New Zealand has been ranked the world’s third safest country, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared in a Facebook post today, citing a BBC report.
Countries such as Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Singapore remain among the most stable, with residents crediting cultural values, social systems and longstanding policies for their continued sense of security.
New Zealand Rises to Third Place
New Zealand climbed two spots to third this year, aided by improvements in safety, reduced demonstrations, and minimal terrorism impacts. The country’s isolation in the Pacific provides natural protection, but residents also credit strict gun laws and strong social systems for their sense of peace, BBC reported. Daily life reflects this trust: children often walk to school alone, doors are left unlocked, and motorists stop to help strangers. Locals highlight not only the natural landscapes but also the depth of community, Māori cultural presence, and universal healthcare as factors that create belonging and stability. Many say that while visitors come for the scenery, it is the people who leave the strongest impression.
Despite a surge in global conflicts and rising militarisation, five countries continue to rank among the world’s most peaceful, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI).
The report, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, found that the number of state-based conflicts has reached its highest level since World War Two, with three new conflicts emerging this year alone. The index, which measures 23 indicators ranging from terrorism and homicide rates to military expenditure, noted that many nations are responding to global tensions with stronger defence postures.
The other countries among top five are:
Iceland Tops the List Again
Iceland has retained its position as the world’s most peaceful nation, a title it has held since 2008. The country improved its score by 2% this year, widening the gap with second place. Locals describe a society where community bonds underpin safety: people walk at night without fear, infants nap in prams outside cafes, and police officers do not carry firearms. Gender equality policies are also cited as central to the sense of fairness and security. Visitors are often encouraged to join everyday activities such as soaking in geothermal pools or attending cultural events to experience this atmosphere of calm.
Ireland on second
Ireland, once scarred by conflict in the late 20th Century, continues to strengthen its reputation for peace, particularly through reductions in militarisation. It ranks in the top 10 globally for societal safety, with low levels of crime and violence reported. Residents point to a culture of friendliness and mutual support, where strangers readily assist one another. On the world stage, Ireland maintains military neutrality, avoiding Nato membership, while at home it emphasises environmental preservation and cultural hospitality. Locals describe life as slower-paced, with a strong appreciation for storytelling, traditional music, and conversation.
Austria on fourth
Austria, ranked fourth after slipping one place, continues to rely on its constitutionally mandated neutrality, which prevents participation in military alliances such as Nato. Residents say this allows the government to invest more in healthcare, education and welfare, creating a sense of stability. In small towns and valleys, unlocked homes and unchained bicycles are common, with people walking safely even at night. Visitors often report feeling stress dissipate after a few days, noticing the calm of natural surroundings and the slower pace of life.
Singapore, Asia’s Peaceful Outlier
Singapore remains the only Asian nation in the top 10, holding sixth place. The city-state ranks highly for safety and security, despite having one of the highest military expenditures per capita worldwide. Residents describe the comfort of walking home late at night without fear, citing widespread trust in public systems. Social progress is gradually increasing, as seen in the growing visibility of the Pink Dot pride festival, though same-sex marriage remains prohibited. Locals suggest that visitors embrace the freedoms enabled by security, whether through late-night dining, riverside walks, or parks after dark.
Peace in Context
The GPI findings highlight that while conflict globally is intensifying, a consistent group of countries has sustained peace for nearly two decades. For residents, this is not simply a ranking but a lived experience — one shaped by social policies, cultural practices, and a collective commitment to safety and stability.
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