Top 20 Most Peaceful Countries
I found this article online rating the 20 Most Peaceful Countries in the World according to the Global Peace Index. Many of the countries on the list have good urban planning, incorporating a lot of greenery even within their major cities.
I thought that I’d share with you this article which shows pictures and also a brief description by the author about why these countries are considered peaceful. Both the environment and the citizens play a role to get onto the Top 20 list. Although not on the same scale, this concept of “peaceful and conscious” living is very much something that I’d like to achieve at Kechara Forest Retreat.
Do take a look and leave your comment… What do you find to be the common factor between these 20 countries?
Tsem Rinpoche
20 Most Peaceful Countries in the World
Do you know which are the most peaceful countries in the world? Since 2007 each year, the Global Peace Index has been issued by the IEP (Institute for Economics and Peace) and is a measurement of nations’ and regions’ peacefulness based on external and internal measures. Although it seems like the world is becoming more cruel, according to the Global Peace Index there are 20 most peaceful countries in the world.
1. Denmark
Denmark tops the list of the most peaceful countries on Earth since it’s really a safe place to live. Even while Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, was under occupation by the Nazis during the World War II, it still did not fight. The point is that people living in Denmark prefer to focus on economic matters, instead of involving themselves in various armed conflicts. Danish people are very friendly, open and helpful. Personally I have been to Copenhagen twice and I wish I lived in this country. I’m pretty sure that those who have been to Denmark at least once could say the same.
2. Norway
Many people do not expect Norway to appear in the list of the most peaceful countries in the world. Perhaps, this is because of Anders Behring Breivik, mass murderer, who hit the pride of the country hard. Sure, it was an extraordinary incident, but according to the Global Peace Index Norway is one of the world’s most peaceful countries and friendly and safe place to live. Norway is the country with the highest level of human development in the globe, plus, the government of Oslo always places peace at the forefront of the priorities of the country.
3. Singapore
As an active member of the international community and, overall, a small nation, Singapore can never take its right to exist and security for granted. Since achieving its independence in 1965 as a sovereign Republic, Singapore has always concentrated on being a great neighbor, through establishing social, peaceful, economic, cordial political relations with all countries.
The country has worked with the United Nations and its supporting agencies on a great variety of efforts. It also participates in various global, unilateral and multilateral organizations to promote international cooperation, including WTO (World Trade Organization). Singapore is among the most peaceful countries in the world as well as one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The homicide and violent crime rates are lower than the criminal rates.
4. Slovenia
A beautiful European country, Slovenia is also among the most peaceful countries in the world. The country got its lowest marks in funding for the United Nations peacekeeping missions, number of police and security officers, level of perceived criminality in society, number of organized internal conflicts, violent protests, and number of internal and external wars fought. I agree with the Global Peace Index and believe that Slovenia deserves its place in the list of the most peaceful countries on Earth. Moreover, with its wonderful cities like Maribor and Ljubljana teeming with unique culture, Slovenia is a fantastic travel destination.
5. Sweden
One of the most beautiful Scandinavian countries, Sweden is located in the far north of Europe. Although Sweden is one of the biggest weapon exporters in Europe, the country has a low level of robberies (only 9,000 a year) compared to the United States (about 350,000 a year)! According to the Global Peace Index, Sweden is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, in spite of the fact that it’s among the world’s top arms exporters. Besides, Sweden has not been to war and has not participated in any combats for the whole 2 centuries.
6. Iceland
Iceland was also ranked as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, staying out of the main conflicts in the world. Iceland seldom or never hits the headlines and despite the collapse of the Icelandic banks several years ago, the country is remained as an amazing place of spectacular natural beauty. Tourists from all parts of the world come to Iceland to view its huge glaciers and raging volcanoes, as well as numerous unique natural and cultural attractions in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
7. Belgium
According to the Global Peace Index, Belgium is one of the best and most peaceful places to live in Europe and on Earth. Situated in the heart of Europe, this small country holds a special place. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to the European Union and NATO. Belgium boasts medieval cities, beautiful town halls, majestic castles, and captivating natural beauty. Homicide and imprisonment rates are low in this country, even though Belgium did experience a crisis within its government over the 2008-2011 period.
8. Czech Republic
A relatively new country, the Czech Republic gained its independence from the Soviet Bloc in 1989 due to the Velvet Revolution and its subsequent split with Slovakia. After the division of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic has largely concentrated on building a strong capitalist economy and creating a stable climate for investment. In 2009, the Human Development Index (HDI) ranked the Czech Republic as a country of ‘Very High Human Development.’ Renowned mostly for its magnificent capital city Prague and breathtaking natural beauty, the Czech Republic draws tourists from all over the world.
9. Switzerland
According to IEP, the Swiss maintain a well-functioning government and an open political culture. Illustrating the quality of government, Switzerland received the lowest score for political instability. It’s also among the world’s most peaceful countries that have low levels of violent crime. Although Switzerland is known for its neutrality in regional, international and global political issues, it maintains strong diplomatic relations with various countries around the world.
10. Japan
One of the most enchanting countries culturally, Japan has the third largest economy in the world. Since the World War II, Japan has been really peaceful, with little internal conflict and low crime. Moreover, the country maintains cordial relations with its neighbors. Japan has not had a professional military since the end of WWII. The country settles on an internal security force in order to maintain the peace. Personally I enjoy visiting Japan and I also consider this country to be peaceful as well as breathtakingly beautiful.
11. Ireland
With its rich historical sites, amazing green pastures and friendly people, it’s not surprising that Ireland is one of the most peaceful countries on Earth! Ireland is an overall fabulous country with a plethora of reasons for tourism! Its rich literary history, castle-topped hills, spectacular coastline and legendary hospitality make Ireland a wonderful place to visit any time of the year.
12. Finland
Finland is considered one of the most peaceful and livable countries, which is not renowned for its combative nature. Finland is still a country that embraces mandatory civil and military service for young people, and the country’s only participation in fighting has been as a part of joint United Nations peacekeeping forces. When speaking about Finland, I want to say about its education. Finland places education at the heart of literally everything. Finland’s education system is ranked fifth best in the world.
13. New Zealand
Each year since 2007, the Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked New Zealand as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. With a small percentage of its population in prison, limited military capability, strong relations with Australia and down-to-earth hospitality, New Zealand is a wonderful country to live in. This is a country of natural beauty, diverse scenery and quirky natives. Visitors from all over the world come to New Zealand to experience rugged landscape, breathtaking alpine glaciers, awesome beaches and fantastic geothermal and volcanic activity. The country is also renowned for its fine wines and there are a great number of grape varieties planted throughout New Zealand. So if you are a great wine lover, you should definitely visit New Zealand at least once in life.
14. Canada
Having one of the best standards of living in the world, Canada is also one of the most peaceful countries on Earth. It has a population of approximately 33 million people, yet it’s the second largest country in the world by area. With clean and safe cities, spectacular scenery and extremely friendly people, Canada is a wonderful and peaceful country to live in. The largest strike against the peace score of Canada is that it has a comparatively high military capability, though it currently is not involved in any conflict.
15. Austria
Austria is a small landlocked South Central European country which gains a place on the list of the most peaceful countries in the world for its stance on international politics. Since World War I and the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and World War II, Austria has been content to embrace a life of peace and serenity. Many people claim that Austria is a great country to live in and I personally agree with them. After all, with its world-famous resorts in the breathtaking Alps, and magnificent cultural centers like Vienna, I think it’s not surprising to see Austria on this list.
16. Bhutan
According to the 2013 Global Peace Index (GPI), Bhutan is also among the 20 most peaceful countries on Earth. The point is, Bhutan has remained unchanged in international and domestic conflict in the last 6 years with a GPI score of 1.6 out of 5, 1 being really low. The report uses 22 indicators to measure internal peace, including number of police per 100,000 people, levels of perceived criminality, level of organized crime, and external peace indicators that include military expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities. I personally think Bhutanese people are peace loving and they are well cultured. Plus, Bhutan boasts plenty of spectacular attractions for everyone.
17. Australia
Australia is a beautiful and peaceful country that offers cultural diversity, spectacular beaches, loads of breathtaking natural beauty, wonderful fauna and friendly people with an amazing sense of humor. Although Australia is a large country, approximately the same size as the USA, it has a small population of about 20 million, so there’s a lot of uninhabited space worth visiting. Australia’s low crime rate, stable political system, high standards of health care and well-maintained roads make it a safe and comparatively easy country to live in or just to explore.
18. Portugal
You might be surprised to know that Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, but it’s true. The country has been a member of the EU for roughly 26 years and it forms a part of the European Monetary System and use the single European currency. Portugal is the world’s 43rd largest economy according to the World Bank and it has one of the highest GDP growth rates among the OECD countries. The country has the low crime rates, great standards of living and a stable government. Plus, fascinating sandy beaches, golden plains and impressive mountains, a millennial heritage and vibrant cities make Portugal one of the best places to live in
19. Qatar
According to the Global Peace Index, Qatar is the most peaceful country in the Middle East and one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Violent incidents are very rare in this country and the crime rates are relatively low compared to other industrialized nations. Qatar is one of the most flexible and liberal countries in the Middle East where women have many rights, including working, driving and voting rights. The country is undergoing transformation under the National Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified, sustainable and advanced economy.
20. Mauritius
According to the GPI Report 2013, Mauritius is one of the most peaceful nations on Earth and it was also ranked the most peaceful country in Africa. The strong score of this island country in the GPI highlights the relative stability of the region and thus further promotes it as a trusted platform for wealth management services and estate planning.
It’s a great advantage to live in a peaceful country, and if you are lucky to live in one of the above-mentioned countries, you must be proud of it! So, what do you think of this list? What can you add to this? Please share your thoughts in the comments and thanks for reading!
[Source: http://travel.amerikanki.com/most-peaceful-countries-in-the-world/]
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
From personal perspective, peacefulness is when one person enjoy peace of mind and relaxing body hence peaceful could come about anywhere and anytime depending on each individual’s value of life.
From macro perspective, peacefulness in any locality/country are defined by quantitative factors as listed in Global Peace Index. However, qualitative factors such as leadership philosophy, economic and political stability, living quality, cultural influence and social upbringing are most important factors that would guarantee long term sustainability of peacefulness.
It baffles me to think that only 3 countries in Asia qualify to be peaceful countries. I wonder how the Global Peace Index classifies and what criteria.
Peace can be both inside of self and also the environment. For the environment to be peaceful, I presume that the place would be clean and organised and most of all of low crime rate. As to inner peace, it would definitely be a situation where the mind of the citizens are calm and contented and at ease with who and how they are.
Thinking of environmental peace, many of the named peaceful countries have small population and they will contribute to the countries being better patrolled and monitored by the law enforcement officers, resulting in being peaceful.
Of inner peace, Japan and Bhutan stands out for me with all their Zen meditation shrines and Buddhist temples.
Wherever the country is situated, I hope that world peace can be created so that everywhere is peaceful on earth.
Everyday we looking for peace in our mind. We find many ways to make ourselves at peace so that we can move on and have a better life. I’m sue living in a peaceful country will naturally improve the qualities of our lives in many ways that’s for sure. In order to live in a peaceful country depend on not only the government but the attitude of the people. Hence we must always think of harmony to achieve peace in our community. Do not create hatred and schism among people. That starts from ourselves. It doesn’t work by just hoping for others to do so. I’m living in a beautiful country of Malaysia with many races and cultures where treat each other well and take care of each other, learning from each other. I love my country Malaysia.
Above article i only experince stayed at Singapore working over five year. I am feeling stress instate of peaceful because of over crowded with people in small island plus fast moving living sytle at Singapore. I think envoiroment factor can easy affect us feeling differently. Over the year with practising buddhism. Peaceful come within in our mind. I realise that is no place ready feel peaceful if you have unstable mind. You can stay alone without disturbing yet you still not feel peace.
We all want to live in peace and when we are so fortunate to live in a peaceful environment gives us so many opportunities. As many have shared in the comments peace of mind is an important part of peaceful living. When we know how to achieve a peaceful state of mind such as through techniques such as meditation or living a useful life for others, we can share it with more people and increase the quality of life of everyone.
In order to achieve peaceful for a country, it’s everybody’s hard work in the country, not only the country’s leader, the ministers, but all the people in the country. Just like Japan and Singapore, yes, their country is small, but Singapore is considered a “young” country in the world, yet it can achieve economy stability, low crime rate, and clean. Whereas for Japan, we all know that Japan got the biggest strike by atom bomb in the World War 2, but after the war, Japanese never give up to development, until today it achieve economy stability, Japan is the cleanest country and Japanese are the most polite and most hardworking people in the world.
Other than that, in my opinion, I think Luxembourg is considered peaceful too 🙂 I have personally visited that country, it’s a small country, quiet, peaceful, clean, less traffic. It might not achieve economy stability, but once step on the ground in that country, I already felt the peacefulness 🙂
Peacefulness stems from the state of our mind. There is no place on earth that is peaceful in fact. We can feel insecure, unhappy, dejected, restless wherever we are, does not necessarily means we will be always happy and peaceful in another place.
My definition of peace will be less people, less congested, more greens, better air to breathe, no war and safe. Out of the 20 countries, I have been to only 2 countries which is Singapore and Australia but I find that Australia is more peaceful than Singapore. Maybe because of the fast moving lifestyle of Singapore makes it different compared to Australia.
Well everyone has their own definition of peace. So, there is no fixed definition of peace.
How to define this place is peaceful besides the Global Peace Index, it is very subjective. That is why we say peace is in your mind and peace start with me. Ii can’t depend on others to create. A peaceful place is a joining effort of everyone to put peace in action. Providing people with physical well-being and wealth does not necessarily lead to peace. It is not poverty that causes crime, but rather the resentment of poverty. All this negative emotion will not bring peace to a person’s mind and cause suffering and unhappiness. As long as we are still in the samsara world, we will still facing negative emotion and have no peace. Buddha taught us about the mind training to face all this challenges.
I strongly believe that for a country to be at peace it very much dependent on how well the government function to ensure political stability, economy growth and protect their people’s human rights and freedom. One can find their peace internally but outwardly we are interdependent. When the government create the conducive environment for their people, then we can see that the country is very blessed and united.
Each of us would wish to live in peace & harmony, but are we putting efforts in for that to happen?
Are we having enough of tolerance & respect to each individuals? Regardless of the individuals’ status. Everything happens for a reason, treat people like how we would wish to be treated. Simple.
Peace is of the mind, not just about the environment. Peace also means less violence, less weapons, less fighting.
I think a country’s government and top leaders should not only focus just on politics and economy but also their citizens’ welfare to bring about peace and stability to their country. Good education, excellent healthcare, democratic business opportunities, religious freedom, human rights, freedom of speech, are just a few to mention that bring about satisfaction, happiness, good quality of life to their people. Just look at the Central Tibetan Administration or CTA (previously called the Tibetan government-in-exile), and compare them with these peaceful countries. Out of those few points I mentioned, the CTA have zero ratings compared to the 20 top peaceful countries mentioned here.
The thought of being peace is from our mind. Everybody have their own way of being peace as they feel comfort and secure whether on situation or environment. To me, peace is calm, quiet, no arguments, no war and no conflicts. When our minds are in peace, we gain wisdom.
In this article, there were other points I think countries being selected as most peaceful, were good leadership/government that prioritize on citizen welfare, security, freedom of choice and stable economic development.
When given so many choices of beautiful countries, it’s really hard to choose if given the chance in terms of inner peace. Out of the 20 countries, I’ve only been to one, Singapore. Although I have not been to Japan, I really like their culture and traditions. And moreover they are one of the top advance countries in the world. Most of all, they have so many beautiful attractions. From mountains to castles to historical temple to festivals. Temporary peace of mind for short term.
But to have a peaceful country means to have a democratic government who does everything for the citizens and ensuring they are treated equally with basic human rights, despite race or religion. With such basic rights, I am sure the country will be peaceful with tolerance and understanding.
Glad to know the top 20 most peaceful countries in the world. Amazing Singapore is the only country from Asia and the majority of the countries stated are from Europe. I have been to Switzerland and Singapore, they are truly peacefully to say that. Its good to know the rest which are the top 20 countries too. I have heard from friends about the natural beauty, diverse scenery and peacefulness of Ireland, Bhutan, Finland and New Zealand . Most of those countries as mentioned emphasized on education, security, stability of the country to attract tourist and eco-friendly environment that makes them so peaceful to live in without fear.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this wonderful post and those beautiful pictures.
The majority of these peace loving countries place education and human capital at the top of their priority list. Children of these nations are groomed to be independent and mindful from young, while the adults lead by being an example. They also place values on things that have more meaning, for example, creativity, environmental consciousness, rather than material things like position or ranking. Therefore, it is logical to say that peacefulness is a state of mind that can be developed and cultivated. The tallest building or the best infrastructure cannot bring about peace for the people or to the people if there is no peace within the people. Thank you very much for this article and the lovely photos.
Love these beautiful and peaceful countries like Bhutan,Canada, Czech Republic,New Zealand,Finland,Iceland,Slovenia,Denmark and Portugal. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing such beautiful places in pictures. Really made my weekend feel happy and peaceful 🙂
我绝对贊成Wai Ming 的見地，能生活在和平的地方，是美妙的. 真正的修行者～喇嘛是真正了不起的人，他們可以住在任何地方,及有能力把周遭環境創造为和平的气息，利益他人。心灵深处自然平稳和喜，净土就在眼下。但凡夫的我们未達此境界，只能以外境取樂，所以能生活於这二十最佳和平城市也是渴望的。
take a look..very interesting
Wonderful to live n such peaceful places. Lamas are really wonderful people, they can live anywhere and wherever they go they create peace for others and a peaceful environment. Because the spiritual masters carry that peace with them and they bring peace others. If our heart is peaceful we will bring peace to others.
Dear Rinpoche,
It is amazing to know that out of the top 20 most peaceful countries, the majority of it are from the Europe side and I believe that this is because the government of the countries above care about their citizens as well as the tourists that visit the particular country and that is probably why they put the safety and security of their people and tourists first.
Although there are only two countries from Asia that are in this list, I am not surprised that Singapore has the number 3 spot in this listing, having been there myself for many times it is really amazing how the presence of the Police is rarely seen and yet it is still so safe.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this listing on the Top 20 most peaceful countries!
Love
Jutika
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for the blog post. It is interesting to note that majority of the countries listed are from Europe.
I am also proud that Singapore, given it’s small size, is part of the top 20 most peaceful countries.
I wish in the near future, all countries in the world will be ranked together as peaceful.
Thank you
Thank You for sharing Rinpoche. These are definitely very nice places to live in, at least the citizens do not have to worry about their sudden economic changes and riots that will put the people’s lives at risk. It’s also very good to grow up in these peaceful countries, it affects our mental growth as well.
I think that all countries are capable of achieving and maintaining peace if they all agreed on bringing each other up and not leave anyone behind. Thank you for sharing these posts. I really want to visit these places although I am sure some of them are too expensive for me 😀
Dear
stay out of Belgium. I am a nun/monk kagyu. The government is busy all persons who are tibetan (or they must go to the india ambassade to get a pasport but they don’t get so they stay on the street, or tibetbut they escaped from tibet so they can’t go back. They belong nowhere. That big minister here puts a lot of illegal persons in a kind of jail opvangcenter they call it. We have islam persons black from africa etc….aznd tha tis no behave for a budhist. ….even me: after a car accident 2007 i saw an expert 8 may…are yous till budhist…yes….(has nothing to do with car accident) and are you married (white=no yellow=yes). They don’t understand. I shall have to leave the country….if i want a cleaning peson or shopping person an will pay for…i wait 8 years….no money…no help….and take care of yourself. They don’t know my last docor is ot the one of 2011 and they ask after 2001. …so they ennoy a person till it can’ no more for not paying them. Pse don’t come here to live in the street. IN my young time some persons lived in the street and got food in the church, but now there are too many with that open europe. Maggie deblock will enooy everyone. And they can’t understand a white person that becomes yellow. (though we excist since 1970). Even if their ministers come to visit us…they don’t understand and continue their bad behave. If i don’t want them they are angry. Budhism is sitting there, not ceremonies. ….so stay out of Belgium.GOne try to get out but i don’t know how. ….Where…. Akong rimpoche died so i can’t ask for help. I hope his brother in juin(he enfin comes) can help but i don’t know. I have that government ennoying me.