Iceland Beats Ireland to Remain World’s Most Peaceful Country in 2025, While New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland Shine in the Global Peace Rankings

Published on December 30, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The latest Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 reveals a widening gap between the world’s most peaceful and least peaceful nations, with Europe continuing to dominate the rankings. Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand retain their positions as the top three, while Austria, Switzerland, and Singapore continue to perform strongly. As we move further into 2025, it is clear that peace remains a critical factor influencing the global landscape, from internal stability and militarization levels to the social security of citizens.

In the latest report, eight of the top ten most peaceful countries are located in Europe, underlining the region’s long-standing commitment to stability, low crime rates, and minimal militarization. This trend not only affects the safety and well-being of their populations but also has a significant impact on tourism, as these nations are increasingly becoming top destinations for international travelers.

Where are the Most Peaceful Countries in the World?

According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, and Singapore lead the rankings for peacefulness. These countries boast low crime rates, robust security measures, and a strong commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy. The GPI ranking is based on a variety of factors, including the absence of violent crime, political stability, the presence of militarization, and the level of social safety and security.

Here’s a look at the top 20 countries ranked for peace, along with their respective Global Peace Index scores:

As shown, Iceland leads the world in peace with a score of 1.095, followed by Ireland at 1.260, and New Zealand at 1.282. These rankings reflect not just their internal peace but also their high levels of safety, strong institutions, and minimal political instability.

What Makes Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand the Most Peaceful Countries?

The top three countries—Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand—are widely recognized for their political stability, low levels of militarization, and minimal crime rates. They continue to be safe havens for both residents and international visitors alike.

Iceland: The World’s Peace Leader

Iceland has consistently ranked as the most peaceful country since 2008. With low crime rates, minimal militarization, and a strong emphasis on social welfare, it offers an ideal environment for both locals and visitors.

In 2025, Iceland is projected to welcome a record 2.32 million international visitors, marking a 3% increase over the previous year. Air traffic at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is expected to exceed 8.4 million passengers in 2025, with a newly expanded terminal wing to handle growing traffic.

Iceland’s natural attractions, including the Golden Circle (Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall), Blue Lagoon, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, continue to draw millions of tourists, contributing to the country’s global standing as a beacon of peace and tranquility.

Ireland: A Stable Haven in Europe

Ireland has maintained its position as one of the world’s most peaceful nations due to its low political instability and robust safety measures. The country’s militarization score remains one of the lowest, further solidifying its place in the GPI rankings.

In 2025, Ireland saw an impressive 5.4 million overseas visitors in the first ten months, with leisure travel accounting for 41% of the arrivals. Dublin Airport alone recorded 2.01 million departing overseas passengers in October 2025, reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase in air traffic.

Ireland’s attractions, including the iconic Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Storehouse, and Rock of Cashel, continue to draw international tourists seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

New Zealand: Rising in the Asia-Pacific Region

New Zealand rose two positions in the 2025 Global Peace Index, cementing its status as the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region. The country has become a top destination for tourists looking for natural beauty and peace of mind.

In 2025, New Zealand’s monthly tourist arrivals averaged between 250,000 to 263,000, with September and October seeing a 9.5% year-on-year increase. Visitors from Australia and China are among the largest contributors to the surge in international arrivals. Air traffic has reached 93% of pre-pandemic levels, further indicating New Zealand’s recovery as a major international tourist destination.

Notable tourist attractions like Milford Sound, the Hobbiton Movie Set, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves continue to make New Zealand a popular choice for those seeking both adventure and peace.

How Has Europe Maintained Its Peaceful Dominance?

Europe continues to dominate the Global Peace Index, with countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Portugal regularly appearing among the top performers in global peace rankings.

Austria and Switzerland: Long-Standing Neutrality and Safety

Both Austria and Switzerland have remained peaceful for decades, largely due to their commitment to neutrality in international conflicts and strong internal security measures. While Austria has dropped slightly in the rankings due to minor changes in safety domains, it remains a top performer in terms of safety and peace. In October 2025, Austria welcomed 3.35 million total arrivals, with Vienna International Airport handling over 31 million passengers annually.

Switzerland, on the other hand, continues to lead in terms of stability, with a record-breaking 42.8 million overnight stays in 2025, marking a 5.1% increase in international guests compared to the previous year.

Portugal: A Strong Performer in Europe

Portugal ranks 7th in the Global Peace Index and is especially strong in the “militarization” domain. Lisbon Airport recorded 30.7 million passengers in 2025, contributing to a 4.7% increase in air traffic. The country’s cultural heritage, such as Belem Tower and Pena Palace, alongside its peaceful environment, has made it an increasingly popular destination for international travelers.

What Are the Major Attractions in the Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries?

Each of the top 10 most peaceful countries offers unique and breathtaking tourist attractions that continue to draw millions of visitors each year. From Iceland’s stunning glaciers to Finland’s Arctic landscapes, these nations combine natural beauty with peace and stability, creating the perfect environment for travel.

• Iceland: The Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Hallgrímskirkja.
• Ireland: Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Storehouse, The Book of Kells.
• New Zealand: Milford Sound, Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
• Austria: Schönbrunn Palace, Hallstatt, Salzburg Old Town.
• Switzerland: The Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch, Lake Geneva & Chillon Castle.
• Singapore: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island.
• Portugal: Belem Tower, Pena Palace, Benagil Cave.
• Denmark: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Legoland Billund.
• Slovenia: Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, Triglav National Park.
• Finland: Santa Claus Village, Suomenlinna Fortress, Northern Lights.

These attractions not only reflect the unique cultures of each country but also contribute significantly to their economies as tourism continues to thrive in these safe, stable regions.

Conclusion: The World’s Most Peaceful Countries and Their Appeal

The Global Peace Index 2025 paints a picture of a world where peace remains an essential driver of prosperity and tourism. Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, and the other countries in the top 10 offer a safe, stable environment for their citizens and tourists alike. As international travel continues to recover post-pandemic, these nations stand out as the ideal destinations for those seeking both tranquility and adventure.

By maintaining strong governance, low crime rates, and a commitment to neutrality, these countries not only provide a high quality of life for their residents but also remain top choices for travelers worldwide. Whether it’s experiencing the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, the cultural richness of Ireland, or the natural wonders of New Zealand, these peaceful nations continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of people from all corners of the globe.