According to the Global Peace Index 2025, Iceland is confirmed once again at the top of the ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world. Since 2008 the Nordic nation dominates the ranking, thanks to a solid social balance, to a very low crime and one among the lowest level of militarization ever.
In Iceland, the perception of security is part of daily life. It is normal to see children sleeping outdoors in strollers or people walking sun at night without fear. Mutual trust and gender equality policies contribute to strengthening social cohesion. The nation is in fact among the first in the world for the same rights and opportunities. To this is added a strong sense of community, supported by quality public services and solid institutions.
For tourists, visiting Iceland means experimenting directly this atmosphere of tranquility. Whether it’s immersing yourself in a geothermal swimming pool by chatting with the inhabitants, to face a trekking among the wild panoramas of the Highlands or to participate in a concert in Reykjavík, the sense of community and security accompanies every experience.
The other countries on the podium
In second place we find Ireland, which in recent decades has been able to transform itself from the ground marked by conflicts to a symbol of neutrality and reception. New Zealand rises in third place, where the combination of severe weapons laws, uncontaminated landscapes and community spirit guarantees a quiet and safe life. Following Austria, which maintains a historical military neutrality and invests in internal well -being, and Switzerland, always in balance between political stability and quality of life.
The ranking of the 20 most peaceful countries in the world
The report shows the ranking of the 20 most peaceful countries in the world:
| Rank | Village | GPI 2025 score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 1.095 |
| 2 | Ireland | 1.260 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 1.282 |
| 4 | Austria | 1.294 |
| 5 | Swiss | 1.294 |
| 6 | Singapore | 1.357 |
| 7 | Portugal | 1,371 |
| 8 | Denmark | 1.393 |
| 9 | Slovenia | 1.409 |
| 10 | Finland | 1,420 |
| 11 | Czech | 1.435 |
| 12 | Japan | 1,440 |
| 13 | Malaysia | 1,469 |
| 14 | Netherlands | 1,491 |
| 14 | Canada | 1,491 |
| 16 | Belgium | 1,492 |
| 17 | Hungary | 1,500 |
| 18 | Australia | 1.505 |
| 19 | Croatia | 1,519 |
| 20 | Germany | 1.533 |
A gap that grows up
Despite these virtuous examples, the global picture is not encouraging. Compared to 2008, the average world peace level worsened by 5.4% and the distance between the more and less peaceful countries expanded by more than 10%. In particular, Russia is now in the last place, followed by Ukraine, while the United States are placed only at number 128, penalized by the high degree of militarization. And Italy? We find ourselves in 33rd place, improving our placement of last year with a position.
Oasis of peace in the world
In addition to Europe and Oceania, other countries also stand out that show how tourism and peace can live together. In Latin America, Peru and Argentina have recorded significant improvements, while in Africa nations such as Mauritius, Botswana and Namibia are distinguished by stability and ability to attract travelers looking for nature and tranquility.
The value of the “Positive Peace”
The report underlines how the true strength of the peaceful countries lies in the positive Peace, or in those structures and attitudes that favor prosperity, well -being and resilience. An approach that translates not only into greater safety, but also in economic growth and quality of life.
And Italy?
In the Global Peace Index 2025 Italy is only placed in 33rd place, a result that screeches with the image of our country as a land of culture, beauty and welcome. Although not among the most problematic nations, Italy is far from the top positions occupied by Nordic and European countries nearby, a sign that our society suffers from structural fragility on the safety, political stability and trust in institutions. The data also reflects chronic critical issues such as the high level of organized crime, social tensions and the weight of military expenditure in an unstable geopolitical context.
From the comparison with the other large European countries, it emerges that Italy is in an intermediate position but certainly not of excellence: our country is less peaceful than Germany (in 20th place) and Spain (in 25th place), but remains well above France (in 74th place), penalized by a context marked by attacks, social tensions and a high level of militarization. In other words, it is found in a “middle ground”: not among the worst, but far from the European head group, dominated by Nordic and central-European countries who have made social peace and civic trust a pillar of their governance.
Being behind not only to historical models of pacificity such as Iceland or New Zealand, but also to countries such as Slovenia and Croatia, should push to seriously question why Italy cannot translate its cultural and democratic potential into a more solid and perceived level of peace.
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