Filenews 10 January 2026
In a year like 2025 marked by escalating wars, increased militarization, and intensifying geopolitical tensions, peace seemed rarer than ever.
According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, the number of state conflicts worldwide in 2025 had reached the highest level since World War II, with three new conflicts breaking out in the year alone. Nevertheless, some countries still stand out, maintaining consistently high performance in the peace index.
The GPI, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, assesses 163 countries based on 23 indicators, such as the level of militarization, internal and external conflicts, but also security issues, such as crime, terrorism and homicide rates.
Cyprus is in 68th place, above Senegal, Liberia, Malawi and Jordan.
The countries in the top positions have shown remarkable stability for almost 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 year in a row, ranking first since 2008. In fact, in 2025, it recorded an improvement of 2%, increasing the difference from the second country in the ranking. It leads in all three key areas of the index: security and security, absence of conflict and low militarization.
Residents of the country 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, while the police do not carry weapons. An important role is attributed to gender equality policies and a strong welfare state.
Ireland: From past conflict to peace priority
Despite the violent history of the late 20th century, Ireland is now among the most peaceful countries in the world. The index records a significant reduction in militarization and few active internal or international conflicts, while the country is also in the top ten in terms of social security.
Military neutrality – which keeps Ireland out of NATO – and an emphasis on diplomacy are seen as key factors. At the same time, residents emphasize the importance of social cohesion and daily solidarity, elements that, as they say, reduce social tensions.
New Zealand: Safety, Trust, and Nature
New Zealand moved up two places this year, reaching third place in the world rankings. The improvement is mainly attributed to the strengthening of internal security and the reduction of incidents of violent demonstrations and terrorism.
Its geographical isolation works protectively, but strict gun laws, a strong social net and universal access to health also play a decisive role. According to residents, the sense of trust – children going to school alone, houses without locks, drivers stopping to help – shapes a daily life with a strong sense of security.
Austria: Neutrality and social stability
Austria fell one place to rank fourth, but remained high in all areas of the index. Constitutionally guaranteed neutrality, which excludes participation in military alliances such as NATO, allows the country to invest mainly in social policy.
A strong welfare state, quality education and a health system are considered key pillars of stability, while residents and visitors describe a daily life where security is not just a statistical quantity, but a lived experience.
Switzerland: Neutrality, stability and a high sense of security
Switzerland ranks 5th in the Global Peace Index 2025, maintaining a consistently high score in the areas of internal security and the absence of international conflicts. The long-standing policy of neutrality, which keeps the country out of military alliances, is considered a key factor in its peaceful image.
Despite having a strong defence capability, militarization remains low compared to other European countries, with crime and violence rates among the lowest internationally. The stability of institutions, the trust of citizens in the state and the high standard of living enhance the feeling of security in everyday life, both for residents and visitors.
Singapore: Security despite high military spending
Singapore maintains the 6th place and is the only Asian country in the top ten of the index. It records an extremely high performance in internal security, despite the fact that it is among the countries with the highest military expenditure per capita in the world.
The absence of active conflicts and the strict application of the law create, according to residents, a strong sense of security, even at night. Despite restrictions on some rights, such as for the LGBTIQ+ community, there is a gradual social shift, especially among the younger generations.
Top 10 safest countries in 2025
According to the Global Peace Index 2025, the top ten is as follows:
1. Iceland
2. Ireland
3. New Zealand
4. Austria
5. Switzerland
6. Singapore
7. Portugal
8. Denmark
9. Slovenia
10. Finland
