If conflicts, mass shootings and political gridlock are making you feel like peace is on the decline in the U.S., you're not wrong. According to the newly released 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), the U.S. ranks a disappointing 128 out of 163 countries behind nations like South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
The GPI, produced annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, is the most comprehensive measure of global peacefulness. It evaluates 99.7-percent of the world’s population across three key areas: societal safety and security, the presence of domestic and international conflict and levels of militarization.
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This year’s report paints a grim picture. Global peacefulness has been declining every year since 2014, and 2025 marks the lowest point yet. With 59 active state-based conflicts, over 150,000 conflict-related deaths in 2024 alone and rising instability in major powers, the world is entering what researchers call "The Great Fragmentation"—a new era of global disorder.
The U.S.’s poor ranking is driven by high homicide rates (six times the Western European average), political polarization, gun violence and its extensive military footprint. It sits just below Mozambique and just above El Salvador on the list.
By contrast, the top of the list is filled with calm, well-governed countries. Iceland retains its number one spot as the most peaceful country in the world, followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland. These nations score well due to stable institutions, low corruption and social cohesion—what the report calls "positive peace" factors.
Europe, despite some recent declines, remains the most peaceful region globally. The Middle East and North Africa, meanwhile, continue to rank as the least peaceful.
Ten most peaceful countries according to the Global Peace Index
- Iceland
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Slovenia
- Finland