Why in News?
The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 was officially released on June 12, 2026, revealing that global peacefulness has fallen to its lowest level since the index was created. Published by the international think tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
Key Evaluation Domains (The 3 Pillars)
The IEP scores nations from 1 (most peaceful) to 5 (least peaceful) using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three thematic domains:
- India ranks 127th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index 2026. India earned a total score of 2.409, reflecting a slight decline in peacefulness compared to previous years.
- Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict: Analyzes the duration and death tolls of active wars, relations with neighbouring states, and internal instabilities.
- Societal Safety and Security: Gauges domestic crime rates, political instability, terrorism activity, and the prevalence of violent demonstrations.
- Degree of Militarisation: Measures military expenditure as a percentage of GDP, weapons imports/exports, and heavy weapons capabilities.
Global Standings: Top Performers and Lowest Ranked
The Most Peaceful Countries (Top 5)
- Iceland (1st): Retained its title as the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th consecutive year, maintaining zero standing military and exceptionally high social trust.
- New Zealand (2nd): Recognized for highly transparent governance and minimal involvement in foreign military interventions.
- Switzerland (3rd): Benefited heavily from its long-standing political neutrality and high domestic living standards.
- Slovenia (4th): Stood out due to low domestic crime rates and robust social welfare infrastructure.
- Ireland (5th): Scored highly owing to low militarization and strong economic stability.
The Least Peaceful Countries (Bottom 5)
- Russia (163rd / Dead Last): Ranked as the least peaceful country due to heavy ongoing external conflict and intense military resource allocation.
- Sudan (162nd): Marred heavily by catastrophic, protracted civil warfare and humanitarian collapse.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (161st): Plagued by dense rebel militancy and chronic regional insecurity.
- Ukraine (160th): Suffering immense internal destruction and high conflict-related casualties.
- Israel (159th): Ranked in the bottom five following massive spikes in ongoing state-based conflict and regional geopolitical escalation.
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