The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), paints a worrying picture of rising instability across the world. The report reveals that global peacefulness deteriorated by 0.36 per cent this year, with the world witnessing its highest level of deterioration since the end of World War II. The findings highlight that underlying factors fuelling instability are increasingly present, often serving as precursors to major conflicts.
Global Peace Index 2025: Iceland Most Peaceful, Russia Least
Over the past 17 years, the average country score on the GPI has fallen by 5.4 per cent, reflecting a sustained decline in global peace since 2008. Despite this, the 2025 index shows some positive signs, with 74 countries recording improvements in peacefulness compared to last year. Iceland continues to hold the distinction of being the most peaceful country in the world, a title it has maintained since 2008. It is followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland, which complete the top ten. Europe dominates the list, accounting for seven of the top-ranked countries.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains the least peaceful region for the tenth consecutive year. Four of the ten lowest-ranked countries in 2025 are from this region. The least peaceful countries include Russia (#163), Ukraine (#162), Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Israel, and Mali. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has placed both nations at the bottom of the index for the first time in GPI history.
Global Peace Index Highlights India’s Progress, Rising Peace Inequality
India has shown gradual progress, ranking 115th globally with a GPI score of 2.229, marking a 0.58 per cent improvement compared to last year. This continues its steady upward trajectory from 141st in 2019 to 116th in 2024. While South Asia remains the second least peaceful region, India has improved in nine indicators, held steady in nine, and declined in three. It now ranks higher than Bangladesh (#123), Pakistan (#144), and Afghanistan (#158).
The report also warns that the “peace inequality” between the most and least peaceful nations has widened by 11.7 per cent over the last two decades. Using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators across societal security, conflict, and militarisation, the GPI 2025 underlines the urgent need for stability and cooperation in an increasingly volatile world.
Summary:
The Global Peace Index 2025 shows global peacefulness declined 0.36%, the sharpest drop since World War II. Iceland remains the most peaceful nation, while Russia ranks lowest. India improved to 115th, ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Rising “peace inequality” highlights widening divides, urging global cooperation amid escalating instability.
