Discover the delicate balance of peace in a world where harmony is both the destination and the journey. All of the countries listed here are committed to creating a stable and comfortable environment in which their citizens are allowed to thrive and grow without the worry of crime and the threat of danger.
15. Hungary
This central European country climbed five spots since its ranking of number 20 last year. Perhaps best known by its frequently-backpacked capital of Budapest, Hungary can boast that it is one of the safest countries in the region for tourists to visit. Since 2005, the country has seen a sharp rise in their population’s perception of public safety, including an almost 10% rise in public trust towards police.
14. Norway
The Scandinavian nation of epic fiordlands continues to reign as a global leader in peace, rising three spots since it was ranked number 17 in 2016. Norway is the second highest-ranked European country when it comes to safety and security, falling only behind its Nordic neighbor Iceland. Notably, Norwegian acceptance of the rights of others dropped a whopping 43.3% from 2005 to 2015, possibly in response to a 2011 terror attack.
13. Bhutan
Wedged between neighbors China and India, the mountainous country of Bhutan is as beautiful as it is peaceful. Coming in at number 13 in the last ranking by the GPI, the country’s steadfast dedication to peace seems to be as consistent as its commitment to preserving its ancient culture and traditions.
12. Australia
In addition to Koalas, Steve Irwin, and the Great Barrier Reef, we can add peacefulness to the list of things Aussies are known for. Australia climbed three spots in the GPI since last year, coming third only to Japan and its neighbor New Zealand in the Asia-Pacific region.
11. Japan
10. Ireland
Rising two spots to a tie with Japan at number 10/11, Ireland falls within the world’s 10 most peaceful countries, and comes in at Europe’s number eight. Ireland is one of the absolute lowest ranked countries in terms of the economic cost of violence in the country as a percent of GDP, spending a meager 3.1%. For a comparison, the number one highest spender in this category is Syria, where violence costs the country a whopping 66.9% of their GDP.
9. Switzerland
Though it comes in two places lower than the last GPI ranking, Switzerland continues to be consistently ranked in the top 10 of most peaceful countries in the world. Switzerland is notable on this year’s GPI rankings for being the only European country in the top five lowest states when it came to ongoing domestic or international conflict.
8. Canada
Of course Canada is on the list. Since last ranking, Canada saw marginal improvements in its weapons exports and involvement in international conflict. It seems like the stereotype of the friendly Canadian may have some basis in reality.
7. Slovenia
The central European country of Slovenia climbed an impressive three spots to number seven in the 2017 GPI rankings. Of countries in Europe, Slovenia comes in a number three when it comes to low levels of militarization, a testament to the country’s focus on sustainable tourism as opposed to armed conflict. Residents of the nation can be proud to boast not only some of the most gorgeous natural beauty in the world, but also some of the most peaceful practices.
6. Czech Republic
In a year when many countries made improvements in their rankings, Czech Republic retained its ranking of number six by showing improvements across a broad swath of peace indicators. Most notably, Czech Republic improved in measures of good relations with neighbors, and the acceptance of the rights of others. This is quite a feat, considering that the about half of all European nations declined in one or both of these measures from 2005-2015.
5. Denmark
Though Denmark ranks in the top five of the world’s most peaceful countries, Danes will be disappointed that their ranking dropped by three points. Regardless, the Nordic land known for amazing architecture and snowy winters still showed improvement across six out of eight indicators of peacefulness.
4. Austria
