The Global Peace Index 2019 listed the world’s most peaceful countries out of 163 independent states and territories.
In sub-Saharan Africa, Mauritius holds the top spot for the most peaceful country, and placed 24th in the overall rankings worldwide.
Botswana (30) and Malawi (40) are right behind in second and third place, respectively.
South Africa ranks 32nd out of 44 African countries, and 127th in the global rankings (just ahead of the USA, mind you, at 128th).
Namibia just missed the top 10 and was nudged to the 11th spot by Liberia.
On average, the region performed poorly in the safety and security domain. Threats of terrorism and violent demonstrations decreased, but the overall homicide and incarceration rates, as well as the perceived level of criminality, increased in a number of sub-Saharan African countries.
In the Middle East and North Africa region, South Sudan is ranked third from the bottom (161) of the rankings.
The peace report is compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace based in Sydney, Australia, and the rankings are determined based on how a country fares in three categories: societal safety and security; ongoing domestic conflict and international conflict, as well as its degree of militarisation.
Other findings from this year’s peace report found that the average level of global peacefulness has actually improved, slightly, for the first time in five years.
The Global Peace Index also took into account and made connections with key global issues and current events which have or may change the peace rankings.
Areas such as perceptions of global leadership and climate change have also been taken into account when gauging peace in a nation. Violence, conflict (civil, armed) and terrorism also have great economic impact on countries, affecting the Gross Domestic Product and peace through economic pressures and living standards.
But what is the most peaceful country in the world, according to the annual peace report? Iceland takes the cake, ranking first among all 163 nations.
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