Most Peaceful Countries in the World in 2026: Global Peace Index Ranking and Safest Places to Live

Safety and stability remain key factors when choosing a country to live, work or relocate to. Find out which countries made it into the ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world in 2026 according to the Global Peace Index, what trends analysts are recording and why peace is becoming an increasingly valuable resource in the modern world

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In a world where geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts and internal instability increasingly affect the lives of millions of people, the issue of security is becoming one of the main criteria when choosing a country to live, work or invest. That is why the annual Global Peace Index (GPI) rating, which is prepared by the international analytical center Institute for Economics and Peace, attracts special attention from governments, businesses and potential migrants.

In June 2026, experts published another report in which they assessed the level of peacefulness and security in 163 countries of the world. The study covers more than twenty indicators, including the level of crime, political stability, the presence of internal and external conflicts, the risks of terrorism, as well as the degree of militarization of the state.

Find the safest countries in the world during the Third World War in this material.

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Iceland has once again become the most peaceful country in the world

Iceland remains the undisputed leader of the rating for the nineteenth year in a row. The country traditionally demonstrates one of the lowest crime rates in the world, a high level of trust of citizens in state institutions and a stable political system.

Experts note that Iceland's success is explained not only by the effective work of law enforcement agencies, but also by high social standards, a high-quality education system and a developed culture of civic responsibility.

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Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world in 2026

The top ten countries with the highest level of security include:

- Iceland

- New Zealand

- Switzerland

- Slovenia

- Ireland

- Austria

- Portugal

- Singapore

- Finland

- Japan

This article tells about the countries of the world that experts and investors consider the most stable in a period of global risks.

The dominance of European countries is especially indicative. Seven out of ten positions in the ranking belong to European countries, which confirms the high level of political stability, development of democratic institutions and the effectiveness of security systems on the continent.

At the same time, the presence of New Zealand, Singapore and Japan in the top ten indicates that a high level of peace and security can be achieved in different regions of the world, provided that there is effective public governance and sustainable economic development.

The world is becoming less peaceful

Despite the positive results of individual countries, the general trend remains alarming. The authors of the Global Peace Index note that the number of countries involved in armed conflicts has reached its highest level in recent decades.

Wars, political instability, humanitarian crises and regional confrontations negatively affect the overall peacefulness of the planet. Experts emphasize that modern conflicts are increasingly international in nature, which creates additional challenges for global security.

Countries with the lowest peace indicators

At the opposite end of the rating are states that continue to face serious security challenges:

- Russia;

- Sudan;

- Democratic Republic of Congo;

- Ukraine;

- Israel.

The most dangerous countries in Europe in 2026 are here.

The low positions of these countries are associated with military conflicts, internal instability or a high level of security risks. At the same time, analysts emphasize that the rating assesses the current situation and may change significantly depending on political and security processes.

Why is the peace index important for migrants?

When planning a move abroad, most people pay attention not only to the level of salaries or job prospects. Security, stability of the legal system, low crime rates and predictability of government policies are increasingly becoming determining factors.

That is why countries that consistently rank high in the Global Peace Index are often included in the list of the most attractive destinations for immigration, study and long-term residence. For potential expats, such rankings are an additional tool for assessing risks and opportunities before moving.

The world continues to change, but the experience of Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland and other leaders of the rating demonstrates that a high level of security remains an achievable goal, provided that effective governance, social stability and the development of democratic institutions are in place.

The ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world often becomes a reference point for people considering moving abroad. If you are thinking about immigrating to Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Portugal or another safe country, it is important to study the local immigration rules in advance.

The "Immigration Guide" from Visit World contains step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a residence permit, PMP or citizenship, a list of required documents, requirements for applicants, processing times and useful practical advice. All information comes in a convenient PDF format and helps you avoid common mistakes when preparing for a move.

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Recall! South America is associated with the Amazon jungle, the ocean, mountains and bright metropolises, but many tourists are still deterred by the region's reputation as dangerous for travel. In fact, there are countries on the continent with a stable situation, developed tourist infrastructure and relatively low crime rates. Learn more about the safest countries in South America to travel to in 2026.

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