Amid international conflicts and domestic tensions, some may feel that the US is not the safest place to live right now.
While safety can be a subjective measure, that assessment is not entirely off base: The US is ranked the 128th most peaceful country in the world — falling behind nations like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and India — by the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), which considers factors like societal safety and security, ongoing conflicts, and country militarization.
Some Americans have even considered moving overseas due to factors like crime rates, work-life balance, cost of living, and parenting values. A Gallup poll released in October 2024 showed that 21% of polled Americans expressed a desire to move abroad, up from 17% in 2023 and 10% in 2011. However, Gallup also found the US was the most desired destination for citizens from other countries to move to.
In recent days, international peace has gained new importance for those looking to travel or move abroad. After the US launched a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, thousands of travelers found themselves stuck in the Caribbean following airspace restrictions.
Here are the 10 most peaceful countries in the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index.
10. Finland
Finland was ranked as the third most peaceful country on the societal safety and security domain of the GPI, which looks at homicide rates, political terror, and violent demonstrations, and perceptions of criminality.
As well as being one of the 10 most peaceful places in the world, the country has also consistently been ranked as the happiest country in the world, attracting expats looking for a higher quality of life.
9. Slovenia
Slovenia, first lady Melania Trump‘s home country, ranked as the sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI militarization domain, which looks at factors like military expenditure and weapons exports.
The country is often categorized as a hidden gem in Europe for travelers, thanks to its beautiful landscapes.
8. Denmark
Denmark is ranked as the world’s sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI societal safety and security domain. However, the country did see a relative deterioration in its militarization ranking as it increased its military spending, where it falls near nations like Libya and Trinidad and Tobago.
It has been ranked as the country with the best quality of life in the world, which looks at factors like cost of living, job markets, and quality of healthcare.
7. Portugal
For Americans looking to move abroad, Portugal has emerged as a recent favorite. A survey of over 116,000 Americans who were interested in moving abroad in 2024 showed the country as the most requested destination, according to Expatsi, a website with resources for Americans looking to relocate.
The country was ranked the second most peaceful in the world based on the GPI militarization domain.
6. Singapore
Singapore, which was ranked as the second-safest country in the Asia-Pacific region on the GPI ranking, is another popular destination for American expats, including those looking for entrepreneur economies like that of Silicon Valley.
The country was ranked in the top five in the societal safety and security and ongoing conflicts domains of the GPI.
5. Switzerland
Housing Geneva, the global “Peace Capital,” Switzerland ranked in the top 10 most peaceful cities in the ongoing conflicts and societal safety and security GPI domains.
Quality of life has been one of the factors driving expats to move there in recent years.
4. Austria
Austria has stayed in the top most peaceful countries since the GPI began measuring global peace in 2008.
Vienna, Austria’s capital, has been ranked as the world’s most livable city and one of the best destinations for expats to move.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand ranked as the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, and received the top ranking in the ongoing conflicts domain.
New Zealand transplants have cited its family-friendly towns, natural beauty, and outdoor activities as some of the reasons they love the country.
2. Ireland
Ireland ranked within the top five countries in the militarization domain, and the second most peaceful country overall.
Ireland, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, has also been a common destination for Americans looking to move.
1. Iceland
Iceland, which ranked first across all three domains of the GPI ranking, is the world’s safest country despite also being one of the most expensive.
For Americans looking to relocate overseas, the country offers the highest level of safety based on global peace, along with breathtaking landscapes.
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