Map courtesy of Vision of Humanity / Feature photo: woordenaar
Some recent events have lowered Iceland’s peaceful ranking. New Zealand is there to slip into top spot.
It’s nice to know that amongst the crime, corruption, and political dissent in today’s world we can rely on some places to go where we can feel relatively safe. The Global Peace Index 2009 has found New Zealand to be the most peaceful nation on the planet, usurping Iceland for top spot.
The GPI, however, doesn’t paint a rosy picture overall. As Vision of Humanity states, the results suggest that the world has become slightly less peaceful in the past year. This could be due to increased conflict in some areas and rising food and fuel costs globally. Rising unemployment, falling housing prices, and lack of savings are also contributors.
Photo: kjohn493
New Zealand: A diamond in the rough
The Kiwis have got it good, according to the GPI. Ranked 3rd in last year’s index, it made the move to number one due partly to greater political stability combined with Iceland’s fall (which is attributed to some violent demonstrations and perceived criminality in the wake of a large banking collapse).
Other factors that play in NZ’s favour are the low homicide rate, high level of respect for human rights, and harmonious relationships with neighbouring countries (i.e. Australia). As far as the military goes, New Zealand also scores points for how little it spends on the military (George Dubbya would have problems with this concept) and also its low numbers in exports of conventional weapons.
Not just lush valleys and snowy peaks
As if New Zealand didn’t already offer enough reasons to visit or relocate there, the GPI this year is another notch in the belt. Now you can bungee jump, swim with dolphins, wind surf, snowboard, explore caves, visit volcanoes, tour wineries, kayak, walk the Milford Track, and watch wildlife — all in peace.
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Matador cares about your safety when abroad. Here are some articles we’ve published in the past that might come in handy the next time you hit the road:
7 Must-Know Personal Safety Tips For Solo Women Travelers
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11 Comments... join the discussion!
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Great find, Carlo. The Peace Index listings are quite interesting.
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I wanted to point out the misleading nature of the ‘Global Peace Index’ map at the header of this article, if armed conflict is the primary factor being considered here.
To take a few examples: Turkey has an ongoing stalemate with insurgents coming from Kurdish Iraq, in a small area on the south-east border of the country. Russia’s recent conflict with Georgia is limited to a tiny patch of land delimited by the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the Greater and the Lesser Caucasus mountains. Africa’s largest nation Sudan’s security woes are concentrated in the south-west of the country in the much-reported Darfur region.
But with these nations painted red in their entirety (look at the vast, war-torn Russia!), it’s a poor generalization, and one which invites misinterpretation. Having visited all of these areas in the last 12 months I can report that a lack of ‘peace’ is not an issue.
It would be far more accurate and informative to do away with the abstract borders and paint the map as it is in reality…
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Excellent points, Tom. Not to mention that many of the factors probably have little effect on travelers in the countries. I was surprised to see Thailand get such a low rating, being so popular with tourists.
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Thanks Tom – I’m not sure if the “main” factor is armed conflict. There are 23 factors involved in the scoring. But I see your point. It’s easy to misinterpret when you apply an issue to the whole country when in reality it’s only happening in one small area. I was also just in Russia and can report that it’s quite safe to travel there (although many locals don’t see it that way). However, it is more than just conflict. There is still a lot of police corruption and violence among the population, not to mention high level of alcohol abuse. There is a reason the avg life span of a man is around 60.
Anyway, like with all indexes, they must be taken with a grain of salt, but it gives a good general overview of the situation. To learn more about the GPI and how the scoring works, visit http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi/about-gpi/overview.php.
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If you’re going to New Zealand, be sure to pack your fly rod.
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I live in good ole NZ and I have to say it is one of THE most beautiful places in the world!
I would reccomend driving from Christchurch down through the McKenzie country through to Queenstown and further south to Fiordland. Scenery is stunning!!!
Highly reccomend it!!↵ -
Has anybody had the pleasure of spending time in The Bay of Islands? I lived there for many years and it has some amazing beaches, great diving and spear-fishing and amazing weather in summer. For those that like trek’s try walking to Cape Brett light house. Stay the night in the DOC hut which is and experience in its self. Watch the killer whales swimming by then walk back! Amazing…
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I spent a year living in NZ. I must say, worlds best kept secret. I’m secretly giving up everything and moving there.
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Seig Hell
Smilesz Lovesz Peace =][=
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Leishur+Jess Are tha best
Abroringal (Jess) Maori(Leshur)New Zealand Is The Best Place In The World I Love It
. Taupo,Te Toke + Rotorau Yeahrr Broooo. !=]
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