Conflict has torn
the world asunder as of late. Russia and Ukraine are nine months into their
war, and Israel and Hamas are fighting. Borders have been closed, and air
travel has been rerouted.
But there are still some places you can go and find peace.
For the last 17
years, the Institute for Economics and Peace has put out a Global
Peace Index, with the most peaceful place on Earth being Iceland. Denmark,
Ireland, New Zealand and Austria round out the Top 5.
Singapore, Portugal, Slovenia, Japan and Switzerland
comprised the rest of the Top 10.
To be put on the list, countries must attain specific
criteria, including acceptance of the rights of others, equitable distribution
of resources, good relations with neighbors and free flow of information, to
name a few.
The best part is that all countries at the top of this
year's list share those traits and more.
As for other popular vacation destinations, Canada ranked
11th, the United Kingdom finished 37th, the United States only reached 131st,
and Mexico dropped to 136th out of 163 nations.
The five lowest-ranking countries are Afghanistan, Yemen,
Syria, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Although global levels of peacefulness have deteriorated for
the 13th time over the last 15 years, the top destinations on the list are
still worth the adventure. So go and find peace through travel.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore