Finland ranks as world’s ninth safest country in 2026 global index

Finland has climbed one place to become the world’s ninth safest country, according to the latest Global Peace Index published by the Institute for Economics & Peace.

Iceland retained its position as the most peaceful nation for the 19th consecutive year, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, and Singapore. The index evaluates 163 independent states and territories based on internal and external conflicts, societal safety, and militarization levels.

Among the Nordic countries, Denmark ranked 11th, Estonia 25th, Norway 33rd, and Sweden 40th. The United States dropped six places to 134th, just behind Venezuela, while Iran—currently in conflict with the US—ranked 144th. Russia placed last at 163rd, preceded by Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Israel.

The report notes a global decline in peace for the 12th straight year, with 61 active interstate conflicts—the highest number since World War II. Over the past year, peaceful conditions deteriorated in 99 countries, the largest annual decline since the index’s inception 20 years ago. Researchers also highlighted the growing role of drones in modern warfare, marking the first time machines make life-and-death decisions faster than human oversight allows.