Do you know which are the most peaceful countries in the world? Since
2007 each year, the Global Peace Index has been issued by the IEP
(Institute for Economics and Peace) and is a measurement of nations’ and
regions’ peacefulness based on external and internal measures. Although
it seems like the world is becoming more cruel, according to the Global Peace Index there are 20 most peaceful countries in the world.
1. Denmark
Denmark tops the list of the most peaceful countries
on Earth since it’s really a safe place to live. Even while Copenhagen,
the capital of Denmark, was under occupation by the Nazis during the
World War II, it still did not fight. The point is that people living in
Denmark prefer to focus on economic matters, instead of involving
themselves in various armed conflicts. Danish people are very friendly,
open and helpful. Personally I have been to Copenhagen twice and I wish I
lived in this country. I’m pretty sure that those who have been to
Denmark at least once could say the same.
2. Norway
Many people do not expect
Norway to appear in the
list of the most peaceful countries in the world. Perhaps, this is
because of Anders Behring Breivik, mass murderer, who hit the pride of
the country hard. Sure, it was an extraordinary incident, but according
to the Global Peace Index Norway is one of the world’s most peaceful
countries and friendly and safe place to live. Norway is the country
with the highest level of human development in the globe, plus, the
government of Oslo always places peace at the forefront of the
priorities of the country.
3. Singapore
As an active member of the international community and, overall, a small nation,
Singapore
can never take its right to exist and security for granted. Since
achieving its independence in 1965 as a sovereign Republic, Singapore
has always concentrated on being a great neighbor, through establishing
social, peaceful, economic, cordial political relations with all
countries.
The country has worked with the United Nations and its supporting
agencies on a great variety of efforts. It also participates in various
global, unilateral and multilateral organizations to promote
international cooperation, including WTO (World Trade Organization).
Singapore is among the most peaceful countries in the world as well as
one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The homicide and violent crime
rates are lower than the criminal rates.
4. Slovenia
A beautiful European country,
Slovenia is also among
the most peaceful countries in the world. The country got its lowest
marks in funding for the United Nations peacekeeping missions, number of
police and security officers, level of perceived criminality in
society, number of organized internal conflicts, violent protests, and
number of internal and external wars fought. I agree with the Global
Peace Index and believe that Slovenia deserves its place in the list of
the most peaceful countries on Earth. Moreover, with its wonderful
cities like Maribor and Ljubljana teeming with unique culture, Slovenia
is a fantastic travel destination.
5. Sweden
One of the most beautiful Scandinavian countries,
Sweden
is located in the far north of Europe. Although Sweden is one of the
biggest weapon exporters in Europe, the country has a low level of
robberies (only 9,000 a year) compared to the United States (about
350,000 a year)! According to the Global Peace Index, Sweden is one of
the most peaceful countries in the world, in spite of the fact that it’s
among the world’s top arms exporters. Besides, Sweden has not been to
war and has not participated in any combats for the whole 2 centuries.
6. Iceland
Iceland was also ranked as one of the most peaceful
countries in the world, staying out of the main conflicts in the world.
Iceland seldom or never hits the headlines and despite the collapse of
the Icelandic banks several years ago, the country is remained as an
amazing place of spectacular natural beauty. Tourists from all parts of
the world come to Iceland to view its huge glaciers and raging
volcanoes, as well as numerous unique natural and cultural attractions
in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
7. Belgium
According to the Global Peace Index,
Belgium is one
of the best and most peaceful places to live in Europe and on Earth.
Situated in the heart of Europe, this small country holds a special
place. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to the European Union
and NATO. Belgium boasts medieval cities, beautiful town halls, majestic
castles, and captivating natural beauty. Homicide and imprisonment
rates are low in this country, even though Belgium did experience a
crisis within its government over the 2008-2011 period.
8. Czech Republic
A relatively new country,
the Czech Republic gained
its independence from the Soviet Bloc in 1989 due to the Velvet
Revolution and its subsequent split with Slovakia. After the division of
Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic has largely concentrated on building
a strong capitalist economy and creating a stable climate for
investment. In 2009, the Human Development Index (HDI) ranked the Czech
Republic as a country of ‘Very High Human Development.’ Renowned mostly
for its magnificent capital city Prague and breathtaking natural beauty,
the Czech Republic draws tourists from all over the world.
9. Switzerland
According to IEP, the Swiss maintain a well-functioning government
and an open political culture. Illustrating the quality of government,
Switzerland
received the lowest score for political instability. It’s also among
the world’s most peaceful countries that have low levels of violent
crime. Although Switzerland is known for its neutrality in regional,
international and global political issues, it maintains strong
diplomatic relations with various countries around the world.
10. Japan
One of the most enchanting countries culturally,
Japan
has the third largest economy in the world. Since the World War II,
Japan has been really peaceful, with little internal conflict and low
crime. The country settles on an internal security force in order to
maintain the peace. Japan is a peaceful as well as breathtakingly
beautiful country worth visiting.
11. Ireland
With its rich historical sites, amazing green pastures and friendly people, it’s not surprising that
Ireland
is one of the most peaceful countries on Earth! Ireland is an overall
fabulous country with a plethora of reasons for tourism! Its rich
literary history, castle-topped hills, spectacular coastline and
legendary hospitality make Ireland a wonderful place to visit any time
of the year.
12. Finland
Finland is considered one of the most peaceful and
livable countries, which is not renowned for its combative nature.
Finland is still a country that embraces mandatory civil and military
service for young people, and the country’s only participation in
fighting has been as a part of joint United Nations peacekeeping forces.
When speaking about Finland, I want to say about its education. Finland
places education at the heart of literally everything. Finland’s
education system is ranked fifth best in the world.
13. New Zealand
Each year since 2007, the Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked
New Zealand
as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. With a small
percentage of its population in prison, limited military capability,
strong relations with Australia and down-to-earth hospitality, New
Zealand is a wonderful country to live in. This is a country of natural
beauty, diverse scenery and quirky natives. Visitors from all over the
world come to New Zealand to experience rugged landscape, breathtaking
alpine glaciers, awesome beaches and fantastic geothermal and volcanic
activity. The country is also renowned for its fine wines and there are a
great number of grape varieties planted throughout New Zealand. So if
you are a great wine lover, you should definitely visit New Zealand at
least once in life.
14. Canada
Having one of the best standards of living in the world,
Canada
is also one of the most peaceful countries on Earth. It has a
population of approximately 33 million people, yet it’s the second
largest country in the world by area. With clean and safe cities,
spectacular scenery and extremely friendly people, Canada is a wonderful
and peaceful country to live in. The largest strike against the peace
score of Canada is that it has a comparatively high military capability,
though it currently is not involved in any conflict.
15. Austria
Austria is a small landlocked South Central European
country which gains a place on the list of the most peaceful countries
in the world for its stance on international politics. Since World War I
and the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and World War II,
Austria has been content to embrace a life of peace and serenity. Many
people claim that Austria is a great country to live in and I personally
agree with them. After all, with its world-famous resorts in the
breathtaking Alps, and magnificent cultural centers like Vienna, I think
it’s not surprising to see Austria on this list.
16. Bhutan
According to the 2013 Global Peace Index (GPI),
Bhutan
is also among the 20 most peaceful countries on Earth. The point is,
Bhutan has remained unchanged in international and domestic conflict in
the last 6 years with a GPI score of 1.6 out of 5, 1 being really low.
The report uses 22 indicators to measure internal peace, including
number of police per 100,000 people, levels of perceived criminality,
level of organized crime, and external peace indicators that include
military expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product and
nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities. I personally think Bhutanese
people are peace loving and they are well cultured. Plus, Bhutan boasts
plenty of spectacular attractions for everyone.
17. Australia
Australia is a beautiful and peaceful country that
offers cultural diversity, spectacular beaches, loads of breathtaking
natural beauty, wonderful fauna and friendly people with an amazing
sense of humor. Although Australia is a large country, approximately the
same size as the USA, it has a small population of about 20 million, so
there’s a lot of uninhabited space worth visiting. Australia’s low
crime rate, stable political system, high standards of health care and
well-maintained roads make it a safe and comparatively easy country to
live in or just to explore.
18. Portugal
You might be surprised to know that
Portugal is one
of the most peaceful countries in the world, but it’s true. The country
has been a member of the EU for roughly 26 years and it forms a part of
the European Monetary System and use the single European currency.
Portugal is the world’s 43rd largest economy according to the World Bank
and it has one of the highest GDP growth rates among the OECD
countries. The country has the low crime rates, great standards of
living and a stable government. Plus, fascinating sandy beaches, golden
plains and impressive mountains, a millennial heritage and vibrant
cities make Portugal one of the best places to live in.
19. Qatar
According to the Global Peace Index,
Qatar is the
most peaceful country in the Middle East and one of the most peaceful
countries in the world. Violent incidents are very rare in this country
and the crime rates are relatively low compared to other industrialized
nations. Qatar is one of the most flexible and liberal countries in the
Middle East where women have many rights, including working, driving and
voting rights. The country is undergoing transformation under the
National Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified, sustainable and advanced
economy.
20. Mauritius
According to the GPI Report 2013,
Mauritius is one
of the most peaceful nations on Earth and it was also ranked the most
peaceful country in Africa. The strong score of this island country in
the GPI highlights the relative stability of the region and thus further
promotes it as a trusted platform for wealth management services and
estate planning.
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