The latest issue of Global Peace Index revealed that the world is less peaceful today than at any point in the last decade. The study, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, a non-profit think tank, shows that the scores of 92 countries have deteriorated and 71 have improved. Unresolved tensions, conflicts and crises have fuelled global violence, while an increase in political Terrors and a reduced commitment to UN peacekeeping will also have an impact on global peace.
The index measures peace on a five-point scale using three filters. These are societal safety, ongoing domestic or international conflicts, and the level of militarisation in various countries. This year, Iceland tops the rankings, a position it has held since 2008. New Zealand is ranked second, with Austria rounding off the top three. Unsurprisingly, Syria at the end of the index, followed by Afghanistan and South Sudan. The United States ranks just 121st out of 163 countries, its worst score since 2012.
Further infographics can be found at Statista