The latest edition of the Global Peace Index has revealed that the world is less peaceful today than at any time in the last ten years. The study, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, a non-profit think tank, shows that the score has worsened for 92 countries and improved for 71. Unresolved tensions, conflicts and crises have fuelled global violence, while an increase in political Terror and a reduced commitment to UN peacekeeping also have an impact on global peace. The index measures peace on a five-point scale using three filters. These are security in society, ongoing national or international conflicts and the degree of militarisation in the various countries. This year, Iceland is at the top of the ranking, a position it has held since 2008. New Zealand is in second place, while Austria rounds off the top three. Unsurprisingly Syria is at the bottom of the index, followed by Afghanistan and South Sudan. The United States only comes 121st out of 163 countries in the ranking, its worst score since 2012. You can find more infographics at Statista
