Assessing Safety in a World of Conflict and Change

The world's safety has decreased in recent years, as indicated by the Global Peace Index, which reflects a continuous decline in global peacefulness. Amid ongoing conflicts and increased defense spending by nations, one country consistently ranks among the safest globally. Considering global events and local issues, many may question the safety of Britain. The Global Peace Index places the UK as the 30th most peaceful country out of 163 independent states and territories. The UK's ranking has slightly decreased from the previous year.

Iceland has held the top spot on the Global Peace Index for over a decade, recognized as the safest country for fifteen consecutive years. Despite its location on a volcanic plateau with active volcanoes, Iceland's safety is attributed to several factors. The Nordic nation has a relatively small population and a constitution that guarantees equality and equal rights, including religious freedom and equal opportunities. The country boasts a low crime rate, a high standard of living, and a strong community focus on crime prevention. Residents generally trust the police and authorities, and the police force is well-trained, without carrying firearms. Additionally, there is less social class tension and economic disparity. Iceland also does not have a military, although it is a member of NATO.

The police in Iceland use tools like extendable batons and pepper spray, but these are rarely needed due to the low crime rate. Austria ranks second in the "safest country" category, followed by Ireland in third place, according to the Global Peace Index. In contrast, Russia was ranked at the bottom of the index, making it the least peaceful country among the 163 countries assessed. The Global Peace Index is the leading measure of global peacefulness, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) since 2007. The IEP's overall conclusion for the 2025 ratings highlights that conflict-related deaths are at their highest level this century, contributing to the decline in global peacefulness.