Now in its 13th year, the index ranks 163 independent states and territories (Image: Getty Images)
Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world for 2019, the Global Peace Index (GPI) has revealed. The island has held the spot since 2008 and is the only Nordic country that is more peaceful now than in that year. A high number of civilians in Iceland own guns but crime is the lowest due to strict regulations in purchasing one. According to website Guide to Iceland, there is a murder rate of 0-1.5 every year. There is also no ‘class system’.
Iceland is most peaceful country in the world for 11th year in Global peace Index 2019
The Global Peace Index measures the level of societal safety and security; the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict; and the degree of militarisation.
The GPI results this year “show that the average level of global peacefulness improved very slightly,” the index - produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace - explained.
“This is the first time the index has improved in five years. The average country score improved by 0.09 per cent, with 86 countries improving, and 76 recording deteriorations.”
The second most peaceful country was revealed to be New Zealand - a position it has held for the last two years.
“New Zealand maintained or improved its scores in 22 out of 23 indicators, but deteriorated in the impact of terrorism because of the 15 March 2019
