Discover the 5 safest countries in the world in 2026

©Johnny Africa via Unsplash

The world will be less peaceful in 2026 than it was a year earlier, but a small group of countries remain remarkably stable. According to the Global Peace Index, the peace situation deteriorated in 99 countries, though Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland in particular remain at the top of the rankings. This is according to the 2026 Global Peace Index.

What is the Global Peace Index?

The Global Peace Index (GPI), compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), is the world’s leading measure of global peace. The report offers the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of trends in peace, its economic value, and ways to foster peaceful societies. The index covers 99.7 percent of the world’s population and is calculated based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from authoritative sources.

The Global Peace Index measures the state of peace across three domains: the level of civil safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflicts, and the degree of militarization.

The 23 indicators are subdivided into six indicators for ongoing domestic and international conflicts, eleven for public safety and security, and six for militarization.

The index ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peace and is published annually in June.

Iceland once again tops the list and has been the safest country in the world for nearly two decades. The combination of a close-knit community, strong public services, a high degree of social equality, and a remote location helps the country remain insulated from international tensions. According to residents, the close connection to nature also plays a major role: tranquility, open spaces, and the geothermal bath culture make safety a natural part of daily life.

New Zealand ranks second and is considered the safest country in the Asia-Pacific region. Its geographical distance from major conflict zones, low level of militarization, and strong social cohesion within small communities all contribute to a sense of peace. Furthermore, guns are less prevalent in daily life, and strict gun laws have been enforced even more rigorously since the Christchurch massacre.

Switzerland climbs to third place thanks to low crime rates, political neutrality, and a strong sense of trust among citizens. According to residents, the country works because people are willing to compromise and because daily life feels predictable. That trust is sometimes evident in small, everyday gestures, such as found wallets being simply returned.

Slovenia ranks in the top five for the first time, partly due to low military spending and a culture that centers on nature and community. Ireland rounds out the top five, benefiting from low levels of violence, neutrality, and a strong tradition of hospitality.

The common thread among all these countries is the same: low levels of conflict, strong institutions, social cohesion, and a high degree of mutual trust. In a world of growing tensions, they represent a rare exception.

Top 10 Countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index

1. Iceland

2. New Zealand

3. Switzerland

4. Slovenia

5. Ireland

6. Austria

7. Portugal

8. Singapore

9. Finland

10. Japan

The Netherlands will rank seventeenth in 2026.

©Johnny Africa via Unsplash - illustrative image of the famous Lake Bled in Slovenia.