In a world where the number of active conflicts is at its highest since World War II, it's remarkable to discover that some nations remain remarkably peaceful. The Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 countries based on 23 indicators, reveals that Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland are among the world's safest countries. These nations have achieved this status through a combination of low levels of violence, well-functioning institutions, high social trust, good relations with neighbors, and a high quality of life. But what makes these countries so peaceful, and how can travelers experience a taste of this calm and stability? Let's explore these questions through the eyes of residents and visitors in these remarkable places.
Iceland: Nature, Equality, and Community
Iceland has been the world's safest country for 19 consecutive years, and its peacefulness is deeply rooted in its nature, equality, and community. Oddný Arnarsdóttir, head of Visit Iceland, credits the country's commitment to equality, including gender parity, strong public services, and widespread renewable energy. Iceland's remote location also plays a role, as it's less caught up in global tensions. To experience Iceland's calmer pace, Arnarsdóttir recommends slowing down and spending time outdoors, rather than racing between attractions. Experiencing the country's bathing culture should be high on the list, as Iceland is home to more than 120 geothermal pools, from luxury spas to neighborhood swimming pools where locals gather year-round.
New Zealand: Relaxation, Straightforwardness, and Nature
New Zealand is the safest country in the Asia-Pacific region, with the region's lowest ongoing-conflict score. Much of that peace comes down to geography, as the country is far from the geopolitical mess that drags other nations into conflict. Warwick Woodley, a New Zealand citizen and founder of NZ Golden Visa, sees something in the culture too. People tend to be relaxed and straightforward, generally more interested in getting on with things than stirring the pot. Safety here is so ordinary that it rarely registers, and neighborhoods still function as neighborhoods, where people know each other and look out for one another. Its sparse population also means easy access to nature, with mountains, beaches, and bush walks all within reach.
Switzerland: Trust, Compromise, and Work-Life Balance
Switzerland has risen from fifth place last year to third in 2026, combining low crime rates with a longstanding policy of military neutrality. Cornelia Choe, an executive coach and author who lives in Geneva, attributes this to the country's strong work-life balance, where businesses close for two hours at midday, and the nation's four national languages and distinct regional identities. Choe believes that peace ultimately is not the absence of differences, but a shared commitment to finding ways to live well with them. To appreciate the sense of peace here, visitors should embrace Switzerland's strong work-life balance and appreciate the nation's distinct regional identities.
Slovenia: Community, Nature, and Hospitality
Slovenia has made its way into the index's top five for the first time, with low military spending and high levels of safety and security. Jerneja Zver, who lives in Ljubljana and manages operations in Eastern Europe for Intrepid Travel, attributes this to the country's strong cultural emphasis on work-life balance, which leaves more room for the relationships that foster a sense of belonging. To appreciate all the country has to offer, Zver suggests spending more than a weekend trip to Ljubljana, including whitewater rafting on the Soča River, visiting the waterfalls of Vintgar Gorge near Bled, or cycling through the country's mountain pastures. Whatever you do in Slovenia, you'll be blown away by the warm hospitality of the people, the stunning landscapes, and nature.
Ireland: Neutrality, Hospitality, and Generosity
Ireland is ranked fifth, scoring highly for its low levels of violence and limited involvement in international conflict. For a country shaped by its turbulent past, that sense of safety is not taken for granted. Didi Ronan, founder of regenerative hotel Native in West Cork, traces the culture of hospitality back to the Brehon laws, which governed Ireland for much of the first millennium and mandated food and shelter for strangers and travelers. Ireland's tradition of neutrality gives that sense of peace an international dimension, as the country does not join foreign wars or military alliances. In a time of global volatility and uncertainty, there is something soothing about being on a far-out rock in the Atlantic, with great music, walks, and books.
In conclusion, these five countries offer a glimpse into the qualities that make them so peaceful. From nature and equality in Iceland, relaxation and straightforwardness in New Zealand, trust and compromise in Switzerland, community and nature in Slovenia, and neutrality and hospitality in Ireland, these nations demonstrate that peace can be achieved through a combination of factors. As travelers, we can learn from these countries and strive to create more peaceful and harmonious societies in our own lives.
