Afghanistan Ranked Among World’s Least Peaceful Countries in 2026 Global Peace Index

Afghanistan Ranked Among World’s Least Peaceful Countries in 2026 Global Peace Index
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Afghanistan remains among the world’s least peaceful countries, while Iceland again leads the global ranking for peace and stability.

Afghanistan has been ranked the seventh least peaceful country in the 2026 Global Peace Index, according to a report by 8am Daily citing the latest assessment.

The Global Peace Index reviews peace and security conditions across 163 countries and territories, using indicators related to social safety, domestic and international conflict, political instability and militarisation.

According to the report, Afghanistan remains among the lowest-ranked countries despite moving slightly away from the bottom of the table compared with previous years. The ranking placed South Sudan, Israel, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Russia below Afghanistan, identifying them as countries with worse peace and security conditions.

The findings reflect Afghanistan’s continued challenges, including political isolation, economic hardship, human rights restrictions, militant attacks and the effects of decades of conflict. Although large-scale fighting has declined since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, insecurity and humanitarian pressures remain serious concerns.

At the other end of the index, Iceland was ranked the world’s most peaceful country, continuing its long-standing position near the top of global peace rankings. New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia and Ireland completed the top five.

Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland and Japan were also listed among the ten most peaceful countries in the 2026 index, reflecting strong performance in public safety, political stability, low levels of conflict and relatively limited militarisation.

The latest index comes amid a broader decline in global peacefulness, with wars, political instability and rising military spending contributing to worsening conditions in many regions.