Glance through the recent headlines and it seems like there’s no safe place left in the world. War, terrorism, zika and other crises around the globe are enough to make you want to curl up and stay home. Hmm, you might want to rethink that strategy when you find out the the United States didn’t even crack the top 100 out of 163 countries evaluated for their Global Peace Index (the UK only ranked 47th and Australia came in at number 15 – oh, and not surprisingly, Syria was dead last). The Institute for Economics and Peace releases an annual study of the world’s nations in terms of the their peacefulness, assessing them for indicators like number of conflicts fought, political instability, terrorist activity, degree of militarization, number of homicides, incarceration rates, ease of access to small arms and more. While not a perfect study, Jeffery Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, has said, “The GPI continues its pioneering work in drawing the world’s attention to the massive resources we are squandering in violence and conflict. The lives and money wasted in wars, incarcerations, weapons systems, weapons trade, and more, could be directed to ending poverty, promoting education, and protecting the environment. The GPI will not only draw attention to these crucial issues, but help us understand them and to invest productively in a more peaceful world.” Looking for a pleasant place to visit this year? Using this index as a guide, here are the top ten safest, most peaceful countries at the moment.
10. Lots to Love About Slovenia
If Slovenia isn’t on your travel radar, it should be. It boasts snow-capped mountains, bucolic valleys, a dramatic Adriatic coastline, the charming city Ljubljana, sophisticated cuisine and cultural wonders well worth exploring.
9. We Bow Down to Japan
You might want to be wary of earthquakes and tsunamis here, but when it comes to man made conflicts, Japan has a pretty peaceful reputation these days.
8. Oh Canada, We Knew You’d Make the List
Everybody seems to like the polite and humble Canadians, who always seem to help out in global crises but are never the instigators. They take their role and reputation as a international peacekeeper seriously, and it’s a damn gorgeous country to go out and about in to boot.
7. Don’t Be Neutral About Going to Switzerland
Famous for its gobsmacking mountains, chocolate, and cheese fondue, add relative peace and safety to the list and you’ve got a tempting travel destination to go cuckoo for.
6. You Gotta Check Out the Czech Republic
There’s way more than trendy Prague to draw you to this dynamic and delicious Eastern European country, but it’s a fabulous place to start.
5. Find Your Peace in Portugal
Holding the number five spot on the Global Peace Index is sunny Portugal, which boasts little domestic violence, low armament and a high-security officials count. A few sips of some Portuguese wine and you’ll surely find inner peace.
4. No Big Surprise to Find New Zealand High on the List
Does anyone ever have a bad thing to say about this country? Go, just go there and relish the peace as well as the adventurous pursuits on offer.
3. Austria
Long considered one of the grand, cultured jewels of Europe, Austria holds the number three spot on the list of peaceful places on the planet. Mozart would be proud.
2. Happy to Go to Denmark
Not only does this Scandinavian nation rank high in the Global Peace Index, it is often at the top of the list of Happiest Places on Earth too. Take a trip here and you’ll soon know why the Danes and their country are so great.
1. Iceland Is the Hottest Destination
Geothermic Iceland is at the top of the GPI list for the sixth year in a row. With its low crime rate, friendly population and stunning nature, plan a trip here before mass tourism overwhelms the place.
