Iceland is ranked as the least violent and most peaceful country in the world, holding this position on the Global Peace Index for 17 consecutive years (since 2008). It boasts extremely low crime rates, high social stability, and minimal militarization, with a 2025 Global Peace Index score of 1.095.
The global economic impact of violence was $16.5 trillion in 2021, equivalent to 10.9% of global GDP, or $2,117 per person. Iceland remains the most peaceful country in 2022, a position it has held since 2008.
The 2024 GPI indicates Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, Malaysia and Canada to be the most peaceful countries, while Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Congo, Russia, Syria, Israel and Mali to be the least peaceful.
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Here's a list of countries currently on the "Do Not Travel" list: Afghanistan: Due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Burkina Faso: Due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Central African Republic: Due to armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
It was found that the low crime rate in Iceland is largely due to a culture of nonviolence in Iceland itself as well as a nearly homogeneous population and other unique factors.
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Iceland tops the Global Peace Index for 2025 (and has since the list's inception in 2009!), followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland. Just outside the top ten sit Czechia at 11, Japan at 12, and Malaysia at 13.
In 2023, the rate of police-reported violent crime continued to be lower in Canada than the United States (252 incidents per 100,000 population versus 334 incidents), though the gap between the two countries has narrowed over the last 25 years.
According to the latest 2025 CEOWORLD Health Care Index, Taiwan once again ranks as the country with the best healthcare in the world, maintaining its top position with an overall score of 78.72. South Korea (77.7) and Australia (74.11) remain in second and third place, respectively.
Ukraine. Ukraine recorded the largest deterioration in peacefulness globally in 2025, driven by the ongoing war with Russia. Alongside battlefield losses, the country saw a rise in domestic violence, organised crime, and arms trafficking.
Afghanistan continues to hold the position as the most dangerous country in the world.
Japan was ranked the safest country in Asia for travelers, thanks to its low crime rates and high marks in global safety indexes.
The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region has the undesirable distinction of being the world's most violent region, with 24.7 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The magnitude of the problem is staggering and persistent. Of the top 50 most violent cities in the world, 42 are in LAC.
We came 30th overall in the 2025 GPI, and 20th in Europe. We apparently have the second strongest military in the continent, which helped the high placement. The lowest that the UK has ranked in the GPI was 60th, in 2008 when the index was founded.
Denmark. Denmark is at the top of the list of the top ten countries for quality of life. This small Nordic country consistently ranks highly in international surveys on factors like happiness, income equality, safety, and access to education.
Ranked number one since 2008, Iceland remains the world's most peaceful nation, leading across all three domains: safety and security, ongoing conflict and militarisation. It even recorded a 2% improvement this year, widening the gap from the second-place country on the list.
Always plan your trips fully so that you are aware of the dangers, and note down where you can find embassies in the country of travel.
Snowy trails can be slick, and rain can leave anyone wearing jeans or cotton t-shirts soaked, cold and uncomfortable. Remember to pay attention to the importance of wicking and waterproof clothing, especially when planning outdoor sports or activities where your body temperature will rise.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the #1 safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI), a position it has held for over a decade due to extremely low crime, no standing army, high social cohesion, and minimal conflict, though some other reports might place Switzerland or the Netherlands first based on different survey criteria.