As global instability reaches a historic high, travelers are increasingly weighing public safety and social stability alongside flight prices and hotel ratings when planning their next trip. The 2026 Global Peace Index offers a sobering baseline — and a clear shortlist of destinations where visitors can feel most secure.
A World Less Peaceful Than at Any Point Since 2007
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released its 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI) this week, finding that global peacefulness has now deteriorated for the 12th consecutive year since 2014 — and the 15th time in the past 18 years. Over the past year alone, peace conditions worsened in 99 countries, the steepest single-year decline on record. Currently, 73% of nations score lower on peace than they did when the index launched in 2007.
The scale of active conflict is equally striking. The number of countries involved in external conflicts has nearly doubled since 2008, rising from 59 to 103. Conflict-related deaths in 2025 reached a record 181,000, and the global economic cost of violence totaled $21.81 trillion — equivalent to 10.5% of world GDP. The IEP also flagged the rapid integration of drones and artificial intelligence into modern warfare as accelerating conflict well beyond conventional oversight mechanisms, raising concerns about the erosion of meaningful human control over lethal decision-making.
Only Two Asian Nations Crack the Global Top 10
The GPI evaluates 163 countries and territories — representing 99.7% of the world's population — across three domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and degree of militarization. Of the ten safest countries in 2026, only two are in Asia: Japan, which climbed three places to re-enter the top ten, and Singapore, which held eighth place as Asia's leading safe city destination.
Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, New Zealand ranked second globally — the most peaceful nation in the region outside Asia proper — driven in part by reduced arms imports and a very low risk of internal conflict. Vietnam, while outside the top 40, ranked eighth in Asia-Pacific and 41st globally with a score of 1.738, placing it in the GPI's second-highest peace category and among the top four most peaceful countries in Southeast Asia, behind Singapore, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste.
The World's 10 Safest Countries in 2026
No. 1: Iceland extended its record to 19 consecutive years at the top of the GPI, widening its lead this year. The island nation maintains no standing army, records one of the world's lowest crime rates, and is consistently regarded by international travelers as the destination where they feel most at ease.
No. 2: New Zealand moved up from third, driven by reduced arms imports and minimal internal conflict risk. Its dramatic landscapes — from South Island glaciers to North Island volcanoes — make it a natural draw for outdoor travelers.
No. 3: Switzerland rose from fifth. Its longstanding neutrality, stable domestic politics, and high quality of life continue to underpin its ranking, reflected in its punctual rail network, comprehensive mountain rescue services, and orderly urban planning.
No. 4: Slovenia was this year's biggest mover, jumping two places. The small Central European nation nestled between the Alps and the Balkans records very low crime rates and high public trust in institutions, making it an increasingly popular European travel destination.
No. 5: Ireland dropped from second place in both 2024 and 2025 but retains an exceptionally high peace score. With virtually no involvement in domestic or international conflicts and a tradition of neutrality, it pairs strong safety credentials with a distinct literary and rural character.
No. 6: Austria reinforced its reputation as one of Europe's most stable societies. High quality of life and strong public safety standards allow visitors to explore Vienna's arts scene or the Tyrolean Alps with minimal concern.
No. 7: Portugal held steady. Low rates of violent crime, minimal militarization, and stable diplomatic relations have made it one of Europe's leading tourist destinations, from Lisbon's vintage trams to the sun-drenched Algarve coast.
No. 8: Singapore slipped slightly but remained Asia's most prominent safe city destination. Low crime rates, efficient public transport, and strong urban management make it a reliable choice for solo travelers, families, and business visitors alike.
No. 9: Finland paired its ninth consecutive year as the world's happiest country with a strong peace ranking. Transparent institutions, high social trust, and deeply embedded values of equality make it an appealing destination for travelers drawn to lakeside landscapes and sauna culture.
No. 10: Japan climbed three places to re-enter the top ten after dropping out of the ranking in 2024. Long associated with social harmony and civic etiquette, it remains one of the most popular overseas destinations for travelers from Taiwan seeking both safety and cultural depth.
*Data source: Institute for Economics and Peace, 2026 Global Peace Index; Vietnam News / Asian News Network （Related： Happy City Index 2026: Copenhagen Leads Global Rankings as Taipei and New Taipei Enter Top 50 ｜ Latest ）
