Ten most peaceful countries in the world are recounted by Forbes based on Global Peace Index (GPI) of Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). According to Wikipedia, GPI is "an attempt to measure the relative position of nations' and regions' peacefulness. Factors examined by the authors include internal factors such as levels of violence and crime within the country and factors in a country's external relations such as military expenditure and wars. The GPI investigates the extent to which countries are involved in ongoing domestic and international conflicts" in attempting to gauge peacefulness.
Forbes listed and described the top ten most peaceful nations and they are the following:
1. Iceland
After a blowout post-crisis, Iceland has remained intact. It is the most peaceful out of 162 nations. If it wasn't so cold (and so small), more people would live there. Then again, if they did, it might not be as peaceful.
2. Denmark
Like New Zealand, Denmark and the rest of the North European countries consistently rank as the best in business and safety. Denmark is the most peaceful nation on continental Europe, despite being about the size of Massachusetts. Size does matter. And small is safe and sound.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand constantly ranks as the best country on the planet. It's up there for running a business, and it's up there now as the most peaceful country in the Asia Pacific. Take that, Australia. (Oh, the Aussies trail Germany at 16.)
4. Austria
Austria is doing well. No austerity. And it's not being blamed for not saving Europe, like its neighbor Germany is. This is why, when it comes to peace and prosperity, Austria is in the top 10 and Germany is No. 15.
5. Switzerland
No man is an island. But Switzerland is. And right smack dab in the heart of the European Union. It's apart by being a part. Switzerland is No. 5.
6. Japan
The happiest country in Asia. Japan is safe, has low crime and no major conflicts with its neighbors.
7. Finland
What's not to love about a country that brought us Angry Birds? Plus, not far from Helsinki, is Santa's Workshop and Post Office, boys and girls. Google him. Joyeux Noelle. Oh, wait, that's French. Poor guys, they don't even rank in the top 20!
8. Canada
If you've ever been to Toronto or round a'bout Niagara Falls, you can see why Canada is so awesome. Clean. Crisp. Diverse. And everyone seems to get along.
9. Sweden
Even all alone these guys look happy! Safe and secure, Sweden ranks No. 9 in the Global Peace Index this year.
10. Belgium
Tiny Belgium is one of the best places to live in Europe and on Earth, judging by the Global Peace Index.
