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India.com
8 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
If World War 3 breaks out THESE countries will be safest because...; Russia, Ukraine at most risk, India, Pakistan are ...
World's safest countries in a World War 3 scenario. (File/Representational) World's safest countries: Besides numerous small conflicts, and the unending tensions between India and Pakistan, there are two major wars currently raging in the world– the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Israel-Iran war– both of which threaten to boil over into a wider conflict that could trigger World War 3, engulfing the entire globe in a catastrophic war. But will be there still be any safe havens left when a global war breaks out and the bombs start falling? Well, according to the recently released 'Global Peace Index' 2025 report, these 10 countries will be the safest in a World War 3 scenario. As per the report, countries with lowest corruption, flexible resources and a well-functioning administrative structure, are the safest countries in the world. Iceland, which has topped the Global Peace Index list since 2008, retains its spot as world's safest country, followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland. Here are the 10 safest countries in the world, as per the Global Peace Index 2025: Iceland (Europe) Ireland (Europe) New Zealand (Oceania) Austria (Europe) Switzerland (Europe) Singapore (Asia) Portugal (Europe) Denmark (Europe) Slovenia (Europe) Finland (Europe) Interestingly, eight of the 10 safest countries on the list are European nations, while Singapore is the sole Asian country considered safe enough to make the list. Which countries are the most unsafe? Now, let take a look at the flip side of the coin and find out which countries are considered the most unsafe on the planet and face the most risk if World War 3 erupts. According to the global peace index, Russia and Ukraine, which have been embroiled in a bloody war since February 2022, are the most unsafe countries in the world, and are at the most risk if a global war breaks out. They are followed Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, two African nations torn apart by years of civil war and violence. Here are the 10 most unsafe countries in the world, according to the index. Russia (Europe/Asia) Ukraine (Europe) Sudan (Africa) Democratic Republic of Congo (Africa) Yemen (West Asia) Afghanistan (Asia) Syria (West Asia) South Sudan (Africa) Israel (West Asia) Mali (Africa) What about India and Pakistan? India and Pakistan, bitter enemies since 1947, who came to the brink of a major war last month following the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack, are ranked 115th and 144th, respectively, on the Global Peace Index 2025. India's rank remains unchanged from last year, while Pakistan has jumped one spot from last year's 145. Islamabad is followed by its new 'friend', Turkey, which is ranked 146th on the list.
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why Global Peace Index 2025 is important for your UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: UPSC frequently asks questions on reports and indices. The key takeaways from these reports are also essential fodder for your Mains examination for intricate points. In 2023, UPSC has asked questions on the World Water Development Report; in 2019, the question was on the Global Competitiveness Report. Therefore, it is important for you to get a comprehensive understanding of these indices.) Currently, there are 59 active state-based conflicts, the most since the end of WWII, and 1000 conflict-related deaths recorded in 17 countries in the last year, according to the 10th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The report covers 163 countries, comprising 99.7 per cent of the world's population. The report states, there is a deterioration of global peacefulness by 0.36 per cent, marking the 13th deterioration in peacefulness in the last 17 years, with 74 countries improving and 87 deteriorating in peacefulness. 1. Since 2007, the report has been published annually and provides a comprehensive data-driven analysis of trends in peace, its economic value, and ways to develop peaceful societies. There are 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators used to measure the state of peace across three domains: the level of Societal Safety and Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of Militarisation. 2. The internationalisation of conflicts is becoming more common, leading to difficulty in reaching solutions. The geopolitical fragmentation, increasing major power competition, and the rise in influence of middle-level powers are the reasons noted by the report for increased internationalisation. 3. The report finds that only nine per cent of conflicts today result in a decisive military victory, and just four per cent end with negotiated settlements. Reflecting the broader shift toward 'forever wars, ' pointing to the failure of traditional resolution strategies. To de-escalate these conflicts, the report suggested the need for sustained investment in positive peace, which is correlated with higher GDP growth, lower interest rates, societal wellbeing, and more resilience to shocks. 4. With the average country score deteriorating by 5.4 per cent, the report noted that the world has become less peaceful over the past 17 years since its inception in 2008. 94 countries out of 163 recorded deterioration, while 66 recorded improvements and one recorded no change. Between 2008 and 2023, seventeen of the 23 GPI indicators have deteriorated. 5. The report points to the major shift in international affairs in the past years. According to the report, 'Every nuclear-armed state has held or expanded its arsenal since 2022, and great-power rivalry is fuelling an arms race in advanced technologies, from AI-enabled drones to counter-space systems'. Recently, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, 2025, also highlighted that the nuclear arms race has once again intensifed, especially in Asia. 6. Iceland continues to lead and set global standards in maintaining its position as the world's most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008. Iceland is followed by Austria, New Zealand and Switzerland. Western and Central Asia are the most peaceful regions in the world. 7. India ranks 115th globally with a GPI score of 2.229, a 0.58 per cent improvement in its level of peacefulness over the past year. This marks a gradual upward trajectory from its rankings of 116 in 2024, 126 in 2023, 139 in 2020, and 141 in 2019. 8. According to the report, 'South Asia recorded the largest average deterioration of all the regions, with significant falls in peacefulness in both Bangladesh and Pakistan'. It is the second least peaceful region in the world. The least peaceful country in the region is Afghanistan. (Eurasia) Source: GPI, 2025 1. The Institute for Economics Peace, established in 2007 by Steve Killelea AM, publishes global reports that influence the 'global narratives on matters of security, defence, terrorism and development.' These reports include the Global Peace Index, Global Terrorism Index, and Ecological Threat Report. 2. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, terrorism remains a persistent global threat. 'The number of countries experiencing at least one terrorist incident increased from 58 to 66, the most countries affected since 2018.' Pakistan is among the countries where terrorist activities have increased since 2007. (Source: Global Terrorism Index, 2025) Consider the following indices: 1. Human Development Index 2. Global Peace Index 3. Global Gender Gap Index 4. Global Terrorism Index How many of the following indices are published by the Institute for Economics and Peace? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (Source: Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world 2025: Where does India rank in comparison to Pakistan?, How India's defence spending is aligned with its regional ambition, Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world 2025: Where does India rank in comparison to Pakistan?
Global Peace Index 2025 rankings list: Amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, the average level of global peacefulness has deteriorated by 0.36 per cent, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The findings show a concerning global trend: the world is becoming less peaceful, with increased instability driven by factors that often precede major conflicts. The report states that deterioration in peacefulness is now at its highest level since the end of World War II. Over the past 17 years, the average country score has declined by 5.4 per cent, marking a steady drop in global peace since 2008. However, there is a silver lining – 74 countries showed an improvement in their peacefulness this year. Iceland continues to lead and set global standards in maintaining its position as the world's most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008. Conversely, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains the world's least peaceful region for the tenth consecutive year, with four of the ten lowest-ranked countries on the 2025 GPI. As a result, the gap between the most and least peaceful countries widened, with the 'peace inequality' rising by 11.7 per cent over the past two decades. Source: Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 – Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Source: Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 – Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) India ranks 115th globally with a GPI score of 2.229, a 0.58 per cent improvement in its level of peacefulness over the past year. This marks a gradual upward trajectory from its rankings of 116 in 2024, 126 in 2023, 139 in 2020, and 141 in 2019. Despite being situated in South Asia – the second least peaceful region – India has shown improvements in nine indicators, while nine other indicators remained unchanged and three worsened. India ranks higher than Bangladesh at #123, Pakistan at #144, and Afghanistan at #158. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia since 2022 has resulted in a significant decline in peacefulness in both countries. In a notable first time ever, Russia dropped down two ranks and stands at #163, making it the least peaceful country in the world on the 2025 GPI, followed by Ukraine at #162 as the second least peaceful country in the world. According to the report, the two countries are expected to continue being among the least peaceful in the world for the foreseeable future, as there appears to be no immediate resolution to the conflict in sight. The Institute of Economics and Peace's Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks 163 autonomous countries and territories based on their level of peacefulness to date through 23 qualitative and quantitative variables across three domains: societal safety and security, the scope of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarisation.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sunday World
Ireland is the second safest country in the world, new global survey claims
'Each of the top ten most peaceful countries are also some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world' The UK has risen two places to take the number 30 spot Ireland is the second safest country in the world, according to a new Global Peace Index study. While there are a record 59 active state-based conflicts currently raging across the globe - the most since the end of WWII – Ireland is second only to Iceland at the top of the safe list. According to the Global Peace Index, created by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), the world is facing a 'reshaping of the global order'. One hundred countries have become less peaceful than they were a decade ago, but Ireland has retained its coveted second place slot that it held last year. Iceland, which has once again claimed the most safe title, which it has held since 2008, tops the poll while New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland join Ireland in the top five. All top five countries rank highly because they have resilient institutions, low corruption, and well-functioning infrastructure. These are referred to as positive peace indicators, making them ideal destinations for travel. Singapore comes next, with the rest of the top 10 made up of European countries including Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia and Finland. Beautiful Ireland News in 90 Seconds - June 19th The UK is a good bit further down the list as 30th most peaceful country in the world, although it has risen two places in the index since 2024. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both the USA and Russia fare badly with America falling to 128 out of 163 countries while the former Soviet Union is rated the world's least peaceful country with Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen all in the bottom five. Researchers for the index take into consideration both internal and external peace indicators. Internal incudes levels of violent crime and the number of murders and violent demonstrations, while external covers military expenditure, number of nuclear weapons and relations with neighbouring countries. Iceland tops the poll While Western and Central Europe is the most peaceful region in the world, 'Europe's security environment is undergoing a profound transformation'. This is because Russia's invasion of Ukraine and 'diminishing US strategic focus' on the region means European countries are diverting funds from education and healthcare towards military expenditure 'The Russian threat is real and no individual European country comes close to Russia's military capability,' researchers added. The Middle East and North African is the world's least peaceful, with 35 of 43 nations Sub-Saharan Africa engaged in conflict in the last five years. According to the IEP, Kashmir, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Syria are the regions that are at highest risk of entering a major war. The UK has risen two places to take the number 30 spot South America is the only region to improve on its peacefulness scores since last year's index. In 2020, Iceland was in first place, with New Zealand, Portugal, Austria, and Denmark rounding out the top five. Canada, Singapore, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Switzerland were among the top ten that year. Researchers make the point that if people are preoccupied with fighting or concerned about their lives, they cannot create art, build homes, run businesses, or host visiting families. Steve Killelea, founder of the IEP, said: "We all want to relax when we're on holiday, and there is no better place to do so than in countries that are free of violence. This is one of the reasons why each of the top ten most peaceful countries are also some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world." Killelea adds: "This should show governments that peace comes with substantial economic benefits, as well as improving the health and well-being of their citizens. So, next time you consider where to go on holiday, why don't you vote with your feet by choosing a peaceful country?" '
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
The Safest Countries In The World, Per 2025 Global Peace Index
The Giant's Causeway, North Antrim, Northern Ireland—one of the safest countries in the world as per the 2025 Global Peace Index With the political landscape as volatile as it is, it's beneficial to know how safe your travel destination is. Every year, the Institute for Economics and Peace publishes its Global Peace Index, a comprehensive analysis of the world's safety. The results of the 2025 study highlight the safest countries in the world, and according to the new rankings, the top five most peaceful countries are: All top five countries rank highly because they have resilient institutions, low corruption, and well-functioning infrastructure, what the research calls positive peace indicators, making them ideal destinations for travel. The U.K. ranks at number 30 (up two places from last year), and the U.S. ranks at number 128, maintaining its position directly below Mozambique, South Africa, and Kenya. In 2020, Iceland was in first place, with New Zealand, Portugal, Austria, and Denmark rounding out the top five. The annual studies frequently note that most of these safest countries in the world are also places that regularly appear on lists of the best places to visit. Canada, Singapore, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Switzerland were among the top ten that year. In 2025, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland are now among the top ten. It makes sense, of course; a less peaceful world leads to increased economic instability and a significant reduction in global GDP. If people are preoccupied with fighting or concerned about their lives, they cannot create art, build homes, run businesses, or host visiting families. In 2023, Steve Killelea, founder of the IEP, said, "We all want to relax when we're on holiday, and there is no better place to do so than in countries that are free of violence. This is one of the reasons why each of the top ten most peaceful countries are also some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world." Killelea adds, "This should show governments that peace comes with substantial economic benefits, as well as improving the health and well-being of their citizens. So, next time you consider where to go on holiday, why don't you vote with your feet by choosing a peaceful country?" In 2020, the Global Peace Index noted that the economic impact of COVID-19 could negatively affect political stability, international relations, conflict, civil rights, and violence, potentially undoing many years of socio-economic development. At that time, it noted that "the gap between the least and most peaceful countries continues to grow" and that climate change would only exacerbate world safety as climate refugees become increasingly common. All of these conclusions have been borne out. By 2022, the Global Peace Index ranked eight of the world's safest countries in Europe, with Iceland still being the most peaceful. New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia rounded out the top five safest countries. The U.S. ranked 122nd, one place lower than in the previous two years, and the U.K. ranked 33rd. It noted that, yet again, the gap between the most peaceful and least peaceful countries continued to grow. Afghanistan was the least peaceful country in the world for the fourth consecutive year, with Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and Iraq rounding out the bottom five. In 2023, the Global Peace Index reported that global conflict had reached its highest level in 15 years. The U.K., amongst other countries, had recently added 15% of the world's landmass to a list where travel was ill-advised. The study found too that U.S. homicide rates were 6 times greater than the average across Western Europe, driven by gun violence and political tensions. Afghanistan was the least peaceful country (for the eighth consecutive year), followed by Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan—the Democratic Republic of the Congo surpassed Iraq to take fifth place. And now, in 2025, the study finds that the trend is continuing and that "global peacefulness continues to decline and that many of the leading factors that precede major conflicts are higher than they have been since the end of World War Two." It notes that more countries are increasing their levels of militarization in response to rising geopolitical tensions and conflict. Additionally, it notes that traditional alliances are dissolving, leading to increased economic uncertainty. None of this makes the world more ideal for travelers. There are currently more than 59 active state-based conflicts, more than at any other time since World War Two and three more than last year. Conflicts are also being less successfully resolved and are increasingly internationalized—78 countries are involved in conflicts beyond their borders. In 2025, Russia is the least peaceful country, according to the Index, for the first time in the world, with Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Yemen rounding out the bottom five. And while Western and Central Europe is the most peaceful region, home to eight of the ten most peaceful countries, its peacefulness is falling too and has been over the past four years. The Middle East and North Africa region is, globally, the world's least peaceful place. In 2025, Killelea says that "rising conflict deaths, accelerating geopolitical fragmentation, and the erosion of social cohesion are driving 'The Great Fragmentation" – a fundamental reshaping of the global order not seen since the Cold War." In this context, it makes even more sense to know everything about your travel destination before you book. MORE FROM FORBES
