Iceland is the world's most peaceful country
according to the Global Peace Index 2011. There is minimum risk is
almost all categories, including the one addressing the degree to which
political instituions are sufficiently stable to support the needs of
its citizens, businesses and overseas investors.
The GPI ranks Independent countries by their ‘absence of violence’ using metrics that combine both internal and external factors.
The Institute for Economics and Peace, in conjunction with the
Economist Intelligence Unit and with the guidance of an international
team of academics and peace experts, has compiled the Global Peace Index (GPI).
The Index is composed of 23 indicators, ranging from a nation’s level
of military expenditure to its relations with neighbouring countries and
the level of respect for human rights. The index has been tested
against a range of potential “drivers” or determinants of
peace—including levels of democracy and transparency, education and
national wellbeing. The team has used the latest available figures from a
wide range of respected sources, including the International Institute
of Strategic Studies, The World Bank, various UN offices and Peace
Institutes and the Economist Intelligence Unit. The Global Peace Index
is intended to contribute significantly to the public debate on peace.
