Peace can be difficult to define, yet its absence is usually obvious. Political instability, rising military expenditure, and other factors have shaped much of the global conversation over the past year. Against that backdrop, the latest Global Peace Index offers a snapshot of where stability has endured. The index is based on a broad range of indicators designed to measure the overall level of peacefulness within a country. These measures examine aspects of daily life that contribute to stability and wellbeing, allowing researchers to track patterns over time.
As per the Global Peace Index 2026 , the edition of the index arrives at a time when global peacefulness continues to move in the wrong direction. The report found that the world became less peaceful for the 12th consecutive year. More countries saw their scores worsen rather than improve, and the gap between the most peaceful and least peaceful nations has continued to widen. Yet some countries have remained remarkably resilient, maintaining strong records on safety, security, and social stability even as international tensions intensified.
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10 most peaceful countries in the world in 2026
Source: Global Peace Index
World's 10 most peaceful countries, ranked according to the Global Peace Index
1. Iceland
Iceland once again occupied the top spot, extending a run that has now lasted nearly two decades. The country recorded the lowest score in the index and remained unchanged from the previous year. Its position has become something of a constant in a ranking that otherwise shifts from year to year. A small population and stable institutions have helped Iceland maintain its place even as global conditions have become more turbulent.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand climbed one position to second place in the 2026 rankings. Geographically distant from many of the world's major flashpoints, the country has consistently ranked among the safest nations globally. Its rise this year reflects a broader pattern of steady performance rather than any dramatic change.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland slipped by one place but remained firmly within the top three. The country continues to benefit from a reputation for political stability and neutrality. While rankings can fluctuate slightly from year to year, Switzerland's position near the summit has become a familiar feature of the Global Peace Index over the past two decades.
4. Slovenia
Slovenia moved up two places to fourth. Often overshadowed by larger European neighbours, the country has quietly established itself as one of the continent's strongest performers on measures linked to peacefulness. Its steady rise reflects a broader trend that has seen several smaller European nations perform exceptionally well in international assessments of stability and security.
5. Ireland
Ireland rounded out the top five despite slipping one position compared with the previous ranking. Its presence among the world's most peaceful countries has become routine in recent years. While the country experienced a slight decline in ranking, it remains part of a small group of nations that consistently score highly across multiple indicators used by the index.
6. Austria
Austria ranked sixth in the latest edition of the report. The country fell one place from last year but retained a strong standing globally. Austria's position also reinforces the continued dominance of Western and Central Europe, which remains the most peaceful region in the world according to the index.
7. Portugal
Portugal climbed one place to seventh. Over the past decade, Portugal has become a regular fixture near the top of international peace rankings. The country's ability to remain among the leading group reflects a long period of relative stability during a time when many parts of the world have become increasingly volatile.
8. Singapore
Singapore was the highest-ranked Asian nation in the top 10, finishing eighth. Although it slipped one place from the previous year, it remained comfortably among the world's most peaceful countries. Singapore's position highlights the strong showing of the Asia-Pacific region, which secured three places within the top 10.
9. Finland
Finland rose one position to ninth. The Nordic country has long been associated with strong public institutions and high levels of trust. Its appearance among the top 10 continues a pattern that has seen northern European nations consistently perform well in global rankings measuring stability and security.
10. Japan
Japan completed the list after climbing three places, the biggest upward movement among the top 10 countries. Its improvement pushed the country back into the upper tier of the rankings and ensured that Asia was represented by both Japan and Singapore alongside New Zealand. The result underlines Japan's enduring position as one of the world's most stable societies.
