Latest news with #2025GlobalPeaceIndex
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
African countries involved in five or more external conflicts
Countries such as the United States, Russia, Iran, and France posted some of the highest scores on this indicator. In total, 44 countries saw their scores worsen in this area, with four of the ten steepest declines occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Business Insider Africa presents the African countries involved in five or more external conflicts in 2024. The list is courtesy of Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) In total, 44 countries saw their scores worsen in this area, with four of the ten steepest declines occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. If the world feels a little tenser, a little more uncertain lately, you're not imagining things. The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) confirms that global peacefulness has declined yet again, marking the sixth straight year of backsliding and the 13th time in the last 17 years. Despite this trend, the Safety and Security domain was the only one of the GPI's three core indicators to register an improvement. A total of 95 countries saw gains in this domain, compared to 67 that recorded a decline. Improvements were largely driven by better public perceptions of criminality, lower scores on the political terror scale, and a reduction in violent demonstrations. Notably, the global homicide rate has reached its lowest point since the index was first introduced. However, the most significant deterioration came from the External Conflicts Fought indicator. This measure worsened notably due to the growing involvement of foreign actors in domestic conflicts worldwide. Countries such as the United States, Russia, Iran, and France posted some of the highest scores on this indicator. In total, 44 countries saw their scores worsen in this area, with four of the ten steepest declines occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. As of 2025, 98 countries have been at least partially involved in external conflicts over the past five years, a sharp increase from just 59 in 2008. In many instances, these involvements included supporting incumbent governments in battles against rebel groups or terrorist organisations. The findings show a concerning trend, while some aspects of safety are improving domestically, international conflict and foreign interventions continue to destabilize global peace. Below are the African countries involved in five or more external conflicts: Rank Country UN Involvement African Union Involvement Other Total 1 Cameroon 4 2 6 2 Burundi 3 3 6 3 Burkina Faso 3 2 5 4 Nigeria 2 3 5 5 Tanzania 4 1 5 6 Rwanda 4 1 5 7 Ghana 2 3 5 8 Niger 3 2 5
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
New Zealand Named One of the World's Most Peaceful and Prosperous Countries, Surging Past Global Powers in 2025 Rankings
AUCKLAND, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As global conflict and instability escalate, Greener Pastures New Zealand, a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in New Zealand's AIP residency, is spotlighting the nation's exceptional performance in the 2025 Global Peace Index, where New Zealand ranks as the third most peaceful country in the world and the most peaceful in the Asia-Pacific region. With a 3.1% improvement in its peacefulness score year-over-year, at a time when most countries are deteriorating, New Zealand continues to attract a surge of interest from high-net-worth families and global investors seeking long-term security and prosperity. In addition to its Peace Index performance, New Zealand also stood out in the newly released 2025 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), with Auckland ranking #7 and Wellington ranking #20 among the most liveable cities in the world. The rankings reflect New Zealand's exceptional quality of life, infrastructure, education, and overall stability. Key drivers for individuals considering long-term relocation. The Global Peace Index, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, measures 163 countries across 23 indicators. New Zealand received near-perfect scores in societal safety, political stability, and conflict avoidance, with only modest increases in military spending and weapons imports as part of ongoing modernization efforts. 'This ranking reinforces what our clients already know; New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to build a life,' said Dominic Jones, Managing Director of Greener Pastures New Zealand. 'From its safety and stability to its clean environment, strong institutions, and welcoming communities, New Zealand delivers an unmatched blend of opportunity and peace of mind.' The report's findings come at a time when New Zealand's reputation as a peaceful and prosperous nation is driving increased demand for its Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program, which Greener Pastures New Zealand facilitates. The program offers a streamlined path to residency for eligible investors, many of whom are now choosing New Zealand in response to growing geopolitical fragmentation abroad. The Global Peace and Liveability rankings also reinforce New Zealand's broader quality-of-life advantages. The country ranks above the OECD average in education, healthcare, and environmental quality, and outperforms dozens of nations that once dominated global rankings; including the U.S. (now ranked 128th) and the U.K. (30th). 'At Greener Pastures, we're seeing a significant increase in inquiries from individuals and families who want more than just an investment. They want a future,' Jones added. 'They're looking for a place with world-class healthcare, smart governance, a deep connection to nature, and an environment where their families can thrive. That's exactly what New Zealand offers.' For more information on Greener Pastures New Zealand, please visit About Greener Pastures New Zealand Greener Pastures New Zealand is a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. As a subsidiary of Origin Capital Partners, the firm provides tailored investment products and lifestyle transition support, ensuring a smooth relocation process for high-net-worth investors. Its government-approved Diversified Fund meets AIP visa criteria, while its tailored lifestyle services ensure a smooth transition, from real estate and education to local expertise. Led by Managing Director Dominic Jones and Board Chairman Simon Botherway, Greener Pastures helps global investors build secure, sustainable futures in one of the world's most desirable destinations. Learn more at
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
10 least peaceful African countries in 2025, according to latest ranking
Sudan ranks as the least peaceful country in Africa and the third least peaceful globally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the average peacefulness also declined by 0.17% over the past year. Business Insider Africa presents the 10 least peaceful African countries in 2025, according to latest ranking. The list is courtesy of Global Peace Index. Sudan ranks as the least peaceful country in Africa and the third least peaceful globally. The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) reveals that the world has become less peaceful for the 13th time in the past 17 years, with the average level of global peacefulness declining by 0.36% over the last year. This marks the sixth consecutive year of deteriorating global peace. Although global attention has largely centred on the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the conflict remains widespread. 78 countries saw a decline in peacefulness between the 2024 and 2025 editions of the GPI. A key contributor to this trend was a rise in external conflicts, with 46 countries experiencing more such conflicts than in the previous year. The Militarisation domain also worsened, with 86 countries recording deteriorations. Notably, global military spending rose, with average military expenditure as a percentage of GDP reaching its highest level since 2010, increasing by 2.5% over the past year. This marks a reversal from a decade-long trend of decreasing militarisation, driven by rising geopolitical tensions and escalating conflicts. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains the least peaceful in the world for the tenth straight year, recording a slight decline in peacefulness of 0.17%. Four of the ten least peaceful countries globally are located in this region. Sudan ranks as the least peaceful country in MENA and the third least peaceful globally, following a 0.54% decline in its peace score. This deterioration was largely due to worsening conditions in indicators such as nuclear and heavy weapons, displaced populations, and internal conflicts. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the average peacefulness also declined by 0.17% over the past year. While half of the countries in the region showed improvements, the other half experienced setbacks. The region is home to three of the world's ten least peaceful countries, showing persistent challenges to stability. Below are the 10 least peaceful African countries in 2025, according to latest ranking: Rank Country Score Global rank 1 Sudan 3.323 161st 2 Democratic Republic of the Congo 3.292 160th 3 South Sudan 3.117 156th 4 Mali 3.061 154th 5 Burkina Faso 3.016 152nd 6 Somalia 2.983 151st 7 Central African Republic 2.912 150th 8 Nigeria 2.869 148th 9 Niger 2.759 143rd 10 Ethiopia 2.688 138th
France 24
4 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Crackdown on Kenya's Gen Z revolt
Africa 14:58 The Gen Z uprising against police brutality in Kenya has already resulted in numerous fatalities. As protests erupted across the country on Wednesday, police responded to the marches with teargas and live fire. The latest demonstrations marked the first anniversary of last year's protests against tax hikes, which left dozens of people dead. Also in the programme, the 2025 Global Peace Index reveals the world is becoming less peaceful. Sub-Saharan Africa stands at the epicentre of that decline. From Sudan to the Sahel: more conflicts, more militarisation, and fewer resources for peacebuilding. One of the report's co-authors joins us to explore what's behind this trend, and what can be done to reverse it.
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business Insider
The 10 most peaceful countries in the world, ranked
Amid global and domestic tensions, some Americans are looking to move abroad. For summer travelers, current tensions also might put pressure on travel plans. These 10 countries are ranked as the most peaceful by the Global Peace Index. Amid international conflicts and domestic tensions, the US might not feel like the safest place to live right now. That's not totally off base: The US is ranked the 128th most peaceful country in the world — behind nations including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and India — by the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), which considers factors like societal safety and security, ongoing conflicts, and country militarization. Some Americans have even considered moving overseas, due to factors including crime rates, work-life balance, cost of living, and parenting values. A Gallup poll released in October 2024 showed that 21% of polled Americans expressed a desire to move abroad, up from 17% in 2023 and 10% in 2011. However, Gallup also found the US was the most desired destination for citizens from other countries to move to. In recent days, international peace has gained new importance for those looking to travel or move abroad. After the US strikes on Iran 's nuclear sites, the National Terrorism Advisory System issued a bulletin warning of a "heightened threat environment in the United States." While a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been declared, it remains to be seen if it will hold. Here are the 10 most peaceful countries in the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index. 10. Finland Finland was ranked as the third most peaceful country on the societal safety and security domain of the GPI, which looks at homicide rates, political terror, and violent demonstrations, and perceptions of criminality. As well as being one of the 10 most peaceful places in the world, the country has also consistently been ranked as the happiest country in the world, attracting expats looking for a higher quality of life. 9. Slovenia Slovenia, first lady Melania Trump 's home country, ranked as the sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI militarization domain, which looks at factors like military expenditure and weapons exports. The country is often categorized as a hidden gem in Europe for travelers, thanks to its beautiful landscapes. 8. Denmark Denmark is ranked as the world's sixth most peaceful country based on the GPI societal safety and security domain. However, the country did see a relative deterioration in its militarization ranking as it increased its military spending, where it falls near nations like Libya and Trinidad and Tobago. It has been ranked as the country with the best quality of life in the world, which looks at factors like cost of living, job markets, and quality of healthcare. 7. Portugal For Americans looking to move abroad, Portugal has emerged as a recent favorite. A survey of over 116,000 Americans who were interested in moving abroad in 2024 showed the country as the most requested destination, according to Expatsi, a website with resources for Americans looking to relocate. The country was ranked the second most peaceful in the world based on the GPI militarization domain. 6. Singapore Singapore, which was ranked as the second-safest country in the Asia-Pacific region on the GPI ranking, is another popular destination for American expats, including those looking for entrepreneur economies like that of Silicon Valley. The country was ranked in the top five in the societal safety and security and ongoing conflicts domains of the GPI. 5. Switzerland Housing Geneva, the global "Peace Capital," Switzerland ranked in the top 10 most peaceful cities in the ongoing conflicts and societal safety and security GPI domains. 4. Austria Austria has stayed in the top most peaceful countries since the GPI began measuring global peace in 2008. Vienna, Austria's capital, has been ranked as the world's most livable city and one of the best destinations for expats to move. 3. New Zealand 2. Ireland 1. Iceland
