Global Peace Index 2026: The World’s Safest and Most Dangerous Countries

The Institute for Economics and Peace has published the Global Peace Index 2026, a ranking of the world’s safest countries. Find out which country has topped the list for the 19th consecutive year, which countries made it into the top 10, and why the overall level of peacefulness in the world continues to decline

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Every year, the Institute for Economics and Peace publishes the Global Peace Index—one of the most authoritative international security rankings. In 2026, the study covered 163 countries worldwide. The assessment took into account crime rates, the presence of internal and external conflicts, political stability, and the degree of militarization.

Read also: The World’s Most Disappointing Travel Destinations of 2026 — A Ranking Based on 100,000 Reviews.

Iceland — First Place for the 19th Consecutive Year

Iceland has once again taken first place in the ranking of the world’s safest countries—for the 19th consecutive year. The island nation, with a population of less than 400,000, consistently demonstrates the lowest crime rate, an absence of external conflicts, and minimal militarization.

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The Top 10 Safest Countries in the World in 2026

The top ten countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index are:

● Iceland

● New Zealand

● Switzerland

● Slovenia

● Ireland

● Austria

● Portugal

● Singapore

● Finland

● Japan

It is noteworthy that seven of the ten safest countries are located in Europe. The only non-European countries in the top 10 are New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan. This result confirms that Western and Central Europe, as a whole, remain the most stable region on the planet.

If you’re planning a trip or a move to one of these countries, don’t forget to get travel health insurance for your trip abroad. You can do this quickly and online through Visit Ukraine.

Who is at the other end of the ranking?

At the opposite end of the spectrum are countries experiencing active wars, internal conflicts, or serious security instability. Among the lowest-ranked countries are:

● russia — an aggressor state waging a full-scale war against Ukraine;

● Sudan — where an internal armed conflict and a humanitarian crisis are ongoing;

● The Democratic Republic of the Congo — which has been plagued by regional conflicts for decades;

● Ukraine — which is defending itself against russian aggression;

● Israel — which is in a state of prolonged armed conflict in the Middle East.

Overall Trend: Global Peacefulness Is Declining

The study’s authors note an alarming trend: the number of countries involved in conflicts has reached its highest level in decades, while the global peacefulness index continues to decline.

Against this backdrop, Iceland, New Zealand, and Switzerland remain examples of countries where security and stability are not just a declaration but a reality. For millions of travelers and migrants, these very nations serve as a benchmark for a safe environment in which to live and travel.

We remind you! An expert has compiled a list of the 5 best hidden gems in Europe: from the deep canyons of Greece and the fjords of Norway to the Marwan Fortress, which seems to hang in the clouds. Read about where to spend the perfect vacation.

Photo: Freepik

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