Today’s headlines are filled with news of violence, animosity, and strife, and it can be difficult to even commute to work without witnessing some unkind act aimed at some unsuspecting soul. If living in harmony is what Americans are aiming for, the latest Global Peace Index suggests we have a long way to go. The U.S. ranked 129th out of 163 assessed countries, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace, which compiles the annual measure of tranquility of the world’s nations. The 10 most peaceful, listed here, scored far better on the group’s 23 indicators of peace.
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1. Iceland
Iceland hasn’t budged from its top spot on the Global Peace Index in more than a decade and with a low crime rate, high standard of living, and positive relationships with neighboring countries, it’s easy to understand why.
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2. New Zealand
New Zealand might as well change its name to New Zen-land, as it appears to have mastered the art of keeping the peace. Corruption and crime are low and the standard of living is high.
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3. Ireland
The lush green landscapes and idyllic views aren’t all that makes Ireland a peaceful place. Though you might imagine Irish pubs to be a place of drunken brawls, according to the Global Peace Index, the crime rates and jailed population in the country are quite low.
4. Denmark
With free university, medical, and child care, there’s not too much strife being stirred up among Danes. With that in mind, it makes sense that Denmark is one of the most peaceful countries on earth.
5. Austria
Austria promotes NATO in peace missions, rescue operations in areas impacted by disasters, and many other crisis management activities, supporting its position as the fifth-most peaceful country.
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6. Portugal
Rich in culture and low in violence and criminal activity, peaceful Portugal benefits from positive relationships with nearby countries, according to the Global Peace Index.
7. Slovenia
What’s more peaceful than serene mountain landscapes? Slovenia has an abundance of breathtaking views and generally steers clear of violence.
8. Czech Republic
A mix of stability with politics, minimal threats of terrorism, and low crime rates contribute to the overall peacefulness in Czech Republic, according to the Global Peace Index.
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9. Singapore
Singapore doesn’t experience much conflict domestically or internationally and generally maintains a good rapport with neighboring countries.
10. Japan
Rounding out the tranquil Top 10, Japan isn’t as known for its harmonious relationships with its neighbors as some of the other countries on this list, but the country still manages to minimize violence.
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