Discover the 10 Most Peaceful Countries in the World

In a dream society, everyone gets along. There’s no fighting and only peace. We would travel to any country at any time and relax. Members of society would learn about every culture and respect each other. We wouldn’t hate anyone for any silly reason. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in our current world. We do have to look over our shoulder, even where we live. We don’t live in a fully peaceful utopia. But that doesn’t mean there can’t be places that are close to it.

Every year, Vision of Humanity releases a report that updates the current most peaceful countries. They measure things such as the level of societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and how much military they have. All of these factors compile into a GPI, or Global Peace Index. The lower the number, the more peaceful the country. In a world full of uncertainty, hate, and war, these are the 10 most peaceful countries in the world, according to Vision of Humanity.

Switzerland – 1.339 GPI

Switzerland is a country known for being incredibly peaceful. Whenever they’re in the news, they’re talked about for amazing things and helping their citizens. They routinely rank high on the list of most developed countries. Switzerland currently ranks fifth in nominal GDP, and has the highest wealth per adult in the entire world. There are many different worldwide organizations that call Switzerland home, including the United Nations and World Health Organization.

Because of their location within Europe, Switzerland is a diverse place. There are four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. You can also find many different religions being practiced in Switzerland. The four official languages and many religions show that the people who live there have experience with all different cultures. Diverse places usually do well in peace rankings. Those looking to go on a relaxing trip somewhere peaceful in Europe should consider Switzerland.

Japan – 1.336 GPI

Almost exactly halfway around the world from the previous entry is the island country of Japan. Here, you’ll find some of the oldest people living in the world. All these years of life lessons have been passed down to the younger generations, leading to them being very peaceful. A life in Japan teaches people not to hate, but to be kind and sweet. It sounds simple and basic, but instilling these beliefs in younger people carries a lot of weight.

Japan is also one of the most populated places in the world. Being a small island also makes them one of the most densely populated places in the world. Living amongst so many people in such close proximity forces you to learn about your neighbor and understand them more. Tokyo is one of the most visited cities in the world, meaning the people from Tokyo interact with visitors from all over. Being one of the most developed countries in the world and knowing about different cultures helps them classify as being one of the most peaceful.

Slovenia – 1.334 GPI

Going back to central Europe takes us to the country of Slovenia. The land on which Slovenia sits on has gone back and forth between hands for many years. This appears to have stopped, now that they’re eighth on the list of most peaceful. Another of the most developed countries in the world, Slovenia’s economy consistently ranks amongst the highest. The citizens who live there are paid extremely well, and there’s little income inequality in Slovenia.

As mentioned previously, the land Slovenia sits on went back and forth for many years. Slovenia understands their history of battle and teaches it to the younger generations. Knowing the history and what’s gone on has truly helped Slovenia avoid repeating it. They do everything they can to avoid this repetition to keep everyone happy. Having a nation that feels like they’re paid fairly, knows its history, and wants to keep it that way helps put Slovenia high on the list of most peaceful.

Portugal – 1.333 GPI

Staying in Europe, Portugal comes in at number seven for most peaceful. Portugal is known for being one of the oldest countries in all of Europe, which is saying something. The capital and most populated city in Portugal is Lisbon, which stands out for its beautiful beaches and delicious food. Having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world helps Portugal stay peaceful. In addition to some beautiful beaches, Portugal is one of the largest and main exporters of lithium. Lithium is starting to become a major energy source, so the climate in Portugal is very nice.

Lastly, Portugal, like many of these other countries, has one of the best economies. They’re very developed and have one of the largest gold reserves in the world. Being able to back up the worth of your dollar helps your citizens feel at ease. Knowing you’re helping the planet, going to beautiful beaches, and being held up by a strong economy makes Portugal the seventh most peaceful country in the world.

Singapore – 1.332 GPI

As you can see, spots 10 through six are extremely close and comparable in terms of peace. Singapore comes in at number six and shares a lot of the same characteristics as the other Asian island on this list, Japan. Singapore has one of the strongest economies in the entire world, coming in at fifth for nominal GDP. Having a strong economy gives the citizens a lot to fall back on. Singapore also has some of the most amazing buildings in the world.

The strong skyline of the downtown area in Singapore gives the people something to feel proud of. Also like Japan, Singapore is one of the most densely populated places in the world, coming in at number two. Like the other countries on this list, having to interact with many people from different backgrounds usually makes for better relationships. The people of Singapore know their economy is strong and are assured they won’t be put in any uncomfortable situations.

Austria – 1.316 GPI

We have now officially entered the top five, and Austria will start us off. The theme amongst these countries is that most are either European and Asian, and that doesn’t change now. Austria is located very close to both Switzerland and Slovenia. They were another country that’s been split up and fought over. The people know the history and just want peace and calm in their homeland. Austria joins this list and the common theme among having a strong economy.

Austria also is ranked high on the Human Development Index, at 25. The history of Austria can be a dark one, but they chose to learn about it to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Learning about the tough history makes it more likely it won’t be repeated. In conclusion, Austria is one of the smartest countries in the world and boasts a strong economy, giving them very little to fight over.

New Zealand – 1.313 GPI

The only country on the top 10 list not in Asia or Europe is New Zealand. Located in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is known for its beautiful beaches and weather. Many of these islands in the Pacific Ocean have this weather and access to beaches, but New Zealand also has a strong economy. They rank 23rd in the world for nominal GDP, and with their location, that’s very impressive.

New Zealand is also known as being a melting pot for those from the Pacific who wish to have a better life. When people get to New Zealand, they’re immediately impressed and happy. They value the life that New Zealand provides for them and wish to repay it. New Zealand is one of the most diverse places, being home to many Samoans in addition to European people.

Republic of Ireland – 1.312 GPI

Time to head back to Europe for the top three. We are going to start off in the Republic of Ireland. The island of Ireland is split into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland is its own nation. This Republic of Ireland, much like everywhere else on this list, has a very strong economy. In fact, they have the second best nominal GDP in the entire world. Ireland is known for producing some of the best alcohol in the world.

Ireland also has access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire world. Those who have planned out the location for houses and downtown areas knew to keep this land beautiful. Additionally, the quality of life in Ireland is consistently ranked the highest in the world. There have also been a lot of governmental policies passed to ensure the safety for those who flee to the country.

Denmark – 1.31 GPI

As was the case for ten through six on our list, numbers five through two are seen as very close for how peaceful they are. Denmark comes in at number two, yet another European country that boasts a very strong economy. Denmark is tenth in the world for nominal GDP. Secondly, they also rank up at six on the Human Development Index.

While Denmark is still an island, they try to keep close to countries near it. Denmark understands that its neighbors have a great blueprint for keeping peace and their citizens happy. The country of Denmark took notes and was able to build even a little more off it. Denmark has a central downtown in Copenhagen, that offers many different things to do and ways to keep society happy and thriving.

Iceland – 1.124 GPI

By far and away comes Iceland as the most peaceful country in the world. Even though they’re one of the most secluded countries in the world, Iceland still has a very strong economy. The nominal GDP of Iceland is eighth in the world. In addition, they also rank third on the Human Development Index, putting them in the top 10 of economy and development. Undoubtedly, being in the top 10 for two of the most important factors places Iceland as the most peaceful in the world. The people in Iceland enjoy an amazing quality of life and are proud of where they live.

In conclusion, the main factors on this list are the quality of the economy and where the country ranks on the Human Development Index. A developed nation and a thriving economy are two factors that would make any nation happy. A happy country usually equates to a peaceful one. There are no pointing fingers and feeling taken advantage of. Hopefully, other countries can learn what to do to help the pace.