Global Peace Index | Top 10 Safest Countries in the World in 2026

Every year, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) releases the Global Peace Index (GPI). It ranks the 163 countries based on their safety and peace parameters, which are set by IEP. The 2026 data is the 20th edition of the index that has been released, and Iceland remains in the first rank as the safest country in the world in 2026.

Over the last few years, there have been many geopolitical problems arising in the world, but despite these concerns, many countries are still managing their safety index. From Iceland to New Zealand, these countries have held their safety and peace index in the top ranking of the Global Peace Index as the safest countries in the world.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 safest countries in the world in 2026, according to the latest data release by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) of the Global Peace Index.

What Is the Global Peace Index?

The Global Peace Index is published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It measures peace using 23 different factors. These factors are grouped into three areas, which are:

• Societal safety and security (crime rate, fear of violence, homicide rate)

• Ongoing domestic and international conflict (wars, armed conflicts)

• Militarisation (military spending, weapons imports)

Countries with lower GPI scores are considered more peaceful. The index covers 99.7% of the world's population.

Key Highlights of the 2026 GPI

• Global peace has declined for the 12th year in a row.

• Out of 163 countries, 99 became less peaceful in the past year.

• There are now 61 active state-based conflicts in the world, the highest since World War II.

• Russia is ranked as the least peaceful country.

• Iceland holds the top spot as the most peaceful country for the 19th year in a row.

The 10 most peaceful countries in the world (GPI 2026):
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇦🇹 Austria
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇫🇮 Finland
🇯🇵 Japan

🗺️ Explore how each country performs across the 23 Global Peace Index indicators:… pic.twitter.com/rm0PvqTaUk

— Global Peace Index (@GlobPeaceIndex) June 9, 2026

Top 10 Safest Countries in the World (2026 Global Peace Index)

Here are the Top 10 Safest Countries in the World (2026 Global Peace Index) given in the table format:

Source: Global Peace Index 2026

Overview of the Top Safest Countries in the World

1. Iceland (Rank 1)

According to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Iceland is the safest country in the world in 2026, with a score of 1.161 in GPI 2026, and it has maintained its first position for the last 19 years consecutively since 2008.

It is a small island nation with only about 382,000 people. It has no standing army, which means it does not maintain a permanent military force. Here in this country, crime is also very low.

The country has a very strong sense of community trust. People here feel safe walking alone at night. Iceland also scores well for women's safety and political stability.

Why Iceland is safe:

• Due to no army

• Because of very low crime rate

• People have a great deal of trust in one another

• There is also a strong democratic institutions

2. New Zealand (Rank 2)

With a score of 1.343 in the GPI 2026, this year, New Zealand has been ranked as the second safest country in the world, up one rank from last year (2025). It is a very beautiful island country in the South Pacific Ocean.

There is also very little violent crime in this country, and it has a stable government. It is not entangled in numerous international conflicts. They are also a very hospitable country to foreigners and tourists.

Why New Zealand is safe:

• Due to Low violent crime

• Due to a stable political system

• There is an open and friendly society

• There is also no significant war being engaged in.

3. Switzerland (Rank 3)

Switzerland is the third safest country in the world as per the latest data of the Global Peace Index, with a score of 1.363 in GPI 2026. It's a little European nation that's continually trying to remain impartial in the world, and Switzerland is not part of NATO, and it's always been the peace for centuries.

The standard of living is very high in Switzerland. It has an effective police and judicial system. The country is politically stable, with low crime levels.

Why Switzerland is safe:

• Long history of staying neutral

• Very low crime

• Strong legal system

• Quality of life, which is high

How Does the Global Peace Index Measure Safety?

23 indicators are used to measure peace in the Global Peace Index (GPI). Here are a few indicators that are given, which are very important to measure the safety of the countries:

• Homicide rate

• Number of prison inmates

• Access to weapons

• Level of violent crime

• Political instability

• Military spending

• Number of deaths from conflict

Countries that do well on most of these indicators get a lower (better) GPI score and a higher rank.

Where Does India Stand in the 2026 GPI?

Source: Global Peace Index

According to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), in the latest data release of the Global Peace Index, India holds the 127th rank among the 163 countries with a score of 2.409 in GPI 2026, which is down by 3 rankings compared to last year, 2025.

South Asia recorded the worst deterioration in peacefulness on the 2026 GPI, with the average overall score deteriorating by 2.3 per cent. In South Asia, Bhutan ranks first in the safest country with a score of 1.546, with the overall ranking at 16th

What are the reasons behind the slipping of India’s ranking in the Global Peace Index?

Since India recorded a deterioration of 2.9 per cent on the 2026 GPI due to the ongoing internal conflict and with the increased tension in neighbouring countries' relations between Pakistan and Myanmar. With all these conflicts, last year's conflict, between the Meitei majority group and the Kuki-Zo community, led to the resignation of Manipur’s Chief Minister in February 2025.

So, due to all these reasons, India has slightly slipped towards the ranking in the Global Peace Index.