New Zealand has strengthened its position as one of the safest countries in the world, climbing to second place in the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI) as global peacefulness continues to deteriorate.
The latest report found that overall peacefulness declined in 99 countries, marking the 12th consecutive year of global decline. Despite the worsening global outlook, a small group of nations, including New Zealand, continues to maintain high levels of stability, security and social cohesion.
"Even though we had this catastrophic drop, it hasn't really affected the countries at the top," said Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of the Institute for Economics & Peace, which created the index in 2007, BBC has quoted.
The Global Peace Index ranks 163 countries using 23 indicators, including levels of conflict, military expenditure, homicide rates and perceptions of safety. Iceland retained the top spot for the 19th consecutive year, while New Zealand moved up from third place in 2025 to secure second position this year.
According to the report, New Zealand remains the second most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region and recorded the region’s lowest score for ongoing conflict. The improvement was largely attributed to a reduction in weapons imports, while the country continues to rank among the world's least militarised nations.
Top 10 countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index
1. Iceland
2. New Zealand
3. Switzerland
4. Slovenia
5. Ireland
6. Austria
7. Portugal
8. Singapore
9. Finland
10. Japan
New Zealand citizen and NZ Golden Visa founder Warwick Woodley said the country's geographical location has helped shield it from many international tensions.
"Being this far from everywhere means New Zealand has largely avoided the geopolitical mess that drags other nations into conflict," said Warwick Woodley, a New Zealand citizen and founder of NZ Golden Visa, as quoted by BBC.
Woodley also highlighted the role of New Zealand’s culture in fostering peace and stability.
People tend to be relaxed and straightforward, he said, "generally more interested in getting on with things than stirring the pot", as quoted by the BBC.
He noted that safety is so deeply embedded in everyday life that many New Zealanders rarely think about it.
"Most people don't think about it much, which is probably the best indicator that it's generally not a concern," Woodley said. "Guns aren't part of everyday life here, and after Christchurch, the laws got even tighter," the BBC has quoted.
He added that strong community ties continue to contribute to the country's peaceful environment.
Neighbourhoods still function as neighbourhoods, he said, where people know each other and look out for one another. "That sense of accountability goes a long way in a country of five million, where anonymity is harder to come by" the BBC has quoted.
Beyond safety, New Zealand's natural environment also plays a significant role in residents' quality of life.
"Its sparse population also means easy access to nature. 'Mountains, beaches and bush walks are all within reach depending on where you are,' said Woodley. 'Life doesn't feel like it's constantly running away from you the way it does in some of the bigger, busier countries,' as quoted by the BBC."
The 2026 Global Peace Index's top five countries are Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia and Ireland. Other nations in the top 10 include Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland and Japan.
The findings come at a time when conflicts, geopolitical tensions and security concerns are rising across many parts of the world, making New Zealand’s standing as one of the world's safest nations even more significant.