The world’s most dangerous and peaceful countries in 2023 have been revealed in a new study.
The 17th report of the Global Peace Index (GPI), prepared annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranks 163 independent states and territories that make up 99.7 percent of the world’s population.
The 2023 survey reveals that the average level of global peace has declined by 0.42 percent. This is the 13th decline in the last 15 years. In 2022, 84 countries had improved in terms of peacefulness, while 79 had deteriorated.
Afghanistan was ranked the world’s least peaceful country for the 8th time in a row, followed by Yemen, Syria, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The war in Ukraine had a significant impact on the global peaceful environment, with Ukraine suffering the largest decline in peacefulness and Russia the fifth largest. Nevertheless, Europe, the world’s most peaceful region, is home to 7 of the 10 most peaceful countries.
Other countries with the biggest declines were Haiti, Mali and Israel.
Iceland remains the world’s most peaceful country, a title it has held since 2008. Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and Austria join Iceland at the top of the index.
The United Kingdom, the 37th most peaceful country – down one place from last year – is ranked “high” on the “state of peace” scale. The scale ranges from “very high” to “very low”.
The United States is rated “low” on the peacefulness scale and, like last year, ranks 131st on the list. The report notes that the United States “experienced a slight decline in peacefulness last year, following a trend that began in 2015” and that while civil disobedience is no longer the main factor, the decline is due to “declines in safety and security, particularly in the perception of crime and homicide rate indicators.”
Using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, the GPI measures the state of peace in three areas: the level of social safety and security, the extent of ongoing local and international conflict, and the degree of militarization.
The report was compiled before the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October and ongoing volcanic activity in Iceland.
The Institute for Economics and Peace, based in Sydney, Australia, describes itself as an independent, non-partisan and non-profit think tank.
The world’s most dangerous countries in 2023
Afghanistan
Yemen
Syria
South Sudan
Democratic Republic of Congo
Russia
Ukraine
Somalia
Sudan
Iraq
The world’s most peaceful countries in 2023
Iceland
Denmark
Ireland
New Zealand
Austria
Singapore
Portugal
Slovenia
Japan
Switzerland
