TOP 10 MOST PEACEFUL COUNTRIES

10.CZECH REPUBLIC

 The Czech Republic climbed one place to make the top 10 for the first time, which seems fitting for a nation formed following a peaceful revolution.

Among the countries with the highest per capita income, the Czech Republic is among the largest economies in Europe. The Czech Republic offers a peaceful life with numerous opportunities to grow in terms of education and occupation.

According to the OECD Better Life Index the Czech Republic ranks above the average in personal security, education and skills, work-life balance and environmental quality, but below average in jobs and earnings, housing, health status, income and wealth, social connections, and civic engagement.

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9.AUSTRALIA

 Australia has moved up four places to ninth in the overall rankings. Approximately the size of the US, Australia has a small population of about 20 million.

Australia performs very well in many measures of well-being relative to most other countries in the OECD Better Life Index. Australia ranks at the top in civic engagement and above the average in environmental quality, health status, housing, personal security, jobs and earnings, education and skills, subjective well-being, social connections, but below average in work-life balance.

Australia’s peace could, however be threatened by climate change as it remains unprepared for the security implications of climate change.

8.JAPAN

Japan, unlike the rest of the top 10 most peaceful nations is small and crowded, and yet it still ranks highly for both peace and quality of life. Tokyo is the best city in the world, according to Monocle’s 2015 Quality of Life survey

Japan’s so-called “peace constitution,” put in place following the Second World War, which prohibits the country from using military force as a means of resolving international conflicts was reinterpreted in 2014 to enable “collective self-defense”, which will result in both a restructure and build up the capability of Japan’s military forces.

The GPI says Japan’s response to the Tohoku earthquake was possible owing to its positive peace factors.

7. CANADA

 Canada has a population of approximately 33 million people, yet is the second largest country in the world so it’s unlikely that Canadian’s feel trapped or restricted. A strong economy and wealthy population also aid stability.

Five Canadian cities were ranked in the top 35 of Mercer’s 2015 Quality of Living whilst the Economist Intelligence Unit Safe index 2015 ranked Toronto first and Montreal second as the best cities to live in.

Excellent job opportunities, good health facilities, low crime rate and good governance, furthermore all help make Canada a peaceful place to live.

6.FINLAND

 According to the GPI Finland enjoys gender equality, high living standard and health facilities, which make it a safe and peaceful place to live.

Finland’s educational system is highly acclaimed worldwide and free up to any. Finland is also among the least corrupt countries in the world – with excellent governance and strong judiciary.

Finland’s military involvement over the past few years has only been with UN peacekeeping missions.

5.SWITZERLAND

 According to the GPI Switzerland remains extremely balanced politically. Its federal structures create strong links between government, business, and civil society – ensuring reliable governance. Also, Swiss citizens can participate directly in the political process through referendums, initiatives, and plebiscites. Furthermore, the country enjoys close political and economic relations with its European neighbors.

Switzerland enjoys a reputation of being safe, efficient and clean. In the United Nation’s Happiness Report 2015 Switzerland ranks highest and according to the OECD Better Life Index Switzerland ranks above the average in subjective well-being, jobs and earnings income and wealth, health status, social connections, environmental quality, education and skills, and personal security, but ranks below average in civic engagement.

4.NEW ZEALAND

 Although New Zealand has slipped from second place last year, the GPI reports that New Zealand continues to receive top scores for criteria such as respect for human rights, due to its limited violent demonstrations and low homicide rate.

Similar in size to the UK and Japan, but with a fraction of the population – surveys continually say New Zealand has got the work-life balance just right. With less pressure on space and natural resources New Zealand doesn’t have the pollution, congestion and health issues that you often find elsewhere.

New Zealand is the highest ranked country in the Asia-Pacific region.

3. AUSTRIA

 Austria is one of the richest countries in the world, with a nominal per capita GDP of $52,216 (2014 est.). The country has developed a high standard of living and in 2014 was ranked second in quality of life by the World Competitiveness Yearbook and ranked 21st in the world for its Human Development Index. Vienna, meanwhile was ranked the world’s most livable city by the Mercer Consulting Group.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reports that Austria rates higher than any other member country in satisfaction with their lives. Austria scores particularly highly in the area of community – nearly every respondent saying they know at least one person they can count on if they need help.
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2. DENMARK

 Denmark has never featured lower than in sixth place on the list, which has been published since 2007, and it has held the number two spot for the last four years.

Denmark’s score fell moderately following its decision to increase military expenditure and due to the impact of terrorism as a result of the 2015 Copenhagen shootings.

Denmark ranks highly in many national performance comparisons, including education, health care, protection of civil liberties, democratic governance, prosperity and human development. It also boasts the world’s highest social mobility, a high level of income equality and is frequently ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world. It also has one of the world’s highest per capita incomes and highest personal income tax rates.

1. ICELAND

Iceland retained its number one spot, for the fifth year in a row. Iceland has no standing army and has the smallest population (320,000 citizens) of any NATO member state. It also has the lowest population density of any country in Europe

Iceland also enjoys an enviable welfare system, which offers health care and higher education to all citizens. It also boasts a 100% literacy rate and high literacy levels promote greater tolerance, leading to lower crime and violence.

According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland’s positive peace factors — the attitudes, institutions, and structures associated with peaceful environments — help it better respond to external shocks when they occur, such as Iceland’s response to the Global Financial Crisis.