New Zealand Tops Global Peace Index Again
New Zealand has again ranked the most peaceful country in the world according to the 2010 Global Peace Index.
The fourth annual Global Peace Index (GPI), compiled by global think tank Institute for Economics and Peace, looked at the relationship between economic development, business and peace.
The report examines key areas of conflict, safety, security and military factors in 149 countries.
New Zealand took out the top spot because of its political stability, safety and harmonious relations with neighbouring countries like Australia, which came in at number 19 in the poll.
The “peace indicators†which the Kiwis outshone their trans-Tasman neighbours in were the number of conflicts fought, the likelihood of violent demonstrations, the level of security required per capita and a number of military factors.
The Kiwis were followed by Iceland and Japan in the poll, while Austria and Norway rounded out the top five.
The institute said small, stable and democratic countries consistently ranked highest and Western Europe was deemed the most peaceful region, with a majority of the area’s countries ranking in the top 20.
Global Peace Index Ranking
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Unfortunately the US is not in the top 10 rankings. It makes sense though as the US is a large county and smaller, stable countries tend to be in the top rankings.
Actually USA is number 87… although to your point, Japan is not small, it one of the largest economies in the world.
But yes the common characteristic is that they are all super-stable democracies with low crime rates.
This is interesting data. I wonder what New Zealand has that allows it to be such a peaceful nation. Other countries should learn from that. Interesting how Europe is mostly peaceful and Japan is the only Asian country in the top 10.
Everything is relative. NZ is more peaceful relative to everyone else through a combination of things, low crime, stable government, low or no region conflict.
My congrats to New Zealand, but I’m totally surprised by the 3rd place of Japan – I think this country is not so peaceful as it seems.
If you have ever visited Japan you will know. Clean and tidy with respectful people.
Congrats New Zealand..New Zealand rocks…
Regards,
Mark Seer
Cheers – KB
Never been to New Zealand but this looks like another good reason to go and where the hell is Switzerland on that list? We are pretty peaceful
The Swiss are 18th of 149 countries, which is good, but remember it is relative to other countries.
And where are the USA? I think this country is rather peaceful.
87th, but it is engaged in many external conflicts…
congrats to new zealand! maybe i should move there for a bit and see how peaceful it really is. It definitely has beautiful landscapes. Anyways thanks for the update! Its nice to see a positive post like how peaceful a country is instead of something like war and bombings.
Im not suprised i have been to New Zealand multiple times. Apart from it being cheap everyone there is so friendly and trustworthy. I felt as part of the community even though i was only at the south island for a few months at a time. Its a wonderful country.
Congrats To The Kiwi Ppl
One of the biggest reasons i would say is the relative distance from other countries. Kinda like the quiet kid at the back, busy doing his own thing and progressing. Though the One Big Neighbour which u do have are 19th which is suprising. Some ‘Mates’ are going to very unhappy
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Well somewhat. Peaceful relations are one part of it, low crime and a sense of fairplay and equity.
I can’t remeber any war in the history of the 20th century where New Zealand took part – and that’s great. The more peaceful is the country – the healthier are its citizens!
Other than the ANZAC forces in WWI and WW2, UN forces in Korea, Vietnam, NATO forces in Afghanistan, no….
No offense to the Americans, I think they are a great nation, but a country with a constitution that allows all citizens the right to bear arms, not to mention their political mindset to become “police” of the world can be considered a peaceful country. The country is not just the land, it is also the people that live and govern it.
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Political stability, safety and harmonious relations are the basic keys to prove yourself in every field like supports and business,if one country adopt such points it surely succeed in the trade and supports,soom.
This result doesn’t surprise me. I’ve never been to New Zealand but I’ve heard and read so many good things about it. And friends who have been there say that it is a spectacular place with friendly and open people.
I think it’s a lot like Australia, except it’s got much bigger mountains, of course!
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woot woot , congrats to New Zealand which i i will be visiting this summer hehe, but I’m also surprised Japan is 3rd place,,hmmm
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