The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the 20th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) on June 16, 2026, covering 163 nations. Iceland retained the top position (score: 1.161) for the 19th consecutive year. India dropped to 127th (score: 2.409) from 115th in 2025, a decline of 2.9%. The top 5 most peaceful nations: Iceland, New Zealand (2nd), Switzerland (3rd), Slovenia (4th), Ireland (5th). The least peaceful: Russia (163rd), Sudan (162nd), DRC (161st), Ukraine (160th), Israel (159th). The index uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators.
Economy
Global Peace Index 2026: Iceland Most Peaceful for 19th Year; India Drops to 127th from 115th; Russia Most Dangerous
Key Points
- The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the 20th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) on June 16, 2026, covering 163 nations
- Iceland retained the top position (score: 1.161) for the 19th consecutive year
- India dropped to 127th (score: 2.409) from 115th in 2025, a decline of 2.9%
- The top 5 most peaceful nations: Iceland, New Zealand (2nd), Switzerland (3rd), Slovenia (4th), Ireland (5th)
- The least peaceful: Russia (163rd), Sudan (162nd), DRC (161st), Ukraine (160th), Israel (159th)
- The index uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators
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• GPI 2026 (20th edition): IEP; 163 countries; 23 indicators; released June 16 • Iceland: #1 (19th consecutive year; score 1.161); India: 127th (from 115th in 2025; -2.9%) • Top 5: Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland • Bottom 5: Russia (163rd), Sudan, DRC, Ukraine, Israel; 3 segments: Safety, Conflict, Militarisation
