A new report shows that Iceland has remained the most peaceful country in the world for 15 consecutive years.
The Institute for Economics and Peace just released its 2023 Global Peace Index ranking, which includes a total of 163 nations across the globe.
Iceland: World's Most Peaceful Country
A photo taken on June 26, 2023 shows a tourist on a ferry as it leaves Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Westman Islands.
In a world grappling with conflicts and uncertainties, there's a serene haven tucked away in the vast expanse of the North Atlantic. As per a report by CNBC, Iceland, known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, continues to reign as the most peaceful country in the world. That is 15 years straight.
The 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI) centered on three domains of peacefulness in various countries around the world. It includes societal safety and security, militarization, and the ongoing domestic and international conflict.
Besides Iceland, CBS News reports that two other Icelandic countries, Denmark and Ireland, took the second and third spots in the GPI.
According to The Travel, Iceland is known for its overall tranquil atmosphere. It also boasts peace and safety, a sweet escape from the daily grind. CNBC notes that it is also the third happiest country in the world, following Finland and Denmark. The school is free for all residents, wherein they are taught both English and Danish.
The other nations that made it to the Global Peace Index include New Zealand and Austria, sitting at the fourth and fifth ranking, respectively, followed by Singapore and Portugal. Slovenia ranked eighth, while Japan and Switzerland got the ninth and tenth spots.
Here are the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world.
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Japan
- Switzerland
However, while Iceland basks in serenity, the United States (US) struggles to match up.
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The US Ranks 131 Out of 163
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
While Iceland revels in its reign as the most peaceful nation, the US faces a different reality. The US, on the other hand, ranked 131 out of 163 countries on the GPI. The US's ranking has declined in recent years due to several factors, including mass shootings, political polarization, and rising levels of inequality.
Rising crime rates, mass shootings, and social unrest have been persistent challenges in the country. On top of that, political divisions and a climate of hyper-partisanship have strained the country's social fabric.
The study stresses the growing homicide rate in the US, "now above six per 100,000 people." The research also states it is "more than six times higher than most Western European countries."
Meanwhile, China sits at the 80th spot, while India ranks 126th. The Philippines is the 115th most peaceful country.
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