What Are the Safest Countries in the World in 2026? Here Are the Top 10 According to the Global Peace Index

Highlights at a Glance: Global Peace Index 2026

• One country remains unbeaten, holding the #1 spot for 19 consecutive years

• New Zealand ranks second and leads the Asia-Pacific region

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

• 99 countries deteriorated, while 62 became more peaceful

• Conflicts reached a record, with 61 active state-based conflicts

• Europe dominates the list, with seven countries in the top 10

• Japan returned after climbing three places

• Russia ranked last among the 163 countries assessed

• The United States ranked 134th in the 2026 index

#10: Japan

Japan climbed three places to return to the top 10, helped by an improvement in the index’s Ongoing Conflict category. Its militarization score moved in the opposite direction as the country continued expanding its defense capabilities, but Japan still claimed the final place among the world’s 10 most peaceful countries.

For travelers, it is another point in favor of a destination already known for orderly cities, efficient transportation, and a remarkable ability to make even somewhere as enormous as Tokyo feel manageable.

#9: Finland

Finland rose one place and continues to perform especially well in the Safety and Security and Ongoing Conflict categories.

This result will probably surprise no one who has spent time there. Finland has the kind of stability that makes everyday life feel relatively uneventful, which is exactly what you want from a peace ranking. Travelers also get national parks, lakes, saunas, and cities that are exceptionally easy to navigate.

#8: Singapore

Singapore slipped one place, although its overall score improved slightly. It remains the highest-ranked country in Southeast Asia and performs particularly well in Safety and Security.

The interesting part is that Singapore also has some of the world’s highest military spending per person. In other words, it reaches the top 10 through a combination of exceptional domestic stability and significant investment in defense.

It is also proof that one of the world’s most densely populated destinations can still feel remarkably calm, organized, and easy to explore.

#7: Portugal

Portugal moved up one place and remains one of the most consistently peaceful countries in Western Europe, performing well across all three areas measured by the index.

That stability is part of what makes Portugal such an easy destination to recommend. Lisbon and Porto offer the energy of major European cities, while the Algarve, Madeira, and the Azores make it easy to disappear somewhere quieter.

#6: Austria

Austria dropped one position after recording a slight decline in peacefulness. Even so, it remains the sixth most peaceful country in the world.

For travelers, Austria offers the best of both worlds: low levels of conflict, reliable infrastructure, and remarkably easy access to both cities and nature. You can spend the morning exploring Vienna, then head to nearby mountains, lakes, or vineyards and still be back in time for dinner.

#5: Ireland

Ireland slipped one place but still scores exceptionally well for Ongoing Conflict, reflecting very low levels of both internal and external conflict.

That sense of calm carries across the country. Scenic coastal roads, national parks, welcoming towns, and a strong sense of community make Ireland a destination where the pace of the trip often slows almost as soon as you arrive.

#4: Slovenia

Slovenia may be the biggest surprise in this year’s top five. It climbed two places after improving in the Safety and Security category, continuing a steady rise through the rankings.

Travelers may know Slovenia for Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and the Julian Alps, but its high level of peacefulness deserves just as much attention. It offers many of the landscapes people travel to Switzerland or Austria to see, often with fewer crowds and lower prices.

#3: Switzerland

Switzerland moved down one place after a small decline in its overall score, but it continues to rank among the world’s strongest performers for Safety and Security.

Its political stability, long-standing neutrality, and low levels of conflict keep it firmly near the top. The trains running through mountain scenery with almost suspicious precision are a nice bonus.

#2: New Zealand

New Zealand ranks second and remains the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region. Its score improved slightly this year, partly because of lower weapons imports and progress in the Militarization category.

Its remote location may help, but New Zealand also performs exceptionally well for Safety and Security and Ongoing Conflict. For travelers, that sense of peace comes with dramatic fjords, beaches, mountains, glowworm caves, and some of the best road-trip scenery in the world.

#1: Iceland

Iceland has been named the world’s most peaceful country for 19 consecutive years, holding the top spot every year since 2008.

That lead is no accident. Iceland has no standing military, very low crime, strong social cohesion, and consistently high scores across all three areas measured by the index. Its overall score improved again this year, putting even more distance between Iceland and the rest of the top 10.

For travelers, all that calm comes with plenty of adventure. Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and hot springs can all fit into a single road trip. Peaceful certainly does not mean boring.

The 2026 ranking is a reminder that peacefulness is about more than low crime. Political stability, limited conflict, and a strong sense of public safety all play a role. While no destination is completely risk-free, these 10 countries continue to stand out, and Iceland’s 19-year run at #1 remains hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions: Safest Countries 2026

What is the Global Peace Index?

The Global Peace Index is an annual ranking published by the Institute for Economics & Peace. It measures peacefulness across 163 countries and territories using 23 indicators in three categories: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarization. Lower scores indicate a higher level of peacefulness.

Does the Global Peace Index measure tourist safety?

Not specifically. The index includes factors related to crime, political instability, terrorism, conflict, and militarization, but it is not a travel advisory.

A highly ranked country can still have localized crime, natural hazards, or other risks that affect travelers. Always check current guidance for the destination you plan to visit.

Why does Iceland always rank first?

Iceland benefits from exceptionally low crime, no standing military, limited involvement in international conflict, strong institutions, and high levels of social cohesion. It has ranked first every year since 2008.

Is the United States in the top 10?

No. The United States ranked 134th out of 163 countries in the 2026 index after recording a decline in peacefulness. Its ranking was affected by deteriorations in areas including political instability, violent demonstrations, terrorism impact, and ongoing conflict.

Which region is the most peaceful?

Western and Central Europe remains the most peaceful region in the world and accounts for seven of the countries in the top 10. However, the region also became slightly less peaceful this year, partly because of rising defense spending across European NATO countries.

Did the world become more peaceful in 2026?

No. Global peacefulness declined for the 12th consecutive year. Of the 163 countries assessed, 99 became less peaceful and 62 improved. The report also counted 61 active state-based conflicts, the highest number recorded since World War II.