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Do you know which are the most peaceful countries in
the world? Since 2007 each year, the Global Peace Index has been issued
by the IEP (Institute for Economics and Peace) and is a measurement of
nations’ and regions’ peacefulness based on external and internal
measures. Although it seems like the world is becoming more cruel,
according to the Global Peace Index there are 10 most peaceful countries
in the world.
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1. Denmark
Denmark tops the list of the most peaceful countries on Earth since it’s
really a safe place to live. Even while Copenhagen, the capital of
Denmark, was under occupation by the Nazis during the World War II, it
still did not fight. The point is that people living in Denmark prefer
to focus on economic matters, instead of involving themselves in various
armed conflicts. Danish people are very friendly, open and helpful.
Personally I have been to Copenhagen twice and I wish I lived in this
country. I’m pretty sure that those who have been to Denmark at least
once could say the same. |
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2. Norway
Many people do not expect Norway to appear in the list of the most
peaceful countries in the world. Perhaps, this is because of Anders
Behring Breivik, mass murderer, who hit the pride of the country hard.
Sure, it was an extraordinary incident, but according to the Global
Peace Index Norway is one of the world’s most peaceful countries and
friendly and safe place to live. Norway is the country with the highest
level of human development in the globe, plus, the government of Oslo
always places peace at the forefront of the priorities of the country. |
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3. Singapore
As an active member of the international community and, overall, a small
nation, Singapore can never take its right to exist and security for
granted. Since achieving its independence in 1965 as a sovereign
Republic, Singapore has always concentrated on being a great neighbor,
through establishing social, peaceful, economic, cordial political
relations with all countries.
The country has worked with the United Nations and its supporting
agencies on a great variety of efforts. It also participates in various
global, unilateral and multilateral organizations to promote
international cooperation, including WTO (World Trade Organization).
Singapore is among the most peaceful countries in the world as well as
one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The homicide and violent crime
rates are lower than the criminal rates. |
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4. Slovenia
A beautiful European country, Slovenia is also among the most peaceful
countries in the world. The country got its lowest marks in funding for
the United Nations peacekeeping missions, number of police and security
officers, level of perceived criminality in society, number of organized
internal conflicts, violent protests, and number of internal and
external wars fought. I agree with the Global Peace Index and believe
that Slovenia deserves its place in the list of the most peaceful
countries on Earth. Moreover, with its wonderful cities like Maribor and
Ljubljana teeming with unique culture, Slovenia is a fantastic travel
destination. |
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5. Sweden
One of the most beautiful Scandinavian countries, Sweden is located in
the far north of Europe. Although Sweden is one of the biggest weapon
exporters in Europe, the country has a low level of robberies (only
9,000 a year) compared to the United States (about 350,000 a year)!
According to the Global Peace Index, Sweden is one of the most peaceful
countries in the world, in spite of the fact that it’s among the world’s
top arms exporters. Besides, Sweden has not been to war and has not
participated in any combats for the whole 2 centuries.
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6. Iceland
Iceland was also ranked as one of the most peaceful countries in the
world, staying out of the main conflicts in the world. Iceland seldom or
never hits the headlines and despite the collapse of the Icelandic banks
several years ago, the country is remained as an amazing place of
spectacular natural beauty. Tourists from all parts of the world come to
Iceland to view its huge glaciers and raging volcanoes, as well as
numerous unique natural and cultural attractions in Reykjavik, the
capital of Iceland.
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7. Belgium
According to the Global Peace Index, Belgium is one of the best and most
peaceful places to live in Europe and on Earth. Situated in the heart of
Europe, this small country holds a special place. Brussels, the capital
of Belgium, is home to the European Union and NATO. Belgium boasts
medieval cities, beautiful town halls, majestic castles, and captivating
natural beauty. Homicide and imprisonment rates are low in this country,
even though Belgium did experience a crisis within its government over
the 2008-2011 period.
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8. Czech Republic
A relatively new country, the Czech Republic gained its independence
from the Soviet Bloc in 1989 due to the Velvet Revolution and its
subsequent split with Slovakia. After the division of Czechoslovakia,
the Czech Republic has largely concentrated on building a strong
capitalist economy and creating a stable climate for investment. In
2009, the Human Development Index (HDI) ranked the Czech Republic as a
country of ‘Very High Human Development.’ Renowned mostly for its
magnificent capital city Prague and breathtaking natural beauty, the
Czech Republic draws tourists from all over the world.
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9. Switzerland
According to IEP, the Swiss maintain a well-functioning government and
an open political culture. Illustrating the quality of government,
Switzerland received the lowest score for political instability. It’s
also among the world’s most peaceful countries that have low levels of
violent crime. Although Switzerland is known for its neutrality in
regional, international and global political issues, it maintains strong
diplomatic relations with various countries around the world. |
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10. Japan
One of the most enchanting countries culturally, Japan has the third
largest economy in the world. Since the World War II, Japan has been
really peaceful, with little internal conflict and low crime. Moreover,
the country maintains cordial relations with its neighbors. Japan has
not had a professional military since the end of WWII. The country
settles on an internal security force in order to maintain the peace.
Personally I enjoy visiting Japan and I also consider this country to be
peaceful as well as breathtakingly beautiful.
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