World's safest country named in 2026 index; France lags far behind neighbors

Global peace has deteriorated for the 12th year in a row, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index released by the Institute for Economics & Peace. The report, which assesses safety in 163 countries using 23 indicators like crime rates, internal conflicts, political stability, and militarization, highlights a particularly tense international climate. The index notes that active armed conflicts are the primary driver of this decline, with more active interstate conflicts than at any point since World War II.

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The world continues on its long-term trajectory of deteriorating peace, with armed conflict being the main driver of this decline.

Despite the overall negative trend, Iceland has maintained its position as the world's most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year. It is followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland. These nations consistently show very low crime rates, high political stability, and are largely unaffected by conflicts. In the Asia-Pacific region, New Zealand is recognized as the most peaceful, with Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia also ranking highly.

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We count more active interstate conflicts today than at any other time since the end of the Second World War, while the number of countries involved in external conflicts has almost doubled since 2008.

Conversely, the report identifies several nations struggling with conflict and instability. Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Israel are listed at the bottom of the index, while Myanmar is named the most dangerous territory in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia again closes out the global rankings.

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Western and Central Europe remains the most peaceful region in the world.

Within Europe, while Western and Central Europe remains the most peaceful region, the report notes a 0.6% deterioration over the past year, with 22 out of 33 countries experiencing a decline in peace. France, in particular, ranks 99th out of 163 nations, placing it between Tanzania and Gabon and far behind its European neighbors.

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France remains far behind its European neighbors, despite its status as a major international tourist destination.