Czechia today

Czech Republic 10th Most Peaceful Country in the World

The Czech Republic is still one of the most peaceful countries in the world, despite falling to tenth from last year's seventh place among 163 countries, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) published by the British Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

The Czech Republic's ranking has been gradually improving: it was ranked 21st in 2008 when the GPI was first published but had improved to sixth by 2017.

Iceland's status as the most peaceful country in the world is a position which has been held since 2008. Its crime rate is so incredibly low, with just 18 murders per 100,000 people annually. The Nordic island was followed by New Zealand, Portugal, and Austria. 

This is the fifth year in a row, these specific countries are in the top 4 most peaceful in the world.

As for the least peaceful countries, Afghanistan was ranked the lowest, with Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen following closely. All countries have experienced some time of conflict in the last few years. This year is also the first year that has seen Iraq rise to the 5th least peaceful country, a position which was previously a lot lower.  

The annual report, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), looked at militarisation, conflict and leadership, as well as other factors.

More detailed information can be found in the Global Peace Index report.