The institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), recently revealed their ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world, defining a nation “at peace,” as one being “not involved in violent conflicts with neighboring states or suffering internal wars.” Safety, understandably, plays a big part in what makes a country attractive for prospective visitors. And, it just so happens that the top 10 most peaceful countries, are also some of the most amazing places on earth to visit.
1. Iceland
The institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), recently revealed their ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world, defining a nation “at peace,” as one being “not involved in violent conflicts with neighboring states or suffering internal wars.” Safety, understandably, plays a big part in what makes a country attractive for prospective visitors. And, it just so happens that the top 15 most peaceful countries, are also some of the most amazing places on earth to visit.
2. Denmark
Denmark is the second peaceful country on Earth since it’s really a safe place to live in. Even while Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, was under occupation by the Nazis during the World War II, it still did not fight.
The point is that people living in Denmark prefer to focus on economic matters, instead of involving themselves in various armed conflicts. Danish people are very friendly, open and helpful. Personally I have been to Copenhagen twice and I wish I lived in this wonderful city. I’m pretty sure that those who have been to Denmark at least once could say the same.
3. Canada
Canada is a vast country, with incredible natural beauty from soaring mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and breathtaking coastlines that’s almost unparalleled worldwide. It’s also home to cosmopolitan cities that are clean, safe and friendly. Not only is it ranked as the No. 7 most peaceful country, it’s been frequently lauded as one of the best places to live on the planet. Visitors can explore unspoiled wilderness in this land where there are still mountain peaks that have never been climbed, sip ice wine, known as British Columbia’s “liquid gold,” watch polar bears in Manitoba or get up close and personal with humpback whales along Newfoundland’s more than 18,000 miles of breathtaking coastline. And the food? On either coast you’ll find incredibly fresh and delicious seafood, and just about anywhere in the country, you can indulge in a snack called “poutine,” a pile of chips (fries), with gravy and cheese curds – perfect after a long hike, or a long alcohol-infused night.
4. Japan
Japan is not only one of the world’s safest, most peaceful countries, with low crime and no major conflicts with its neighbors, it’s considered Asia’s happiest nation and one of the most fascinating places to visit culturally and traditionally. Mount Fuji, the famous snow-capped mountain that can be seen from Tokyo, more than 60 miles away, offers the chance for hikers to climb to the summit at night and watch an incredible sunrise from Japan’s tallest mountain. If that’s a bit too strenuous, consider a boat trip out on Lake Ashi or Lake Shojiko, providing beautiful views of the mountain and the surrounding area from atop the water.You can also walk through a bamboo forest, view magnificent gardens like the legendary wisteria garden, dine on amazing sushi and take a lesson in the art of the Samurai.
5. New Zealand
Each year since 2007, the Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked New Zealand as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. With a small percentage of its population in prison, limited military capability, strong relations with Australia and down-to-earth hospitality, New Zealand is a wonderful country to live in.
This is a country of natural beauty, diverse scenery and quirky natives. Visitors from all over the world come to New Zealand to experience the rugged landscape, breathtaking alpine glaciers, awesome beaches and fantastic geothermal and volcanic activity. The country is also renowned for its fine wines and there are a great number of grape varieties planted throughout New Zealand. So if you are a great wine lover, you should definitely visit New Zealand at least once in life.
6. Czech Republic
A relatively new country, after the division of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic has largely concentrated on building a strong capitalist economy and creating a stable climate for investment. In 2009, the Human Development Index (HDI) ranked the Czech Republic as a country of ‘Very High Human Development.’ Renowned mostly for its magnificent capital city Prague and breathtaking natural beauty, the Czech Republic draws lots of tourists from all over the world.
7. Finland
This peaceful, happy country, is also a great destination for seeing the Northern Lights, and you can even visit Santa any time of the year at Santa Clause Village or sleep in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen, staring up into the starry sky above, watching for the spectacular light show. During the warmer months, you can visit charming seaside towns too, like Hanko, where visitors and locals alike enjoy surfing, diving and cycling. Finland is a land with thousands of forests and thousands of lakes too, in fact, it’s home to 188,000 lakes that are so vast, the country has the most water in relation to land mass of all others in the entire world. Not only that, but the Finnish term, “Jokamiehen Oikeus,” which means “Everyman’s Right,” gives you the freedom to walk freely in nature, wherever you want.
8. Bhutan
According to the 2016 Global Peace Index, Bhutan is also among the 20 most peaceful countries on Earth. The report uses 22 indicators to measure internal peace, including a number of police per 100,000 people, levels of perceived criminality, the level of organized crime, and external peace indicators that include military expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities. I personally think Bhutanese people are peace loving and they are well cultured. Plus, Bhutan boasts plenty of spectacular attractions for everyone.
9. Norway
Many people don’t expect Norway to appear on the list of the most peaceful countries in the world. Perhaps, this is because of Anders Behring Breivik, mass murderer, who hit the pride of the country hard.
Sure, it was an extraordinary incident, but according to the Global Peace Index Norway is now one of the world’s most peaceful countries and friendly and safe place to live in. Norway is the country with the highest level of human development in the globe, plus, the government of Oslo always places peace at the forefront of the priorities of the country.
10. Belgium
Belgium is one of the best and most peaceful places to live in Europe and on Earth. Situated in the heart of Europe, this small country holds a special place. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to the European Union and NATO.
Belgium boasts medieval cities, beautiful town halls, majestic castles, and captivating natural beauty. Homicide and imprisonment rates are low in this country, even though Belgium did experience a crisis within its government over the 2008-2011 period.
