These are the most peaceful countries in the world

Although Switzerland was voted No 1 in the rankings for the third consecutive year in the 2019 Best Countries rankings, it just missed being in the top ten of the GPI’s ratings. A nation known for its neutrality, Switzerland boasts low unemployment, a skilled labour force and maintaining one of the highest gross domestic products per capita. It also yields a high number of Nobel prize winners and the production of registered patents. Its timepieces and chocolate are pretty amazing too and it’s equally charming in summer and winter.

Located in the heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic boasts a rich culture and has remained insulated from the forces of larger powers. Boasting high living standards and producing talents such as Franz Kafka and Antonin Dvorak, the Czech Republic possesses an old soul for a country born in 1993. It is a member of the United Nations European Union, NATO, and the Council of Europe.

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A peaceful country with a great quality of life, Japan is twelve times more densely populated than the United States and three times more than Europe. Crime and incarceration continue to be on the decline. Known for its lovely tea ceremonies, majestic gardens and beautiful poetry, Japan is highly regarded for its technological advancements. A resilient nation, Japan bounced back from a devastating tsunami eight years ago.

Slovenia, the birthplace of former first lady Melania Trump, is a verdant land that actually has the word love plopped in the middle of it. Nearly 60 per cent of the country is covered in trees and 40 parks and reserves are home to 20,000 varied animals and plants. National Geographic declared Slovenia the winner of a World Legacy Award.

Singapore soars as the No 1 country in Southeast Asia in the report. The nation, one of the wealthiest in the world, is focused on conservation, eco-friendly practices, and reclaiming land. Safety and security are of great importance in Singapore which heavily fines visitors for littering or chewing gum on mass transit.

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The highest-ranking country in North America, Canada is ranked 122 spots above the United States which came in at No 128 of 163 countries. A top-trading country, it boasts terrific job opportunities and good health facilities. Its population is about 37 million yet it is the world’s second-largest country (by landmass).

A stable and transparent government is at the epicentre of this peaceful nation that operates under a constitutional monarchy. Universal healthcare and free higher education are just two of the perks of living in this peaceful country. Denmark is a founding member of NATO as well as many other international organisations. Butter cookies, bicycles and being the birthplace of LEGO add to the list of attributes.

Austria has been at the top of the list for many years but took a slight dip this year. Although Austria has maintained an impeccable score for many of the GPI indicators, social unrest created the decline mainly due to protests after the election of Sebastian Kurz’s People Party and its partner the Freedom Party. Austria will forever be associated with the Sound of Music, not only for its association with the von Trapp family but for being the birthplace of composers such as Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss.

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Portugal is part of Europe which maintained its position as the most peaceful region in the world, a position it held for every year of the GPI. This country was also named as the fifth most ‘family-friendly’ country in the world by UNICEF. Portugal is a founding member of NATO, the European Free Trade Association and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

According to the report, “New Zealand maintained or improved its scores in 22 out of 23 indicators, but deteriorated in the impact of terrorism because of the March 2019 white-nationalist terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch, in which 50 people were killed. Improvements in five other indicators across all three domains helped New Zealand maintain its No 2 rank as the second most peaceful country in the world.