World’s Most Dangerous Countries Index Published, and Israel Lands Near the Bottom
In a world where military conflicts and wars, such as the one that ended only the day before yesterday, have become part of everyday reality, more and more governments are issuing travel warnings and designating entire areas as destinations not recommended for visits. For many tourists, it can seem that a large share of their dream destinations has become less accessible. If you are planning your next vacation and want to focus on personal safety and stability, it may be worth taking note of the new data published as part of the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI). The index, considered the world’s most comprehensive ranking in the field of peace and security, examines 163 countries and territories that make up about 99.7% of the world’s population, and yes, Israel is in it too.
The world is becoming less peaceful
According to the new report, the level of global peace continued to decline this year as well. Among the main reasons are the proliferation of military conflicts, geopolitical tensions and an increase in states’ involvement in wars. According to the data, there are now more active interstate conflicts than at any time since the end of World War II. The number of countries involved in external conflicts has nearly doubled since 2008. The ongoing war in Ukraine, the civil war in Sudan and the 12-day war between Israel, the United States and Iran contributed to the worsening global instability. The index notes that the effects of the 2026 Iran war are reflected only partially, since some of the assessment measures are based on data collected through the end of 2025.
The Global Peace Index is based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, divided into three main areas, the level of safety and security in society, the extent of internal and international conflict, and the degree of militarization of the country. This year there was an average decline of 0.7% in global peace. Of the 163 countries examined, 99 worsened in the peace index and only 62 showed improvement. Overall, 119 countries are now less peaceful than they were in 2008.
The 10 most peaceful countries in the world in 2026
1. Iceland For the 19th consecutive year, Iceland ranks first in the world. The country has no standing army, crime rates are especially low, and the level of social trust is very high.
2. New Zealand New Zealand climbed one place from last year and ranks second in the world. It recorded the lowest ongoing conflict score in the Asia-Pacific region.
3. Switzerland The Alpine country continues to be considered one of the safest, most stable and most peaceful countries in the world.
4. Slovenia Slovenia rose two places in the ranking and became one of the quietest and safest destinations in Europe.
5. Ireland The Green Island continues to hold its place near the top, thanks to political stability and a safe and welcoming society.
Also in the top 10, 6. Austria, 7. Singapore, 8. Denmark, 9. Portugal, 10. Finland.
And what about Israel? Israel is among the five least peaceful countries in the world this year. Only Russia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ukraine were ranked below it. According to the report, the Middle East and North Africa continue to be the least peaceful regions in the world, while Western and Central Europe remain the quietest and safest regions.
Poland recorded the biggest improvement this year. Its overall score improved by 9.1% and it jumped 23 places in the ranking, to 22nd place in the world. Behind it on the list of improvers are Gabon, Lesotho, Ukraine and Turkey. The United States, meanwhile, declined by 4% in the peace index this year. The main reason is a sharp rise in political instability and violent protests. The country is now ranked 134th in the world.
