Iceland, the Nordic nation celebrated for its volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and northern lights, has secured the No. 1 spot in the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025. For the 17th year in a row, Iceland continues to show the world that peace can be sustained even in uncertain times. The GPI, published by the Australia-based Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), measures the relative peacefulness of 163 countries and territories, covering 99.7% of the global population. It looks at factors like societal safety, international conflict, and militarization.

What Makes Iceland So Peaceful?

Iceland is not just a geographical wonder; it is also a remarkable social success story. The nation stands out for its exceptionally low crime rates, where violent crime is rare and the justice system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Its strong sense of social cohesion, built on equality, trust, and mutual respect, further strengthens the fabric of society. Unlike many countries, Iceland has no standing army, instead relying on defense agreements and NATO membership, which highlights its minimal militarization. Adding to this is the country’s political stability, characterized by transparent governance and very low levels of corruption. Together, these factors create an environment where peace is not merely preserved but actively nurtured, making Iceland a global example of harmony and progress.

The Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries in 2025

The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 ranking highlights a clear trend: Europe continues to dominate the list of the world’s most peaceful nations. Iceland once again leads with a score of 1.095, followed by Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland, all of which reflect the region’s strong emphasis on stability and social trust. Outside Europe, New Zealand and Singapore also feature among the top ten. Overall, the ranking underlines that societies prioritizing cooperation, transparency, and community well-being consistently achieve higher levels of peace and security.

India’s Position in 2025

India ranks 115th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index 2025, marking a modest improvement but also underlining the persistent challenges the nation faces. Issues such as internal security threats from terrorism, regional conflicts, social unrest in certain areas, and ongoing border tensions with neighboring countries continue to affect its overall peace ranking. 

Why Peace Matters for All

The Global Peace Index highlights a vital truth: peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of fairness, safety, and opportunity. Nations that rank high in peace also tend to experience stronger GDP growth, better social wellbeing, lower interest rates, and greater resilience during crises. For ordinary citizens, this translates into stability in daily life, access to quality healthcare, stronger education systems, and an overall sense of happiness and security. 

It’s no surprise, then, that Iceland, the most peaceful country, also ranks No. 3 in the World Happiness Report. The Global Peace Index 2025 is more than a list of rankings. It is a mirror reflecting the state of humanity. While Iceland inspires the world with its peaceful model, global instability continues to rise. If nations can learn from Iceland by building strong social trust, reducing militarization, and promoting fairness, the dream of a more peaceful world might not be so far away. 

Iceland’s continued dominance in the Global Peace Index is more than a ranking; it is a message of hope. At a time when the world faces violent conflicts, Iceland proves that peace is possible, not through power, but through trust, cooperation, and compassion.