According to the annual Global Peace Index (GPI) published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, Iceland has remained the world’s most peaceful country for 17 consecutive years, leading the ranking in 2025 with an index score of 1.095. The lower the index, the more peaceful the country.
The latest edition of the Global Peace Index 2025 covers 163 countries and territories, accounting for 99.7% of the world’s population. Over the year, the global average level of peacefulness, which has been declining for six consecutive years, fell by a further 0.36%.
In 2025, the world recorded 59 active state-based conflicts, the highest figure since the Second World War. In 2024, more than 1,000 conflict-related deaths were recorded in 17 countries, while another 18 states reported more than 100 deaths. Over the past five years, 98 countries have been at least partially involved in some form of external conflict.
According to the Global Peace Index 2025, the least peaceful countries were Russia (3.441) and Ukraine (3.434), whose armed conflict has been ongoing for nearly four years.
Among Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan emerged as the most peaceful, ranking 56th globally with an index score of 1.875. Compared with the previous year, the country climbed five positions, while its peace index improved by 0.042 points. Uzbekistan followed in 67th place with an index of 1.926. Uzbekistan moved up two positions, with its index improving by only 0.018 points.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan ranked 78th and 79th, with index scores of 1.926 and 1.988, respectively. Kyrgyzstan rose by five positions, while Tajikistan climbed by ten. Tajikistan also recorded a more pronounced improvement in its index, at 0.044 points, compared with an improvement of 0.023 points for Kyrgyzstan.
Turkmenistan ranked 87th globally with an index score of 2.019, rising seven positions over the year. Its index improved by 0.05 points, the strongest gain among Central Asian countries.
Overall, the Global Peace Index 2025 points to a continued decline in global peacefulness amid a record number of armed conflicts and expanding state involvement in external confrontations. At the same time, against this global backdrop, Central Asian countries are showing moderately positive dynamics, with Kazakhstan retaining its status as the most peaceful country in the region while improving both its ranking position and overall index score.
