Global Peace Index (GPI) Overview and Key Findings What is the Global Peace Index? The Global Peace Index (GPI), produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), is the world's leading measure of global peacefulness. Covering 99.7% of the world’s population, it uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources. The GPI assesses peace across three domains: Societal Safety and Security Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict Militarisation The GPI provides data-driven insights on trends, economic impact, and how to build peaceful societies. Global Peace Index 2025: Key Findings Global peace is at its lowest level since the Index began. Conditions preceding conflict are the worst since World War II. Peacefulness has declined every year since 2014; 100 countries worsened over the decade. There are 59 active state-based conflicts—the most since WWII—resulting in 152,000 conflict deaths in 2024. 17 countries recorded over 1,000 internal conflict deaths in 2024, the highest since 1999; 18 more recorded over 100 deaths. The world is undergoing “The Great Fragmentation,” a major realignment in global power and influence. The number of influential countries has nearly tripled, from 13 (Cold War end) to 34 (2023). Conflicts are increasingly internationalized, with 78 countries involved in conflicts beyond borders in 2024. The economic cost of violence reached $19.97 trillion in 2024 (11.6% of global GDP), with military spending at $2.7 trillion. Most peaceful countries in 2025: Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland. Read more on The Great Fragmentation driving conflict Trends from Previous Years Global Peace Index 2024 The world reached a crossroads with 56 conflicts ongoing, highest since WWII. 92 countries involved in conflicts beyond borders, a record high. Minor conflicts increasing risks of major conflicts. 97 countries showed decreased peacefulness, highest since GPI start in 2008. Battle deaths in 2023: 162,000, largely due to Gaza and Ukraine conflicts. Largest militarisation deterioration since GPI inception; 108 countries more militarised. Refugees/internally displaced: 110 million worldwide. North America saw major regional decline due to violent crime and fear. Top peaceful countries in 2024: Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore. Read more on highest conflict engagement since WWII Global Peace Index 2022 Slight deterioration (0.03%) in global peace, 11th since 2008. 90 countries improved, 71 deteriorated. External conflict deaths rose sharply, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. Militarisation improved in many countries, terrorism declined significantly. Political terror, refugees, and political insecurity worsened to worst levels since GPI’s start. Economic impact of violence in 2021: $16.5 trillion (10.9% of GDP). Most peaceful countries: Iceland (top since inception), New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, Austria. Least peaceful: Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Russia, South Sudan. Read more on 2022 trends Global Peace Index 2021 Since 2008, global peacefulness declined by 2%; 75 countries worsened, 86 improved. The gap widened between least and most peaceful countries. Iceland remained most peaceful; joined by New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, Slovenia. Middle East conflict drove most deterioration. Ongoing Conflict and Safety & Security worsened; Militarisation improved with many countries reducing military spending as a % of GDP. Read more on 2021 summary Global Peace