What it's like to live in the world's safest countries for 2026

There are now more active conflicts than at any point since World War Two. Residents in Iceland, New Zealand and elsewhere explain the qualities that make their nations so peaceful.

The world has become less peaceful than it was last year, according to the latest Global Peace Index. Overall peacefulness deteriorated in 99 countries, marking the 12th consecutive year of global decline. Yet amid the worsening picture, a small group of nations continues to stand apart.

"Even though we had this catastrophic drop, it hasn't really affected the countries at the top," said Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of the Institute for Economics & Peace, which created the index in 2007.

The index ranks 163 nations across 23 indicators, from military expenditure and ongoing conflict to homicide rates and perceptions of safety. The places that perform best typically combine low levels of violence with well-functioning institutions, high social trust, good relations with neighbours and a high quality of life.

We spoke to residents in the world's five safest countries to learn what that security feels day to day, what helps sustain it – and how travellers can experience a taste of the calm and stability too.

Iceland has topped the index since 2008 and remains the world's safest country for the 19th consecutive year. It improved by 2% in 2026, helped by a sharp drop in violent demonstrations, and continues to rank highly for safety, low levels of conflict and limited militarisation.

Top 10 countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index

"Peacefulness is all around us in Iceland in the nature that surrounds us, but it is also a conscious choice rooted in our close-knit communities," said Oddný Arnarsdóttir, head of Visit Iceland. She credits a deep commitment to equality – including gender parity, where Iceland consistently ranks among the world's leaders – alongside strong public services and widespread renewable energy.

That commitment runs deeper than policy, with residents pointing to a strong sense of social cohesion and shared responsibility. "We are very aware of how fortunate we are to experience this sense of peacefulness," said Arnarsdóttir. "It reinforces the importance of maintaining an open and inclusive society."

Its remote location plays a role too. "Iceland's geographic isolation means it's less caught up in global tensions," said Eyrún Aníta Gylfadóttir, marketing manager at Hotel Rangá. "The vast open landscapes, dramatic mountains, clean air and abundant fresh water play a central role in quality of life here."

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. Iceland is home to more than 120 geothermal pools, from luxury spas to neighbourhood swimming pools where locals gather year-round. "Experiencing Iceland's calm is closely linked to wellbeing," said Arnarsdóttir. "Whether through geothermal bathing culture, time spent in nature or simply having the space to disconnect."

Visitors should also make sure they venture beyond the country's best-known attractions. Arnarsdóttir points to the more than 220 museums scattered across Iceland, including the capital's National Museum and the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum in the Westfjords. "I love our quirky museums," she said. "These spaces help share local stories and traditions, while also encouraging people to travel........

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