Korea Retains Top Spot, Russia Marks the End of the List in Global Peace Index Rankings

world's most peaceful nation, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index. Discover the rankings and factors influencing global peace.">

Iceland Continues Reign as World’s Most Peaceful nation

August 31,2025

Reykjavik,Iceland – for the seventeenth consecutive year,Iceland has been named the world’s most peaceful country,according to the 2025 Global Peace Index. The ranking, released by the Australian-based Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), underscores Iceland’s consistent commitment to peace and security.

The annual report,publicized August 30th,assigns a score of 1.095 to Iceland, reflecting its high levels of social safety, minimal internal and external conflicts, and a relatively low degree of military expenditure. This places Iceland substantially ahead of other nations in terms of peacefulness. Ireland secured second place with a score of 1.260, maintaining its position from the previous year.

New Zealand followed closely in third place with 1.282 points, with Australia and Switzerland tying for fourth and fifth place, both scoring 1.294 points. These nations consistently demonstrate strong social cohesion and political stability.

Global Peace trends and Rankings

The report also highlighted the global landscape of peace. South Korea achieved a ranking of 41st, climbing two positions from the previous year with a score of 1.736. Conversely, North Korea remained at 149th place, maintaining a score of 2.911, and remains among the least peaceful nations in Asia. This places North Korea in the lowest tier of the index’s six-level scale of peace.

The United States, with a score of 2.443, held its position at 128th, ranking below countries like Honduras, Bangladesh, and Uganda. This underscores ongoing challenges related to social unrest and political polarization within the nation. The five least peaceful countries globally were identified as Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and russia. Both Ukraine and Russia experienced declines in their rankings,falling to 162nd and 163rd respectively,marking a historic low for Russia.

The IEP’s assessment is based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators encompassing social safety and security, domestic and international conflict, and the level of militarization. Lower scores indicate greater peacefulness. The report revealed a slight global deterioration in peace, with a 0.36% decline observed this year.

Rank	Country	Score
1	Iceland	1.095
2	Ireland	1.260
3	New Zealand	1.282
4	Australia	1.294
5	Switzerland	1.294
41	South korea	1.736
149	North Korea	2.911
128	United states	2.443

Did You Know? Iceland’s commitment to gender equality and social welfare programs are cited as contributing factors to its high levels of peace and stability.

Pro Tip: Investing in education and conflict resolution programs are key strategies for promoting peace and reducing violence at both national and international levels.

The Importance of Global Peace

Maintaining and fostering global peace is essential for sustainable progress, economic prosperity, and the overall well-being of humanity. Peaceful societies are more likely to attract investment, promote trade, and provide opportunities for their citizens. Conversely, conflict and instability can lead to displacement, poverty, and human suffering.

As geopolitical tensions continue to rise in various parts of the world, the need for diplomatic solutions and international cooperation becomes increasingly urgent. Efforts to address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, are crucial for building a more peaceful and just world.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Peace Index

• What is the Global Peace Index? The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a report produced annually by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) that ranks countries based on their level of peacefulness.
• How is the Global Peace Index calculated? The GPI is calculated based on 23 indicators spanning three domains: social safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization.
• why is Iceland consistently ranked as the most peaceful country? Iceland’s high ranking is attributed to its strong social safety net, low levels of crime, and a lack of significant internal or external conflicts.
• What factors contribute to a decline in global peace? Factors such as geopolitical tensions, economic inequality, political instability, and the proliferation of weapons can all contribute to a decline in global peace.
• How does the Global Peace Index impact international relations? The GPI provides a valuable tool for policymakers and international organizations to assess risks and prioritize efforts to promote peace and stability.

What are your thoughts on these rankings? Do they reflect the current global climate, and what steps can be taken to improve peace worldwide? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific indicators within the Global Peace Index contributed moast considerably to Russia’s decline in ranking?

The 2025 Global Peace Index: A Deep Dive

The latest Global Peace Index (GPI) rankings, released today, August 31st, 2025, reveal a world grappling with increasing geopolitical tensions adn internal conflicts. While some nations demonstrate remarkable stability, others are facing escalating challenges to peace and security. this year’s report, based on thorough data analysis, highlights significant shifts in global peacefulness, with Korea continuing its reign as the most peaceful country and Russia falling to the bottom of the list. The GPI, a widely respected measure of global peace, considers 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators spanning ongoing conflict, safety and security, and militarization.

Korea’s Continued Dominance: Factors Behind the Success

For another year, Korea secures the number one position in the GPI. This consistent high ranking isn’t accidental; it’s built on a foundation of several key factors:

Strong Political Stability: A robust democratic system and effective governance contribute significantly to internal peace.

Low Levels of Militarization: compared to manny nations, Korea maintains relatively low military spending and a focus on defensive capabilities.

Excellent International Relations: Korea fosters positive relationships with its neighbors and actively participates in international peacekeeping efforts.

High Levels of Social Cohesion: A strong sense of national identity and community contribute to a peaceful and harmonious society.

Effective Criminal Justice System: A well-functioning legal system and low crime rates enhance safety and security.

This sustained peacefulness offers significant benefits, including increased foreign investment, a thriving tourism sector, and a higher quality of life for its citizens. The country serves as a model for other nations striving for stability and security.

russia at the Bottom: Understanding the Deterioration

Russia’s descent to the lowest ranking in the 2025 GPI is a stark indicator of the escalating conflict and instability within the nation and its international relations. Several factors have contributed to this dramatic decline:

Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine: The protracted conflict has had a devastating impact on regional and global peace.

Increased military Expenditure: A significant rise in military spending diverts resources from social programs and fuels tensions.

Political Repression: Restrictions on political freedoms and civil liberties contribute to internal unrest.

International Sanctions: Economic sanctions imposed by numerous countries have exacerbated economic hardship and instability.

Strained International Relations: Aggressive foreign policy and strained relationships with neighboring countries contribute to a volatile geopolitical landscape.

The consequences of this decline are far-reaching, impacting not only russia but also regional and global security. The situation underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution.

top 5 Most peaceful Countries – 2025 GPI

The top five most peaceful countries, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index, are:

1. Korea
2. Iceland
3. New Zealand
4. Portugal
5. Austria

These nations consistently demonstrate high levels of political stability, social cohesion, and respect for human rights. They also tend to have low levels of military expenditure and strong international relations.

Bottom 5 Least Peaceful Countries – 2025 GPI

Conversely, the five least peaceful countries in the 2025 GPI are:

1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. Syria
4. South Sudan
5. yemen

These countries are plagued by ongoing conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. They face significant challenges in achieving lasting peace and security.

Regional Trends in Global Peacefulness

The GPI reveals distinct regional trends in peacefulness:

Europe: While generally peaceful, Europe is experiencing increased tensions due to the conflict in Ukraine and rising geopolitical competition.

Asia-pacific: The region remains relatively stable, with Korea and New Zealand consistently ranking high. Though, tensions in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula pose potential risks.

Middle East and North Africa (MENA): This region continues to be the least peaceful, with ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and other countries.

Sub-Saharan Africa: The region faces significant challenges, including political instability, armed conflicts, and humanitarian crises.

* North America: The United States and Canada exhibit moderate levels of peacefulness, but internal political polarization and social unrest are growing concerns.

The Impact of Global Conflicts on Peacefulness

Ongoing conflicts around the world have a significant impact on global peacefulness.The war in Ukraine, in particular, has had a ripple effect, increasing geopolitical tensions and exacerbating humanitarian crises. Other conflicts, such as those in Syria, Yemen, and Myanmar, continue to contribute to regional instability. The rise of non-state armed groups and terrorist organizations also poses a significant threat to peace and security.

The Role of Military Expenditure

The GPI consistently demonstrates a correlation between military expenditure and a lack of peacefulness.Countries with high military spending tend to be less peaceful than those with lower spending. This is because military expenditure diverts resources from social programs, fuels tensions, and increases the risk of conflict. Reducing military spending and investing in peacebuilding initiatives are crucial steps towards creating a more peaceful world.

The Importance of Social Cohesion and Inclusion

Social cohesion and inclusion are essential for building peaceful societies. When people feel a sense of belonging and have equal opportunities, they are less likely