According to the Global Peace Index, Reykjavik, Iceland – the peaceful capital of the world’s safest country. Credits: Mine Towers, Shutterstock
Top Travel Questions give a global twist. If everything goes south, where in the world would it be safest? After months of tensions have risen, consider the recent US-Iran drama, the war in Ukraine. The idea of World War III suddenly doesn’t feel so big. So, if you had to choose a bolt hole, where should you go? Let’s dive into the fresh findings of the Global Peace Index 2025.
The World’s Safeest Countries: Breakdown of Peace Indicators
Annual Global Peace Indicators entered together by the Institute of Economics and Peace have deleted the most recent report. And frankly, the news isn’t great. In the sixth year of running, global peace has declined, with over 59 conflicts currently raging around the world. That’s the highest number since World War II.
So, when the world is in chaos, what is the reason why it truly makes a country safe? Experts say that’s the cocktail that’s the factor. It is far away, strong civil defense, political neutrality, food and energy self-sufficiency, and a stable government. Here’s how the 2025 rankings work:
Top 5 countries to await World War I
- Iceland: The Ultimate Safety Refuge
It’s not surprising here. Iceland is at the top of the list as many years ago. There is no close society hidden in the North Atlantic, overcoming a military, minimal military targets, and a substantial portion of natural disasters. Thanks to geothermal energy, Iceland is self-sufficient for electricity. Please be honest. Many enemies don’t travel. - New Zealand: The Edge of the Earth
If you’re trying to get away from almost everything, New Zealand should be on your radar. Over 2,000 km from Australia, it is surrounded by the sea, and is famously peaceful, violently independent and blessed with its own farmland. The Global Peace Index is comfortable in the top 3. - Switzerland: Neutrality through legally prepared traditions
Switzerland has perfected the art of neutrality. Besides separating from military alliances like NATO, Swiss law also ensures that there are air raid shelters for the whole population. It has a country built to add mountain-like landscapes that are difficult to invade, and anything is built to survive. - Bhutan: A calm mountain fortress
Located at the height of the Himalayas, Bhutan is not only difficult to reach. It’s hard to drag you into the drama. Its foreign policy is strictly unaligned and takes pride in the “people’s happiness” surrounding GDP. With little global exposure and almost nonexistent military presence, Bhutan’s biggest challenge is trekking to get there. - Costa Rica: No military or worry
Costa Rica discarded the military in 1949 and instead led resources to health and education. Hidden in Central America, it has a reputation for solid democracy, environmental care, and is far from the nuclear flashpoint.
Honorable mention: Fiji and Canada
If you like to go even further, Fiji in the South Pacific is as isolated as you can get, and there is little chance that you will be dragged by its abundant resources and great conflict. Meanwhile, Canada provides huge, stable land, a strong record of peace, and enough natural resources to see the crisis, even if it is a member of NATO.
Inside: Where is it?
It’s not a safe bet anywhere. For example, the United States has slipped past the peace rankings (now 128 out of 163) and continues to be dragged by domestic gun violence, intense political divisions and global military presence. There are few shelters you might imagine.
Conclusion: Stay calm and choose wisely
In a world where sometimes it feels like it’s wobbling on the edge, it’s no wonder people are thinking where they’re going if the worst happens. There’s really no invincibility, but countries like Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Bhutan and Costa Rica are at the top if they live a quiet life, even if things are a little angry.
Of course, I hope that you don’t need to use this knowledge for anything more than fantasy. But if you’re planning your next big move (or a long holiday to get away from the news cycle), you know where to look now.
Just in case, it is safe and polishes Iceland.
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