Source: ET
Context:
In the 19th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Singapore has been ranked the safest country in Asia and 6th globally. India is ranked at 115th position with a score of 2.229. The index evaluates 163 countries based on safety, ongoing conflicts, and militarisation.
What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)?
- Definition: An annual ranking of countries on peacefulness.
- Coverage: 163 states and territories, representing 99.7% of the world’s population.
- Published by: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), an international think tank headquartered in Sydney, Australia.
Indicators and Methodology
GPI evaluates countries on 23 indicators grouped into 3 domains:
- Societal Safety & Security – crime rates, political stability, refugee/displacement impact.
- Ongoing Domestic & International Conflict – terrorism, civil unrest, war involvement.
- Militarisation – defence expenditure, weapons imports/exports, size of armed forces.
GPI 2025 – Global Trends and Rankings
- Most Peaceful Nations:
- 1st – Iceland (retains top spot).
- Followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia.
- Least Peaceful Nations:
- Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, DR Congo, Yemen.
- Regional Highlights:
- Europe dominates the top 10.
- South America shows improvements (Argentina, Peru).
- Sub-Saharan Africa & Middle East remain the least peaceful regions.
- Global average peacefulness declined due to militarisation, wars, and geopolitical divides.
India in GPI 2025
- Rank: 115th out of 163 countries.
- Score: 2.229 (improved by 0.58% compared to 2024).
- Positives:
- Decline in domestic violence and community disputes.
- Better societal stability indicators.
- Challenges:
- High militarisation levels.
- Ongoing cross-border tensions.
- Sporadic internal unrest and protests.
