, trust and nature

New Zealand climbed two places this year, reaching third place in the global ranking. The improvement is largely attributed to strengthened internal security and a decline in incidents of violent protests and terrorism.

Its geographic isolation acts as a protective factor, but strict gun laws, a strong social safety net, and universal access to healthcare also play a role. According to residents, a sense of trust – children walking alone to school, houses without locks, drivers stopping to help – creates a daily life with a strong sense of security.

Austria: Neutrality and social stability

Austria fell one place to fourth, but remains high in all areas of the index. Its constitutionally guaranteed neutrality, which excludes participation in military alliances such as NATO, allows the country to invest primarily in social policies.

A strong welfare state, quality education and a healthcare system are considered key pillars of stability, while residents and visitors describe a daily life where security is not just a statistic, but a lived experience.

Switzerland: Neutrality, stability and a high sense of security

Switzerland ranks 5th in the Global Peace Index 2025, consistently maintaining high scores in the areas of internal security and absence of international conflict. The country's long-standing policy of neutrality, which keeps the country away from military alliances, is considered a key factor in its peaceful image.

Despite having a strong defense capability, militarization remains low compared to other European countries, while crime and violence rates are among the lowest internationally. The stability of institutions, citizens' trust in the state, and high living standards increase the sense of security in everyday life, for both residents and visitors.

Singapore: Security despite high military spending

Singapore holds the 6th spot and is the only Asian country in the top ten of the index. It has an exceptionally strong record of internal security, despite being among the countries with the highest military spending per capita in the world.

The lack of active conflicts and strict law enforcement create, according to residents, a strong sense of security, even at night.

The ten safest countries in 2025

According to the Global Peace Index 2025, the top ten countries are as follows:

Puffin Island

Ireland

New Zealand

Austria

Switzerland

Singapore

Portugal

Denmark

Slovenia

finland


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