The most peaceful country in the world

If its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle weren’t inviting enough, New Zealand’s spot in the current Global Peace Index is sure to attract some attention.

The country has been ranked #1 in the Global Peace Index for 2009, climbing from the fourth spot it held in 2008, having overtaken famously peaceful nations such as Iceland, Denmark and Norway.

The Global Peace Index analysed 144 countries for the 2009 list – four more than in the previous year – according to 23 criteria, including violent crime, political stability and material wellbeing.

According to the report, the economic recession caused the world to become “slightly less peaceful” in 2008. Iceland lost its top spot much due to the turbulence caused by its debt-fuelled economy.

But New Zealand’s rise on the list was not just caused by the unfortunate events of other countries: it was, above all, due to its own internal circumstances. The results of the report show that the country has gained in political stability, following the election of the National-Act coalition in November 2008.

The country has also received the top scores for respect for human rights, due to limited violent demonstrations and the low homicide rate.

Now in its third year, the Global Peace Index is created by the Institute for Economics and Peace, with the Economist Intelligence Unit.