55 Most Peaceful Countries in the World, Ranked
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It seems the world is on fire these days. Not literally, of course (although quite literally in some places). But between systemic racism, lack of gun control, famine, war, death and destruction, it's impossible to turn the news on without feeling dismayed about the state of society.
That’s why we wanted to celebrate a bit of positive news and look at the countries that are ranked the most peaceful in the world. Each year, the Institute for Economics & Peace releases the Global Peace Index, which is a report that identifies 163 independent states and territories and ranks them on peace. For this report, peace is measured on a variety of factors, including domestic and international conflict involvement, crime rate, stability, peacekeeping missions, access to weapons and overall quality of life for citizens.
Some of the nations on this list won't come as a shock to you, but others may have you wondering if perhaps now is the time to start packing your bags to go visit overlooked peaceful nations scattered all across the world. Here are the 55 most peaceful countries, ranked.
55. Chile
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Population: 19.1 million
Capital city: Santiago
Languages spoken: Spanish
* Ranking is based on the Institute for Economics & Peace's Global Peace Index 2022.
What Makes Chile So Peaceful
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Chile is ranked the second most peaceful country in South America on the Global Peace Index 2022. After the unemployment rate rose due to the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, there was an increase in riots in Chile, but on the whole, the country remains peaceful and safe.
Chile is considered a world-class wine destination and boasts the world's largest swimming pool, which takes up an astounding 20 acres and reaches depths of 115 feet.
54. Timor-Leste
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Population: 10.32 million
Capital city: Dili
Languages spoken: Tetun, Portuguese
What Makes Timor-Leste So Peaceful
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Timor-Leste was colonized by Portugal for centuries. Immediately after achieving freedom, it was overtaken by Indonesia, its neighboring country.
Decades of unrest followed but ended with official independence in 2002. As often happens, the new nation had a rocky start, but it is now finally enjoying relative stability and peace.
Remote and difficult to reach, Timor-Leste remains one of the 10 least-visited countries in the world. This is a shame, considering its pristine coral reefs and beaches that rival some of the world's best.
53. Greece
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Population: 10.64 million
Capital city: Athens
Languages spoken: Greek
What Makes Greece So Peaceful
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The 20th century was not kind to Greece. While the country regained independence after centuries of being under the Ottoman Empire, the once mighty nation underwent a period of instability through monarchies, dictatorships and flaky democracies.
Things have stabilized now, however. The country is not involved in any international conflict and enjoys relative political stability. However, the economy still struggles to recover from the recession of the early 2000s and massive debt.
Still, its astonishing islands and deeply interesting history guarantee it is an eternal favorite for travelers.
52. Serbia
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Population: 6.9 million
Capital city: Belgrade
Languages spoken: Serbian
What Makes Serbia So Peaceful
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Like other states that formerly made up Yugoslavia, Serbia suffered from violent conflict during the 1990s. However, it has since worked hard to rebuild itself and its image. The middle-income country is negotiating for a spot within the European Union and peacefully parted ways with Montenegro in 2006.
Still, Serbia does have a low simmer internal conflict with Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, but which Serbia does not recognize as a sovereign state.
51. Laos
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Population: 7.3 million
Capital city: Vientiane
Languages spoken: Lao
What Makes Laos So Peaceful
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With a low crime rate and no major conflicts for decades, Laos is an overlooked country that enjoys peace. We're not just talking about political peace, but also about a generally more relaxed way of life, in part due to its heavily agricultural society.
Laos is more often ignored by travelers than its neighbors Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. As a result, you won't find the typical rowdy crowds of tourists. Even in Vientiane, the country's capital, you'll notice that the major streets are for residents rather than for tourists. In general, travelers enjoy Laos' laidback attitude and high safety.
50. Sierra Leone
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Population: 8 million
Capital city: Freetown
Languages spoken: English, Krio, Mende, Temne
What Makes Sierra Leone So Peaceful
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Many people maintain an image of Sierra Leone as being filled with war-ridden conflict. The nation was, in fact, involved in civil war until the early 2000s, but it has since then enjoyed political stability and smooth transitions of democracy.
Sierra Leone has also proven immune to the religious conflicts that have sometimes afflicted its neighbors. The country is majority Muslim, but religious tolerance and freedom are high, and there are no major tensions between the Islamic population and the minority Christian population.
48. Montenegro (Tie)
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Population: 619,211
Capital city: Podgorica
Languages spoken: Montenegrin
What Makes Montenegro So Peaceful
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After separating from Serbia in 2006, Montenegro has worked hard to leave its days of conflict behind. While the early 2020s have been years of economic and political instability, the country has maintained peace to a great degree.
Still landing outside the tourist radar, Montenegro offers villages on the Adriatic Sea at a fraction of the price of its neighboring countries. Both locals and travelers report feeling safe, as crime rates are low.
48. Botswana (Tie)
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Population: 2.352 million
Capital city: Gaborone
Languages spoken: English and Tswana
What Makes Botswana So Peaceful
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Botswana is a member of the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and the United Nations, and it has a relatively high standard of living. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it also has the highest Human Development Index.
While the country has been heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the country has been slowly rebounding. The Botswana government is considered a flawed democracy, but it remains the least corrupt country in Africa, according to Transparency International. Nearly 40 percent of the country is made up of wildlife reserves and national parks, so plan on seeing lots of fascinating animal species if you visit.
47. Indonesia
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Population: 273.5 million
Capital city: Jakarta
Languages spoken: Indonesian and Javanese
What Makes Indonesia So Peaceful
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Indonesia is a widely popular tourist destination, and its high safety rating is just one reason for this. It's one of 17 countries considered "megadiverse," with a mind-blowing variety of native plant and animal species to observe. With amazing diving sites, gorgeous hiking trails, and some of the best coffee and bananas you'll ever taste, it's an incredible place to visit.
Indonesia did see mass protests in recent years, and a ban on pre-marital intercourse has people worried about human rights. However, and more instability is predicted over the next decade.
46. Uruguay
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Population: 3.5 million
Capital city: Montevideo
Languages spoken: Spanish
What Makes Uruguay So Peaceful
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Uruguay is holding its place as the most peaceful South American country, but that may change. It has experienced significant deterioration in peacefulness thanks to rising political instability. Violent protests occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the situation has since calmed down.
Still, Uruguay is a fairly peaceful country with a lot of upsides. Uruguay is an excellent example of environmentalism, with the majority of energy in the country produced from renewable resources. Uruguay is also known for its ethical treatment of animals and hospitality to visitors.
45. The Gambia
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Population: 2.64 million
Capital city: Banjul
Languages spoken: English, Mandinka, Wolof and others
What Makes The Gambia So Peaceful
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Almost completely engulfed by Senegal, The Gambia centers life around the Gambia River and the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the country is protected land, with numerous wildlife reserves that hide leopards, hippos, monkeys and more within their boundaries.
The West African country is not involved in any major internal or external conflict, which is why it earned a spot on this list. However, economic hardship continues to be an issue, with reported incidents of theft and muggings.
44. Vietnam
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Population: 97.3 million
Capital city: Ho Chi Minh City
Languages spoken: Vietnamese
What Makes Vietnam So Peaceful
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Even though 50 years ago Vietnam was involved in one of the worst wars of the 20th century, the country has made giant strides toward peace since then. Today, it ranks as the sixth most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region.
The country is not involved in any active international conflict and has no significant internal conflict. That said, Vietnam has been heavily criticized for its perceived lack of human rights, with the Communist Party not allowing any other party to participate in elections.
For travelers, Vietnam is a safe country where the most pressing concern is pick-pocketing.
43. South Korea
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Population: 51.74 million
Capital city: Seoul
Languages spoken: Korean
What Makes South Korea So Peaceful
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After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest nations in the world. The following decades were then spent in a period of massive development under dictatorships. Now, the East Asian country boasts the 10th largest GDP in the world and a strong democracy.
The war with its northern neighbor is — technically — not over. And tensions rise from time to time. But, overall, there hasn't been a direct confrontation in decades, and the citizens of South Korea live in peace and stability. Crime rates are so low that it is customary to leave a phone or a computer on a table in order to hold it while you go to the bathroom.
42. Mongolia
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Population: 3.3 million
Capital city: Ulaanbaatar
Languages spoken: Mongolian
What Makes Mongolia So Peaceful
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Although Mongolia is famous for its fierce conqueror, Genghis Khan, the country actually spent the majority of the last four centuries under Chinese rule. Once it declared independence in the early 20th century, it became a satellite state of Russia until the 1990s.
Since then, few major conflicts have afflicted the nation, which is one of the most sparsely populated in the world. While almost half of its people live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, a large part of the population is still semi-nomadic, upholding a traditional way of life. Visitors are welcome in many nomad camps, an experience that attracts many people to the country.
41. Albania
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Population: 2.8 million
Capital city: Tirana
Languages spoken: Albanian
What Makes Albania So Peaceful
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The southeastern European country of Albania is still considered a developing country. It endured a period of transition in 1990 after the fall of communism and is now a parliamentary constitutional republic.
Albania is proud to offer its citizens universal healthcare and free education, and it's an official candidate for European Union membership. It's also known for being extremely welcoming to visitors, with locals eager to greet tourists and show them the lay of the land.
40. Ghana
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Population: 31.07 million
Capital city: Accra
Languages spoken: English and several other languages
What Makes Ghana So Peaceful
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Ghana is much safer than most people realize. While there have been disputes in the past year over election results, Ghana is ranked the second most peaceful country in Africa.
It has a unitary constitutional democracy, and since 1993, it has upheld its position as one of the most stable, freest countries in the region. Visitors are impressed by the bright, colorful fashion worn in Ghana, along with tropical waterfalls and white sand beaches. Many regional dialects are spoken, and locals often warmly refer to visitors as "charlie," which equates to "friend."
39. Kuwait
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Population: 4.3 million
Capital city: Kuwait City
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Farsi and Urdu
What Makes Kuwait So Peaceful
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While the Middle East isn't known for being the most peaceful region, Kuwait is a developed country that happens to be the fifth richest country in the world. Back in 2009, it had the highest Human Development Index in the region. Just 5 percent of the population feels violence is the greatest threat to their safety, which is much lower than the responses shared in neighboring countries.
As a center of business with the 15th tallest sculpted tower in the world, Kuwait is considered very safe to travel to as long as travelers avoid the border with Iraq.
38. Costa Rica
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Population: 5.1 million
Capital city: San José
Languages spoken: Spanish
What Makes Costa Rica So Peaceful
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Although Costa Rica reported a deterioration in peacefulness in the past years due to the impact of the drug trade and elevated military expenditure, it is still considered the most peaceful country in Central America and the Caribbean region.
Its homicide rate is low, and the country is considered safe for tourists and residents. It doesn't hurt that the country's lush rainforests and beautiful beaches are so soothing.
37. Lithuania
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Population: 2.8 million
Capital city: Vilnius
Languages spoken: Lithuanian
What Makes Lithuania So Peaceful
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Lithuania is a small country that isn't given much attention compared to many other European countries, but the petite nation is more progressive than one might expect. Just 9.4 percent of people interviewed expressed concerns about about violence in Lithuania.
There's a lot to love about Lithuania. After being occupied by neighboring countries multiple times in the past, the nation has a strong sense of national pride and places a high value on freedom. Lithuanians also enjoy free, high-speed internet all over the country.
36. North Macedonia
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Population: 2 million
Capital city: Skopje
Languages spoken: Macedonian, Albanian
What Makes North Macedonia So Peaceful
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North Macedonia remained relatively unscathed from the Yugoslav Wars, with the only major conflict lasting less than a year. Since then, the country's only notorious dispute has been with Greece over its name — a dispute that was finally settled when Macedonia added "North" to its name.
The country enjoys relative prosperity, with universal health care and political stability. Still, Macedonia often falls off the radar, both when talking about international affairs and with tourists. Those who do make it to the country find beautiful mountain scenery and old medieval crowds that have not yet been overtaken by crowds.
35. Latvia
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Population: 1.9 million
Capital city: Riga
Languages spoken: Latvian
What Makes Latvia So Peaceful
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One of the most innovative countries in the world, Estonia is technologically advanced and future-forward. The country is also environmentally aware, being careful to preserve its natural treasures and reduce pollution. In fact, Estonia has one of the world's best air qualities.
After declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia hasn't had any significant conflict, internal or external. Crime rates are very low, the culture is decidedly progressive and education levels are high, ranking highly in comparative international student assessments.
34. United Kingdom
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Population: 66.7 million
Capital city: London
Languages spoken: English
What Makes the U.K. So Peaceful
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Like any country, the United Kingdom has issues, with high tension between political parties and the division over Brexit. But, overall, the U.K. has managed to keep a relatively low unemployment rate and continually improves its crime rate. The nation has not suffered from violent internal conflict since the 1990s.
The country is also very diverse, with a large population of immigrants that bring different languages, cuisines and cultures to the country. Although racial tension and instances of discrimination happen, diversity is a critical factor in the U.K.'s social policies, which are highly tolerant compared to much of the rest of the world.
33. Estonia
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Population: 1.3 million
Capital city: Tallinn
Languages spoken: Estonian
What Makes Estonia So Peaceful
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Latvia suffered greatly during the 20th century, losing a large percentage of its population during World War II. It was then occupied by the Soviet Union for decades.
Today, however, the country has turned a new page and is known more for its incredibly fast internet, the art nouveau buildings in Riga and its expansive nature. Latvia has about 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes, and more than half of its territory is forested, making it wild, green and beautiful.
32. Italy
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Population: 60.4 million
Capital city: Rome
Languages spoken: Italian
What Makes Italy So Peaceful
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The famed peninsula enjoys great artwork, interesting history and no violent internal or external conflicts.
Crime rates have fallen in the past decade, particularly when it comes to violent crime. Add to this the country's undeniably breathtaking beauty and amazing food, and it's easy to see why it's such a popular destination.
31. Romania
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Population: 19.3 million
Capital city: Bucharest
Languages spoken: Romanian
What Makes Romania So Peaceful
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When it comes to development in Europe, few countries are developing as quickly as Romania. Its cities have become destinations for multinational firms, the cost of living is low and the job market is growing.
Travelers are waking up to this hidden gem, which offers the Carpathian Mountains, tiny villages and a chance to visit Dracula's Castle.
30. Taiwan
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Population: 23.6 million
Capital city: Taipei
Languages spoken: Standard Chinese
What Makes Taiwan So Peaceful
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With one of the strongest economies by GDP in the world, Taiwan is small but mighty. The country enjoys a high quality of life, a low crime rate and a good healthcare system. Besides this, it is one of the most tolerant countries in Asia towards the LGBTQIA community, hosting the continent's major pride parade and having an open attitude toward sexual minorities.
Taiwan's only international dispute is with the People's Republic of China, which claims that the island is not a legitimate state and refuses diplomacy with any country that recognizes it. Though the dispute dates back decades, it has not resulted in direct violence.
29. Spain
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Population: 46.9 million
Capital city: Madrid
Languages spoken: Spanish
What Makes Spain So Peaceful
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Ranking within the world's top 14 economies by GDP, Spain is a land of good food, sunshine and lots of wine. Its crime rate is fairly low when compared on a global scale, though it is higher than that of Scandinavian countries.
Spain also has a strong system of social services, with universal healthcare, extensive public transit and very accessible higher education.
28. Mauritius
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Population: 1.3 million
Capital city: Port Louis
Languages spoken: Mauritian Creole, French and English
What Makes Mauritius So Peaceful
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One of Africa's most stable and robust economies, Mauritius breaks many of the uninformed and overgeneralizing stereotypes that haunt the continent.
The island nation is located in the Indian Ocean, and it is the only majority Hindu country in Africa. Its salaries are high (though they are met by an equally high cost of living), and its crime rates are low. This level of safety and lack of civil or intergovernmental conflict has aided it in earning its high place on the Global Peace Index.
27. Australia
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Population: 25.8 million
Capital city: Canberra
Languages spoken: English
What Makes Australia So Peaceful
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With access to education, high rates of employment, housing, health, safety and work-life balance, it's no wonder Australia is on this list. It is one of the world's top nations for low crime levels.
Australia has one of the highest life expectancies as well — provided you don’t encounter one of its 100 species of venomous snakes or 10 deadly spiders, that is.
26. Sweden
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Population: 10.4 million
Capital city: Stockholm
Languages spoken: Swedish
What Makes Sweden So Peaceful
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In 2014, Sweden celebrated a huge milestone: 200 years of peace.
Since 1814, Sweden has maintained a policy of neutrality in foreign affairs. In fact, the country was even neutral during both world wars and the Cold War.
That said, this Scandinavian nation fell off by 11 places from previous years, mainly due to internal conflicts about immigration and politics.
25. Poland
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Population: 38 million
Capital city: Warsaw
Languages spoken: Polish
What Makes Poland So Peaceful
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Ever since Poland re-established itself as a semi-presidential democratic republic in the late 1980s, it has quickly grown into a key player in European politics.
Poland’s high standards of living, safety and economic freedom, as well as free university education and universal healthcare, make it a wonderfully peaceful place to live.
24. Bulgaria
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Population: 7 million
Capital city: Sofia
Languages spoken: Bulgarian
What Makes Bulgaria So Peaceful
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Bulgaria has come out of the grips of the Soviet Union ready to take on the world. Its economy is steadily growing, with job opportunities growing year by year. This economic stability has also made it possible for the country to be proud of its low rates of violent crime.
Still, salaries are relatively low, and education is not at the level of other European nations. Otherwise, this Balkan nation may have ranked even higher on this list.
23. Qatar
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Population: 2.8 million
Capital city: Doha
Languages spoken: Arabic
What Makes Qatar So Peaceful
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This tiny nation on the Persian Gulf has had an explosion of development in the 21st century. Qatar is fabulously wealthy, mostly thanks to the generous amount of oil found within its territory. It has avoided the conflicts that have plagued many of its neighbors and has used its wealth to develop its quality of life as much as it does its cities.
Healthcare, for example, is free and of great quality. Safety is high, with crimes being very rare. In terms of gender equality, Qatar is one of the more progressive countries of the region, with women being able to participate freely in elections and public affairs. That said, freedom of speech and press are limited, and it is illegal to speak ill of the ruling family.
The country also came under backlash during the 2022 World Cup due to alleged exploitation and unfair labor practices.
22. Belgium
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Population: 11.5 million
Capital city: Brussels
Languages spoken: Dutch, French, German
What Makes Belgium So Peaceful
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Belgium is a land of medieval towns, decadent chocolates and international peace. In fact, it is the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.
Belgium has a track record for promoting peace, human rights and peaceful conflict resolution. It is a founding member of the Eurozone, NATO and the WTO. It also has high standards of living, healthcare and education.
21. Netherlands
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Population: 17.5 million
Capital city: Amsterdam
Languages spoken: Dutch
What Makes the Netherlands So Peaceful
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The Netherlands ranks among one of the best countries in the world for work-life balance, which contributes to the overall peaceful ways in the country.
Job availability, earnings, well-being, social connections, personal security and health all rank above average compared with other countries.
20. Slovakia
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Population: 5.5 million
Capital city: Bratislava
Languages spoken: Slovak
What Makes Slovakia So Peaceful
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Even by European standards, Slovakia is a very safe country, with violent crime being an extremely rare occurrence. The country has no civil conflicts, which adds to the safety and overall peacefulness of the nation.
People in the Central European country do earn considerably less than people in other European countries, but its economy is growing at a steady rate. This is expected to improve salaries and job opportunities in the near future.
19. Bhutan
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Population: 771,612
Capital city: Thimphu
Languages spoken: Dzongkha
What Makes Bhutan So Peaceful
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With less than 1 million inhabitants, Bhutan remains a hidden Buddhist kingdom. The nation famously proposed measuring a country's success by its Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product. It is also the only country in the world that absorbs more carbon than it produces, thanks in part to its many protected forests.
The constitutional monarchy is also third in South Asia on the Human Development Index. Though youth unemployment and other social issues have increased in the past decade, no country is perfect, and Bhutan is still a model of peace and prosperity.
18. Malaysia
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Population: 32.7 million
Capital city: Kuala Lumpur
Languages spoken: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, English
What Makes Malaysia So Peaceful
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Malaysia is one of the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Its entire foreign policy is based on remaining neutral and upholding peaceful relationships with countries.
Malaysia is known for its tolerance within its borders as well.
17. Norway
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Population: 5.4 million
Capital city: Oslo
Languages spoken: Norwegian
What Makes Norway So Peaceful
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Norway has long been one of the most peaceful countries in the world because it cares about giving its citizens a wonderful quality of life. The country is known for its healthcare system, long and paid maternity and paternity leave, free dental care for children under 18, pensions and six weeks of vacation per year.
It is also at the forefront of global peace, contributing to reconciliation processes in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, Somalia and others.
16. Germany
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Population: 83.2 million
Capital city: Berlin
Languages spoken: German
What Makes Germany So Peaceful
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From the dizzying nightlife of Berlin, to the centuries-old history and traditions of the Black Forest, the wine country and, of course, the beer, Germany has much to offer its citizens and visitors. It has also often found itself in a high-ranking position on the list of most peaceful nations in the world.
That is because of its excellent water system, strict gun laws, affordable healthcare and high quality of living. Most recently, Germany has reduced its arms exports and has experienced a decrease in terrorist incidents and homicides.
15. Croatia
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Population: 4.1 million
Capital city: Zagreb
Languages spoken: Croatian
What Makes Croatia So Peaceful
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Croatia declared independence in 1991 and is now a republic governed under a parliamentary system. An active participant in United Nations peacekeeping, the country is a member of several groups including NATO and the World Trade Organization.
Tourism helps support the country’s economy, earning it a high rank on the Human Development Index.
14. Finland
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Population: 5.5 million
Capital city: Helsinki
Languages spoken: Finnish
What Makes Finland So Peaceful
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Finland prioritizes the quality of life of its citizens. It has consistently been above average in terms of education, civil liberties and human development.
Finland has also ranked high on the Press Freedom Index and was considered to be the most stable country in the world between 2011 and 2016.
13. Hungary
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Population: 9.7 million
Capital city: Budapest
Languages spoken: Hungarian
What Makes Hungary So Peaceful
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Hungary has earned a spot on this list because of the high levels of safety and security within the country. Civilians are not allowed to own guns, which cuts down on homicides as well as crime rates.
That said, things may change in the future with respect to peace, as the Hungarian government has been finding ways to clamp down on freedom of the press, according to The Atlantic.
12. Canada
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Population: 38 million
Capital city: Ottawa
Languages spoken: English, French
What Makes Canada So Peaceful
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The U.S. neighbor to the north, Canada is a land with many bragging rights: from the Canadian Rockies to the European streets of Montreal, the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver and Toronto and the desolate, remote landscape of the Atlantic Coast. Canada is beautiful. But it is also a land of peace.
There are many reasons for Canada's peacefulness, but a lot of it can be attributed to its approach to multiculturalism. This means social integration, publicly funded healthcare, a more even distribution of wealth, gun control and outlawing capital punishment.
11. Switzerland
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Population: 8.6 million
Capital city: Bern
Languages spoken: German, French, Italian, Romansch
What Makes Switzerland So Peaceful
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If someone has ever claimed the title of “Switzerland'' in a debate, you know that means they’re staying out of it. That’s because Switzerland has actually held an armed neutrality policy since the 16th century. The Swiss Army has not been involved in a war since 1815, and the country was absent from the United Nations until 2002.
That said, Switzerland is active in promoting peace both at home and abroad. It is the founding nation of the Red Cross. It also is the nation with one of the highest GDPs in the world.
10. Japan
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Population: 125.4 million
Capital city: Tokyo
Languages spoken: Japanese
What Makes Japan So Peaceful
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Japan kicks off the list of top ten most peaceful countries. Its culture dates back thousands of years, so much of which is still evident in its architecture, customs and traditions today. The nation was involved in atrocious war crimes in the 20th century but is not currently involved in any active conflicts.
The country's military is restricted by the constitution, which says the country has no right to declare war or use military force in international conflict. It also ranks among the top performers for personal security, income, education, jobs, housing and environmental quality.
9. Singapore
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Population: 5.7 million
Capital city: Singapore
Languages spoken: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
What Makes Singapore So Peaceful
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For all the religious conflict in the world, the example we should look to is Singapore. Singapore is one of the most multiethnic societies, yet citizens all exist peacefully together.
Thanks, in part, is owed to the Inter-Religious Organization, which was formed in 1949 with 10 major religions represented. Since then, the IRO has had a history of promoting goodwill and tolerance.
8. Czechia
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Population: 10.7 million
Capital city: Prague
Languages spoken: Czech
What Makes Czechia So Peaceful
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There's a reason why Prague is one of the best cities in the world for international study. Not only is it chock full of centuries of history and gorgeous architecture — it's incredibly safe and peaceful. In fact, the Czech Republic has long ranked as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, especially with respect to foreign policy.
The country is part of the United Nations, European Union and NATO. Other factors contributing to the peace of the country include low crime rates, efficient healthcare and excellent education programs.
7. Slovenia
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Population: 2.1 million
Capital city: Ljubljana
Languages spoken: Slovene, Italian, Hungarian
What Makes Slovenia So Peaceful
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Slovenia, often overshadowed by neighboring European nations because of tourism, is actually one of the most historically and ethnically diverse countries in Europe, as it was the crossroads of many empires throughout history. Today, it boasts a high-income economy and is a member of various organizations like NATO, the European Union and the Schengen Area.
For education, Slovenia ranks among the best in Europe and the world. In fact, nearly 100 percent of the adult population is literate.
6. Portugal
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Population: 10.3 million
Capital city: Lisbon
Languages spoken: Portuguese
What Makes Portugal So Peaceful
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Meet Portugal — a land of historic cities, beaches, cork forests and wine valleys. The westernmost mainland European nation, Portugal has a low rate of violent crime and an equally plummeting unemployment rate. In fact, between 2013 and 2017, unemployment went from 17 percent to 8 percent. It dropped even more to 5.7 percent in 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Portugal's economy is stable, and the countryranks high for freedom of the press. The nation is also a founding member of NATO and the Eurozone.
5. Austria
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Population: 8.9 million
Capital city: Vienna
Languages spoken: German
What Makes Austria So Peaceful
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Austria has had a position of neutrality since the country achieved independence in the 1950s. Today, the only portion of that law on neutrality that is still completely in effect is that foreign military bases are not allowed in Austria. But the country is involved with peacekeeping and humanitarian missions around the world.
Like the other EU nations, university education is free. According to the Better Life Index, Austria ranks above average in income and wealth, jobs and hearings, health, housing and personal security.
4. Denmark
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Population: 5.8 million
Capital city: Copenhagen
Languages spoken: Danish
What Makes Denmark So Peaceful
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Denmark is often praised as the "happiest place on Earth." Perhaps, it's because its citizens have access to free education and healthcare. It could also be because of the low crime rates and lack of corruption.
But the peace in Denmark is also linked to social equality, a sense of community and a widely felt sense of responsibility for societal welfare. The country also has nine major political parties, which helps to achieve all voices being heard.
3. Ireland
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Population: 5 million
Capital city: Dublin
Languages spoken: Irish, English
What Makes Ireland So Peaceful
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As Ireland struggled for independence from Britain for eight centuries, things weren’t always peaceful. But when the nation finally declared independence in the early 20th century, it set a model for change.
Ireland's government places stock in the well-being of its citizens. As such, the country performs well across areas like healthcare, economic freedom and freedom of the press. Since World War II, Ireland has had a neutral military policy, but it is a member of Partnership for Peace.
2. New Zealand
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Population: 5.1 million
Capital city: Wellington
Languages spoken: English, Maori
What Makes New Zealand So Peaceful
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The second most peaceful country in the world is the small archipelago nation of New Zealand. What makes it so peaceful is that it is an incredibly safe country and one of the globe's least corrupt.
The nation prides itself on laws that protect freedom of expression and speech. The police don't even carry personal firearms and have strict laws that prohibit them from acting arbitrarily.
1. Iceland
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Population: 364,134
Capital city: Reykjavík
Languages spoken: Icelandic
What Makes Iceland So Peaceful
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The island nation in the Northern Atlantic is one of the most sparsely populated in the world — and one of the most beautiful. Iceland also happens to be the most peaceful country on Earth. It owes this to a variety of factors that contribute to citizen well-being.
Iceland has low taxes and the highest trade union membership in the world. The Nordic social welfare system ensures universal healthcare and free university education. It runs almost entirely on renewable energy, and it’s working toward achieving carbon neutrality.
Honorable Mentions
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Since peacefulness is in a constant state of flux, some countries rise and fall in global peace rankings.
The following countries were within the top 50 most peaceful countries in past years and still remain in the top 100. While their rank may have fallen, we are including them as honorable mentions, in the hope that they manage to find more stability again.
United Arab Emirates
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Population: 9.9 million
Capital city: Abu Dhabi
Languages spoken: Arabic
Global peace rank: 52
What Makes the UAE So Peaceful
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In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates ranks among the most peaceful. It's an elective monarchy made up of seven emirates, and it's recognized as a regional and middle power. The UAE is also a member of the United Nations.
It's far from perfect, but there are a lot of good things about the UAE. The country recognized Israel as an independent country in 2020, resulting in a historic peace agreement between the two countries. The UAE also has a diverse population; over 80 percent of residents are expats from over 200 different countries.
France
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Population: 67.39 million
Capital city: Paris
Languages spoken: French
Global peace ranking: 55
What Makes France So Peaceful
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If it surprises you that France doesn't fall higher on the list, keep in mind that the French Republic has been involved in conflicts in Africa and the Middle East recently. France is also known for its penchant for protests and the past decade has seen a handful of terrorist attacks, so it's not even close to being the most peaceful country in Europe.
Still, France is mostly safe to travel to and is home to numerous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre museum. Plus, there's no better place to enjoy a chocolate croissant or pain au chocolat than Paris!
Tanzania
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Population: 59.73 million
Capital city: Dodoma
Languages spoken: Swahili and English
Global peace ranking: 58
What Makes Tanzania So Peaceful
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Tanzania is ranked one of the 10 most peaceful countries in Africa, but a recent upheaval served as a reminder that keeping peace must be an ongoing effort. Tanzania's last president, John Pombe Magufuli, died on March 17, 2021. This could easily have been an opportunity for chaos to break out, but the transition of power to the new president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, went smoothly.
Tanzania is famously home to Mount Kilimanjaro, a bucket-list item for every diehard mountaineer. It also holds the treasured Lake Tanganyika, the second largest lake in the world.
Cyprus
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Population: 1.2 million
Capital city: Nicosia
Languages spoken: Greek and Turkish
Global peace ranking: 61
What Makes Cyprus So Peaceful
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Located south of Turkey and northwest of the Gaza Strip, the Republic of Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. As a popular tourist destination, Cyprus has a high-income economy and ranks high on the Human Development Index.
Within Cyprus, the entire town of Paphos has Unesco World Heritage Site status because of its ancient castles and tombs, and it's home to some of the coolest gift shops and archaeological sites in the world. It's also a favorite country among divers because of the numerous explorable shipwrecks speckling the local waters.
Panama
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Population: 4.3 million
Capital city: Panama City
Languages spoken: Spanish
Global peace ranking: 64
What Makes Panama So Peaceful
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Panama ranked 57th on the Human Development Index in 2019, and it was ranked the seventh most competitive economy in Latin America the year prior. The country still has room for improvement, but it's generally considered a safe place to live and visit, pickpocketing aside.
Panama was one of the founding members of the United Nations, and it was the first Latin American country to adopt U.S. currency. Panama is one of the few locations in the world where you can watch the sun rise over one ocean and watch it set over another.
Oman
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Population: 5.1 million
Capital city: Muscat
Languages spoken: Arabic
Global peace ranking: 73
What Makes Oman So Peaceful
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Amongst Middle Eastern and North African countries, Oman is among the most peaceful. It's considered one of the safest countries in the area to travel to, as long as visitors avoid the country's border with Yemen.
Serious crime is uncommon, and travelers can enjoy the beauty of the tropical Zighy Bay at a five-star resort and check out Oman's National Museum or Royal Opera House when they visit.
Tunisia
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Population: 11.82 million
Capital city: Tunis
Languages spoken: Arabic
Global peace ranking: 98
What Makes Tunisia So Peaceful
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Peacefulness in Tunisia is new and fairly unpredictable. The country experienced a revolution in 2011, overthrowing authoritarian rule and extremism in favor of a brand-new democracy. The challenges of establishing an entirely new system of government remain threats to the country's stability, but Tunisia remains one of the most peaceful countries in the region.
As the northernmost country in Africa, it has strong ties to Europe and is home to miles of beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast.