The 10 most peaceful countries in the world, ranked

Some Americans are looking to move abroad amid global and domestic tensions, among other factors.
Recent military tensions in the Caribbean put pressure on travelers, leaving many stuck overseas.
These 10 countries are ranked as the most peaceful by the Global Peace Index.

Amidinternational conflictsanddomestic tensions, some may feel that the US is notthe safest place to live right now.

While safety can be a subjective measure, that assessment is not entirely off base: The US is ranked the 128th most peaceful country in the world — falling behind nations like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and India — by the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), which considers factors like societal safety and security, ongoing conflicts, and country militarization.

Some Americans have even considered moving overseas due to factors like crime rates, work-life balance, cost of living , and parenting values. A Gallup poll released in October 2024 showed that 21% of polled Americans expressed a desire to move abroad, up from 17% in 2023 and 10% in 2011. However, Gallup also found the US was the most desired destination for citizens from other countries to move to.

In recent days, international peace has gained new importance for those looking to travel or move abroad. After the US launched a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, thousands of travelers found themselves stuck in the Caribbean following airspace restrictions.

Here are the 10 most peaceful countries in the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index.

10. Finland

Finland was ranked as the third most peaceful country on the societal safety and security domain of the GPI, which looks at homicide rates, political terror, and violent demonstrations, and perceptions of criminality.

As well as being one of the 10 most peaceful places in the world, the country has also consistently been ranked as thehappiest country in the world, attracting expats looking for ahigher quality of life.

9. Slovenia

canal running through a city in Slovenia

Slovenia, first lady Melania Trump's home country, ranked as the sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI militarization domain, which looks at factors like military expenditure and weapons exports.

The country is often categorized as a hidden gem in Europe for travelers, thanks to its beautiful landscapes.

8. Denmark

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - JANUARY 25: General view of Nyhavn, the old harbor of Copenhagen on Daily Life in Copenhagen on January 25, 2020 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

Denmark is ranked as the world's sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI societal safety and security domain. However, the country did see a relative deterioration in its militarization ranking as it increased its military spending, where it falls near nations like Libya and Trinidad and Tobago.

It has been ranked as the country with the best quality of life in the world, which looks at factors like cost of living, job markets, and quality of healthcare.

7. Portugal

A view of Camara de Lobos village Madeira, Portugal.

For Americans looking to move abroad, Portugal has emerged as a recent favorite. A surveyof over 116,000 Americans who were interested in moving abroad in 2024 showed the country as the most requested destination, according to Expatsi, a website with resources for Americans looking to relocate.

The country was ranked the second most peaceful in the world based on the GPI militarization domain.

6. Singapore

Singapore, which was ranked as the second-safest country in the Asia-Pacific region on the GPI ranking, is another popular destination for American expats, including those looking for entrepreneur economies like that of Silicon Valley.

The country was ranked in the top five in the societal safety and security and ongoing conflicts domains of the GPI.

5. Switzerland

Aerial view of the Basel medieval old town with its cathedral along the Rhine river with modern officel buildings in the background, in Switzerland

Housing Geneva, the global "Peace Capital," Switzerland ranked in the top 10 most peaceful cities in the ongoing conflicts and societal safety and security GPI domains.

Quality of life has been one of the factors driving expats to move there in recent years.

4. Austria

Austria has stayed in the top most peaceful countries since the GPI began measuring global peace in 2008.

Vienna, Austria's capital, has been ranked as the world's most livable city and one of the best destinations for expats to move.

3. New Zealand

New Zealand ranked as the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, and received the top ranking in the ongoing conflicts domain.

New Zealand transplants have cited its family-friendly towns, natural beauty, and outdoor activities as some of the reasons they love the country.

2. Ireland

The beautiful landscape of Inis Mór Island, Ireland

Ireland ranked within the top five countries in the militarization domain, and the second most peaceful country overall.

Ireland, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, has also been a common destination for Americans looking to move.

1. Iceland

Iceland, which ranked first across all three domains of the GPI ranking, is the world's safest countrydespite also being one of themost expensive.

For Americans looking to relocate overseas, the country offers the highest level of safety based on global peace, along with breathtaking landscapes.

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The 10 most peaceful countries in the world, ranked