The Global Peace Index Number 1

Based on the 2025 Global Peace Index, Iceland is the most peaceful nation in the world. Produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace, the index ranks 163 countries based on their level of peacefulness across three key domains. Iceland has held the top spot consistently since 2008. 

The population is around 404,610 (2024). Iceland is not the world’s smallest country; it is the 18th-largest country by area.

Iceland is a Nordic island nation and is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields as well as massive glaciers protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums.

The index is determined by 23 different indicators that fall into three main categories: 

• Societal Safety and Security: Measures a country’s internal peace, including crime rates, political instability, and internal conflicts.
• Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict: Evaluates a country’s involvement in both internal and external conflicts.
• Militarisation: Assesses a nation’s military spending, personnel, and weapons capabilities. 

Factors contributing to Iceland’s peacefulness

• Low crime rates: Iceland has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world. Icelandic police policy emphasizes minimal use of force, prohibiting routine firearms and only allowing Tasers to be carried under specific circumstances, with firearms kept locked in vehicles. Police officers do not routinely carry firearms; they are stored in lock boxes in police cars.  The total prison population was around 140 as of January 2024. 40% of the prison population were foreign nationals. There are 5 prisons that house the less than 200 people and 2 of them are open prisons. Food is important in prisons and a prisoner’s room is their own space with in-room internet.
• Minimal military: The country has no standing army. It relies on a coast guard and its NATO allies for defense. This, along with their policing policies are key points
• High social cohesion: Iceland has strong social trust and a stable political environment, which contribute to a strong sense of community.
• Diplomatic focus: Instead of investing in military might, Iceland invests in diplomacy, education, and social systems.