Each year, the Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks the safest country in the world. It analyses the different countries in different parameters, and then annually, every year, it is published as the most peaceful countries list. This report is published by the Institute of Economics and Peace, which defines itself, as per worldpopulationreview “an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, achievable and tangible measure of human wellbeing and progress.”
The GPI evaluates the 163 countries , ranking them based on their level of safety and peacefulness using 23 parameters. These parameters include political stability, rate of violent crime, terrorism threat, levels of internal and external conflicts and military expenditure as a share in GDP. These indicators are categorised in three main areas:
- Ongoing Domestic and International Conflicts
- Society Safety and Security
- Militarisation
How peaceful any country is decided by the GPI score, as the lower the GPI score, the higher the level of peace and the safest countries in the world.
Global Peace Index 2024: Top 10 Countries
List Of 10 Safest Countries in the World | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Country | GPI Score |
| 1 | Iceland | 1.112 |
| 2 | Ireland | 1.303 |
| 3 | Austria | 1.313 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 1.323 |
| 5 | Singapore | 1.339 |
| 6 | Switzerland | 1.350 |
| 7 | Portugal | 1.372 |
| 8 | Denmark | 1.382 |
| 9 | Slovenia | 1.395 |
| 10 | Malaysia | 1.427 |
Rank 1: Iceland
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.112
Iceland continues to top the list as the world’s most peaceful nation, maintaining its first-place ranking since 2008. With a remarkably low crime rate and a longstanding policy of avoiding military involvement—highlighted by the absence of a standing army—Iceland exemplifies internal stability. The country also boasts excellent air quality, a high standard of living, and one of the world’s longest life expectancies. Social inclusivity is a strong suit, with equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community and virtually no gender pay disparity.
Rank 2: Ireland
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.303
Ireland ranks at second place in safety and peaceful countries across the world. The life expectancy of Ireland is about 82.2 years, which is higher than other European countries. Crime rates in Ireland are trending down in recent years. In 2025, for the health budget, €25.8 billion is given for health services.
Rank 3: Austria
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.313
Austria holds third rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world. Austria is one of the lowest economic-cost countries for the violence, making internal comparisons to any other country in the world.
Rank 4: New Zealand
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.323
New Zealand holds the fourth rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world. It is one of the most peaceful countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Its peace index score slightly decreases due to an increase in the expenditure of military expenses.
Rank 5: Singapore
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.339
Singapore now holds the fifth rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world, which was sixth in 2023. It is the second-most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, just behind New Zealand. Crime rates are also very low in Singapore, and other parameters like public health, infrastructure and environmental safety are also considered to be good.
Rank 6: Switzerland
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.35
Switzerland holds the sixth rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world. Switzerland is officially called the Swiss Confederation, which is a small European country. All parameters of safety and peace for considering the ranks make it good enough to score in the top safest countries in the world.
Rank 7: Portugal
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.372
Portugal holds the seventh rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world. In European countries, Portugal ranks 5th. From 2014, Portugal's rank was 18th, and across its improvements in all parameters of safety and security, now Portugal is able to maintain its rank in the top 10 safest and most secure countries in the world.
Rank 8: Denmark
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.382
Denmark holds the eighth rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world. Denmark is the country in Europe which is famous for its Viking heritage and being a crime-free country.
Rank 9: Slovenia
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.395
Slovenia holds the ninth rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world. Slovenia also belongs to Europe, and here also all crime rates are very low. Here all the parameters for considering peacefulness and security are fulfilled to be secure and peaceful countries in the world.
Rank 10: Malaysia
Global Peace Index Score (2024): 1.427
Malaysia holds the tenth rank in safety and peaceful countries across the world. In Southern Asia, it is the most peaceful and safe country in the Asia region. In Malaysia, a diverse economy takes place due to low crime rates, environmental safety, and good infrastructure. Due all these parameters, Malaysia holds tenth rank overall in the world as per Global Peace Index
Conclusion
The Global Peace Index serves as a powerful reminder that peace, safety, and stability are achievable when nations focus on inclusive governance, low crime, and minimal conflict. Countries like Iceland, Ireland, and Malaysia show that consistent efforts in social harmony and responsible governance can create a secure environment for their citizens and the world at large.
