Home   »   Global Peace Index 2025

Global Peace Index 2025: A Deep Dive into Global Stability and Rising Tensions

The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, now in its 19th edition, remains the world’s leading measure of national and regional peacefulness. Developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the index offers invaluable insight into the peacefulness of 163 countries, covering 99.7% of the global population. In a world experiencing an uptick in geopolitical instability, the GPI serves as a crucial indicator of current global trends in conflict, safety, and militarisation.

What is the Global Peace Index?

The Global Peace Index is an annual quantitative analysis that evaluates peace based on 23 indicators across three main domains:

  • Societal Safety and Security
  • Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
  • Degree of Militarisation

Published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP)—a non-partisan, independent think tank based in Sydney—the GPI has become a widely respected benchmark for governments, researchers, and institutions working towards sustainable peace and security reforms.

Key Parameters of Global Peace Index 2025

Parameter Details
What is GPI? Composite index measuring peace using 23 indicators across 3 domains
Publisher Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP)
Edition 19th (Year 2025)
Total Countries 163
Top Ranked Country Iceland (Rank 1, Score: 1.095)
India’s Rank (2025) 115th (Score: 2.229)
Global Peace Trend Declined by 0.36% from 2024
Countries Improved 74
Countries Deteriorated 87
Lowest Ranked Country Russia (Rank 163, Score: 3.441)
Worst Region South Asia
Economic Cost of Violence $19.97 trillion (11.6% of global GDP)
Most Deteriorated Indicator External Conflicts Fought
Most Improved Indicator Perceptions of Criminality

How the GPI Score is Calculated

The GPI Score is derived using a weighted system of 23 indicators that reflect both qualitative assessments (e.g., political stability, perceptions of criminality) and quantitative metrics (e.g., homicide rates, number of internal conflicts). These are aggregated into a score between 1 (most peaceful) and 5 (least peaceful).

A lower GPI score means a country is more peaceful and stable. Factors considered include:

  • Internal & external conflict duration
  • Terrorism impact and homicide rate
  • Political instability and repression
  • Military expenditure and arms imports
  • Relations with neighbouring states

Global Peace Index 2025: General Trends and Highlights

Deteriorating Global Peace

2025 marks the 13th decline in global peace over the past 17 years. The average global peacefulness dropped by 0.36%, with 87 countries showing deterioration and 74 countries showing improvement.

Rise in Conflicts

There are currently 59 active state-based conflicts, the highest since World War II, resulting in over 152,000 deaths in 2024.

Rising Militarisation

An increase in military spending as a percentage of GDP was observed in 84 countries, indicating growing global insecurity.

Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries in 2025

Despite widespread unrest, some nations maintain high levels of peace:

Rank Country GPI Score Region
1 Iceland 1.095 Europe
2 Ireland 1.260 Europe
3 New Zealand 1.282 Oceania
4 Austria 1.294 Europe
5 Switzerland 1.294 Europe
6 Singapore 1.357 Asia
7 Portugal 1.371 Europe
8 Denmark 1.393 Europe
9 Slovenia 1.409 Europe
10 Finland 1.420 Europe

Most Peaceful Nation: Iceland

Iceland has retained its position as the world’s most peaceful country since 2008, credited to its low crime rates, stable politics, and lack of military forces.

Least Peaceful Countries in 2025

The bottom of the GPI ranking highlights ongoing crises:

Rank Country GPI Score Region
163 Russia 3.441 Eurasia
162 Ukraine 3.434 Europe
161 Sudan 3.323 Africa
160 DRC 3.292 Africa
159 Yemen 3.262 Middle East

Least Peaceful Nation: Russia

Due to the prolonged war in Ukraine, sanctions, and internal political repression, Russia ranks last, followed by Ukraine.

India’s Performance in Global Peace Index 2025

India ranks 115th out of 163 nations, with a GPI score of 2.229, reflecting a 0.58% improvement over the previous year. India’s trajectory has shown gradual improvement over recent years:

  • 2025: Rank 115
  • 2024: Rank 116
  • 2023: Rank 126
  • 2020: Rank 139
  • 2019: Rank 141

Despite internal unrest, cross-border tensions, and militarisation, India has seen improvements in crime perception, political stability, and terrorist impact indicators.

India vs South Asia

While South Asia remains the least peaceful region, India has outperformed several regional neighbours:

Country GPI Rank
India 115
Bangladesh 123
Pakistan 144
Afghanistan 158

Regional Peacefulness Analysis

Western & Central Europe

Still the most peaceful region globally, but facing gradual decline due to terrorism fears, political protests, and economic pressure.

Middle East & North Africa (MENA)

Remains the least peaceful region for the tenth year, marred by civil wars and political instability.

South Asia

Saw the largest decline, especially due to situations in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Asia-Pacific

Mixed outcomes: New Zealand and Singapore remain peaceful; others saw declines due to geopolitical tensions.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Still plagued by long-running conflicts, particularly in Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

South America

The only region to show improvement in 2025, due to democratic transitions and policy reform in countries like Peru.

North America

While some safety indicators improved, firearm-related violence and political polarisation remain major issues.

Economic Impact of Violence in 2024

The economic cost of violence reached $19.97 trillion, equal to 11.6% of global GDP. This includes costs associated with:

  • War and conflict
  • Internal security
  • Policing
  • Military expenses
Global Peace Index 2025: A Deep Dive into Global Stability and Rising Tensions_4.1
About the Author

As a team lead and current affairs writer at Adda247, I am responsible for researching and producing engaging, informative content designed to assist candidates in preparing for national and state-level competitive government exams. I specialize in crafting insightful articles that keep aspirants updated on the latest trends and developments in current affairs. With a strong emphasis on educational excellence, my goal is to equip readers with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their exams. Through well-researched and thoughtfully written content, I strive to guide and support candidates on their journey to success.