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The World’s Most Peaceful Country in 2025: Iceland Tops the Global Peace Index

September 2, 2025
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Militarisation
/ˌmɪlɪtərɪˈzeɪʃən/
The process of building up a country’s military strength or influence.
- Iceland’s strong societal trust contributes to its peaceful environment.
Societal
/səˈsaɪətəl/
Relating to society or social relations.
- Iceland’s strong societal trust contributes to its peaceful environment.
Deterioration
/dɪˌtɪəriəˈreɪʃən/
The process of becoming progressively worse.
- The 2025 GPI reports a general deterioration in global peacefulness compared to previous years.
Neutrality
/njuːˈtrælɪti/
The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement.
- Countries like Ireland and Austria benefit from neutrality, helping them stay out of international conflicts.
Exercise 2
News Article
Direction: Read the pulse aloud or with your teacher.
The World’s Most Peaceful Country in 2025: Iceland Tops the Global Peace Index
Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world in 2025, as shown by the Global Peace Index.
The nation’s ranking is strengthened by its low crime levels, a high degree of societal trust, and remarkably low militarisation. Unlike other countries, Iceland’s law enforcement traditionally does not carry firearms, illustrating how a minimal militarisation strategy can support everyday peace.
Despite increasing global tension, peace levels overall have deteriorated this year. Many countries around the world are experiencing growing conflicts, leading to a lower global peace score.
In contrast, countries such as Ireland and Austria maintain high rankings due to their long-standing policies of neutrality and robust welfare systems, both of which foster trust and minimize involvement in conflict.
New Zealand has climbed into the top three, largely because of stricter gun laws and a drop in terrorism-related incidents. Meanwhile, other European nations like Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland also remain among the most tranquil places, benefiting from stability, low crime, and high quality of life.
Iceland’s strong societal cohesion and lack of armed threats continue to set it apart as a peaceful example for the world.
The Most Peaceful Countries in 2025 – Top 10!
🔟 Canada – Friendly cities & calm nature 🇨🇦
9️⃣ Slovenia – Quiet and beautiful 🇸🇮
8️⃣ Portugal – Safe streets & sunny vibes 🇵🇹
7️⃣ Finland – Low crime, high trust 🇫🇮
6️⃣ Switzerland – Mountains + peace 🇨🇭
5️⃣ Denmark – Happy and safe 🇩🇰
4️⃣ Austria – Neutral & calm 🇦🇹
3️⃣ Ireland – Peaceful and friendly 🇮🇪
2️⃣ New Zealand – Safe & serene 🇳🇿
1️⃣ Iceland – 18 years at #1! 🏔️
Exercise 3
Discussion
Share your opinions with your tutor
1. Do you think your country is peaceful? Why or why not?
2. What makes a country peaceful — good laws, good leaders, or good people?
3. Would you like to visit Iceland? Why?
4. Do you feel safe walking alone at night in your city?
5. How can governments help people live in peace?
6. Do you think countries should have big armies? Why or why not?
7. What small things can people do every day to make life more peaceful?
8. If you could live in any peaceful country, which one would you choose?


