Exploring the Top 10 Safest Nations for 2026 According to Peace Index

WHO:

Forbes - Steve Killelea, founder of the Institute for Economics & Peace, creator of the Global Peace Index.

WHAT:

Forbes - The Global Peace Index for 2026 ranks Iceland as the world's most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year.

Forbes - New Zealand ranks second, followed by Switzerland in third place, Slovenia in fourth, and Ireland in fifth.

Forbes - The report indicates that the number of countries involved in at least one external conflict has risen from 59 in 2008 to 103 in 2026.

Forbes - The U.S. ranks 134th in the Global Peace Index, down four spots, with a 38.5% decrease in the political instability indicator.

WHERE:

Forbes - The safest countries listed include Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland, and Japan.

WHEN:

Forbes - The Global Peace Index has been published annually for the past two decades.

Forbes - The report notes that global peacefulness has deteriorated for twelve consecutive years.

WHY:

Forbes - The report highlights that internationalized intrastate conflicts have increased by more than 175% since 2010.

Forbes - The decline in global peacefulness is attributed to rising tensions and conflicts, including the war in Iran.

HOW:

Forbes - The Global Peace Index ranks 163 independent states and territories using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators across three domains: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 19:46 UTC)

The Global Peace Index for 2026 has ranked Iceland as the world's most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year, with New Zealand and Switzerland following in second and third place, respectively. The report reveals a troubling trend, noting that the number of countries involved in at least one external conflict has surged from 59 in 2008 to 103 in 2026, while the U.S. has dropped four spots to rank 134th, reflecting a significant decrease in political stability. The index, which evaluates 163 independent states and territories based on various indicators, highlights a twelve-year decline in global peacefulness, driven by rising tensions and conflicts, including the ongoing war in Iran.