The world is becoming less peaceful, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). The annual report evaluates 163 countries and territories, representing 99.7% of the global population, using a wide range of indicators to assess levels of peace, conflict, and security.
Key takeaways
- Global peace continues to decline for the sixth straight year, reflecting deepening global instability.
- Iceland remains the world’s most peaceful country, while Russia is now ranked the least peaceful for the first time.
- Peace is increasingly tied to sustainability, with more peaceful nations better positioned to implement social and environmental policies.
This year’s findings show that global peace has deteriorated for the sixth consecutive year. Since the index was launched, peace levels have declined in 13 of the past 17 years, underscoring persistent global instability.
The GPI is the world’s most comprehensive assessment of peace, measuring more than the absence of war. It incorporates 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators across three core domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarisation.
The index also links peace to broader sustainability goals, including equitable education access, environmental stewardship, and stable living conditions.
According to the IEP, countries that maintain higher levels of peace are better positioned to implement environmental and social policies, highlighting the GPI’s increasing relevance as a barometer for sustainable development.
“A peaceful and stable society is essential for long-term growth and sustainability,” the report states. “Peace enables effective resource management and inclusive governance, foundations that are critical in a volatile global landscape.”
Most and Least Peaceful Countries in 2025
For the 17th year in a row, Iceland remains the world’s most peaceful country with a score of 1.095. It is followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland, all of which have consistently ranked near the top since the GPI’s inception.
Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries in 2025:
- Iceland – 1.095 (unchanged)
- Ireland – 1.260 (unchanged)
- New Zealand – 1.282 (up 2)
- Austria – 1.294 (down 1)
- Switzerland – 1.294 (down 1)
- Singapore – 1.357 (unchanged)
- Portugal – 1.371 (up 1)
- Denmark – 1.393 (down 1)
- Slovenia – 1.409 (unchanged)
- Finland – 1.420 (up 1)
At the other end of the spectrum, Russia has, for the first time, been ranked the least peaceful country in the world, overtaking Ukraine, Sudan, and other conflict-ridden nations.
10 Least Peaceful Countries in 2025:
- Russia – 3.441 (down 2)
- Ukraine – 3.434 (down 3)
- Sudan – 3.323 (up 2)
- Democratic Republic of Congo – 3.292 (down 3)
- Yemen – 3.262 (up 3)
- Afghanistan – 3.229 (down 2)
- Syria – 3.184 (down 1)
- South Sudan – 3.117 (up 2)
- Israel – 3.108 (unchanged)
- Mali – 3.061 (down 1)
ASEAN Peace Rankings Show Mixed Results
Among ASEAN member states, Singapore remains the most peaceful nation in the region and ranks 6th globally, unchanged from last year. Malaysia and Vietnam follow in second and third place regionally, while Myanmar ranks lowest in ASEAN and among the bottom 15 globally.
ASEAN Rankings
- Singapore – Rank 6 globally – Score: 1.357
- Malaysia – Rank 13 – Score: 1.469
- Vietnam – Joint 38 – Score: 1.721
- Laos – Rank 47 – Score: 1.783
- Indonesia – Rank 49 – Score: 1.786
- Thailand – Rank 86 – Score: 2.017
- Cambodia – Joint 87 – Score: 2.019
- Philippines – Rank 105 – Score: 2.148
- Myanmar – Rank 153 – Score: 3.045
Several ASEAN nations saw notable shifts: Cambodia dropped 12 places, while the Philippines rose six. Thailand, affected by political instability and economic uncertainty, fell five places to rank 86th globally.
Regional and Global Trends
Regionally, Western and Central Europe continue to dominate the top of the index, with eight of the top ten countries coming from these regions. However, even this relatively peaceful area has experienced a gradual decline in overall peace over the past four years.
Conversely, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains the least peaceful, followed by South Asia, which recorded the most significant year-on-year deterioration. Political crackdowns in Bangladesh and rising internal and cross-border tensions in Pakistan were key contributors to South Asia’s decline.
The only region to see an improvement in peace was South America, where seven of eleven countries reported progress. Notable improvements were seen in Peru and Argentina, driven by declining violence and increased political stability.
