In a world where the number of active conflicts is at its highest since World War II, it's remarkable to discover that some nations remain remarkably peaceful. The Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 countries based on 23 indicators, reveals that Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland are among the world's safest countries. These nations have managed to maintain their peace and stability despite the global decline in peacefulness for the 12th consecutive year. What makes these countries so peaceful? And how can travelers experience a taste of this calm and stability? Let's explore.
Iceland: Nature, Equality, and Community
Iceland has been the world's safest country since 2008, and its residents attribute this to a combination of factors. Oddný Arnarsdóttir, head of Visit Iceland, highlights the country's deep commitment to equality, including gender parity, and its strong public services and widespread renewable energy. However, she believes that the sense of peacefulness in Iceland goes beyond policy and is rooted in the close-knit communities and the natural environment. Iceland's remote location also plays a role, as it is less caught up in global tensions.
To experience Iceland's calmer pace, visitors should slow down and spend time outdoors, rather than rushing between attractions. Experiencing the country's bathing culture is a must, as Iceland is home to more than 120 geothermal pools, from luxury spas to neighborhood swimming pools where locals gather year-round. Arnarsdóttir believes that experiencing Iceland's calm is closely linked to well-being, whether through geothermal bathing culture, time spent in nature, or simply having the space to disconnect.
New Zealand: Relaxation and Straightforwardness
New Zealand is the safest country in the Asia-Pacific region, with the region's lowest ongoing-conflict score. Its improvement came largely from a fall in weapons imports, and it remains one of the world's safest and least militarized nations. Warwick Woodley, a New Zealand citizen, attributes this to the country's sparse population, which means easy access to nature and a relaxed, straightforward culture. People tend to be more interested in getting on with things than stirring the pot.
Safety in New Zealand is so ordinary that it rarely registers. Most people don't think about it much, which is probably the best indicator that it's generally not a concern. Neighborhoods still function as neighborhoods, where people know each other and look out for one another. Woodley believes that this sense of accountability goes a long way in a country of five million, where anonymity is harder to come by.
Switzerland: Trust and Compromise
Switzerland has risen from fifth place last year to third in 2026, combining low crime rates with a longstanding policy of military neutrality. Cornelia Choe, an executive coach and author who lives in Geneva, attributes this to the sense of trust and confidence that people will generally do the right thing. This trust often reveals itself in daily transactions, such as strangers mailing back lost wallets or canceling credit cards to protect others from fraud.
To appreciate the sense of peace in Switzerland, visitors should embrace the strong work-life balance. Many businesses close for two hours at midday, and it's worth appreciating the nation's four national languages and distinct regional identities. Choe believes that societies don't have to agree on everything to become stronger, and that reaching for compromises and practical solutions allows people to move forward together.
Slovenia: Community and Nature
Slovenia has made its way into the index's top five for the first time, with low military spending and high levels of safety and security. Jerneja Zver, who lives in Ljubljana and manages operations in Eastern Europe for Intrepid Travel, attributes this to the strong emphasis on community and nature. Slovenians place great importance on community and spend a lot of time in nature, which creates a calmness and steadiness in them.
To appreciate all the country has to offer, Zver suggests spending more than a weekend trip to Ljubljana. Visitors can whitewater raft on the Soča River, visit the waterfalls of Vintgar Gorge near Bled, or cycle through the country's mountain pastures. Zver believes that the warm hospitality of the people, the stunning landscapes, and the great food make Slovenia a special place.
Ireland: Neutrality and Hospitality
Ireland is ranked fifth, scoring highly for its low levels of violence and limited involvement in international conflict. Didi Ronan, founder of regenerative hotel Native in West Cork, traces the culture of hospitality back to the Brehon laws, which mandated food and shelter for strangers and travelers. Ireland's tradition of neutrality gives that sense of peace an international dimension, as the country does not join foreign wars or military alliances.
Ronan believes that Ireland's historical experience as a nation makes its people acutely aware of the perils of prejudice and the importance of being generous and welcoming to others. In a time of global volatility and uncertainty, there is something soothing about being on a far-out rock in the Atlantic, with great music, walks, and books. Ronan appreciates the privilege of living in a peaceful country, in view of the great suffering and injustice experienced by so many people in the world today.
In conclusion, these five countries offer a glimpse into the qualities that make them so peaceful. From nature and equality in Iceland to trust and compromise in Switzerland, community and nature in Slovenia, and neutrality and hospitality in Ireland, each country has its own unique strengths. As the world becomes less peaceful, these nations stand out as beacons of calm and stability, offering valuable lessons for the rest of the world.
