Full Breakdown
2026 Global Peace Index: Safest Nations Amid Global Decline
6/9/2026, 11:02:32 PM
Core Rankings and Trends
The Institute for Economics & Peace released the 20th Global Peace Index in June 2026, rating 163 states on 23 peace indicators. The index showed a 0.7 % global decline for the 12th year, the worst since World War II. Iceland stayed number 1 for the 19th year, improving 2 % after fewer violent demonstrations. New Zealand moved to second, Switzerland remained third, Slovenia rose to fourth on low military spending, and Ireland held fifth with low violence and limited foreign conflict. The index’s 23 metrics span military expenditure, homicide rates, and public perception of safety.
Voices from the Top Five
Icelandic officials cite gender parity, renewable energy and isolation. New Zealanders credit strict gun laws and neighbourly accountability. Swiss residents note neutrality and honesty, recalling lost wallets returned intact. Slovenians emphasize community life and outdoor recreation. Irish citizens reference a historic hospitality tradition from Brehon law.
Institutional Perspective
The Institute notes the GPI measures national-level peace, not personal travel risk, and serves as a barometer of societal conditions. European and North-American foreign ministries advise travellers to consult official advisories, as the index omits localized hazards like petty crime, road safety or natural disasters.
Limitations and Conflicting Data
Analysts identify two gaps. The 2026 GPI only partially covers the Iran-Israel-U.S. conflict, as its indicators end in 2025. It also omits emerging cyber-warfare threats. The report cites a 175 % rise in internationalised intrastate conflicts since 2010, whereas earlier briefings described external wars as merely doubled, showing differing baselines.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Even though we had this catastrophic drop, it hasn't really affected the countries at the top,” — Steve Killelea, founder, Institute for Economics & Peace
- “Peacefulness is all around us in Iceland in the nature that surrounds us, but it is also a conscious choice rooted in our close-knit communities,” — Oddný Arnarsdóttir, head of Visit Iceland
- “People seem willing to make room for one another here,” — Cornelia Choe, executive coach, Geneva
- “However, it should be remembered that it offers little indication about a visitor's day-to-day experience, and does not track destination-specific risks such as petty crime hotspots, road safety or natural hazards, explains Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics & Peace and creator of the GPI.” — Steve Killelea
Outlook for Travelers
The Institute will add cyber-operation metrics and extend the data cut-off to cover ongoing 2026 hostilities. Until then, travellers should pair the GPI with current foreign-office advisories, especially where security conditions shift rapidly.
