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(((stereofect)))
Joined: 09/02/01
Location: Ontario, Canada
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Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 5:54 AM
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According to the new Global Peace Index (GPI)
1 Norway
2 New Zealand
3 Denmark
4 Ireland
5 Japan
6 Finland
7 Sweden
8 Canada
9 Portugal
10 Austria
The first study to rank countries around the world according to their peacefulness and the drivers that create and sustain their peace has been released (May 30th, 2007). The Global Peace Index studied 121 countries from Algeria to Zimbabwe.
The Economist Intelligence Unit measured countries' peacefulness based on wide range of indicators - 24 in all - including ease of access to "weapons of minor destruction" (guns, small explosives), military expenditure, local corruption, and the level of respect for human rights.
The Index is the brainchild of Australian IT entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Killelea. "The objective of the Global Peace Index was to go beyond a crude measure of wars by systematically exploring the texture of peace,"explained Global Peace Index President, Mr. Clyde McConaghy, speaking in Washington. "The Index provides a quantitative measure of peacefulness that is comparable over time, and we hope it will inspire and influence world leaders and governments to further action."
The Index has already won the support of an influential and distinguished group of supporters, many of whom are dedicated to promoting global peace, including former U.S. President James Carter, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir Richard Branson and Harriet Fulbright of the
Fulbright Centre.
"This Index stands to broaden our very definition of what peace is, as well as how to achieve it," said Fulbright. "Peace isn't just the absence of war; it's the absence of violence." "Countries need to become more peaceful to solve the major challenges that the world faces - from climate change to overpopulation and sustainability," said Mr. McConaghy. "We hope that the findings of the Global Peace Index will act as a catalyst for increased funding to study peace and for governments and industry to take policy action," he added.
121 GPI rankings
Countries most at peace ranked first
Rank Country Score
1 Norway 1.357
2 New Zealand 1.363
3 Denmark 1.377
4 Ireland 1.396
5 Japan 1.413
6 Finland 1.447
7 Sweden 1.478
8 Canada 1.481
9 Portugal 1.481
10 Austria 1.483
11 Belgium 1.498
12 Germany 1.523
13 Czech Republic 1.524
14 Switzerland 1.526
15 Slovenia 1.539
16 Chile 1.568
17 Slovakia 1.571
18 Hungary 1.575
19 Bhutan 1.611
20 Netherlands 1.620
21 Spain 1.633
22 Oman 1.641
23 Hong Kong 1.657
24 Uruguay 1.661
25 Australia 1.664
26 Romania 1.682
27 Poland 1.683
28 Estonia 1.684
29 Singapore 1.692
30 Qatar 1.702
31 Costa Rica 1.702
32 South Korea 1.719
33 Italy 1.724
34 France 1.729
35 Vietnam 1.729
36 Taiwan 1.731
37 Malaysia 1.744
38 United Arab Emirates 1.747
39 Tunisia 1.762
40 Ghana 1.765
41 Madagascar 1.766
42 Botswana 1.786
43 Lithuania 1.788
44 Greece 1.791
45 Panama 1.798
46 Kuwait 1.818
47 Latvia 1.848
48 Morocco 1.893
49 United Kingdom 1.898
50 Mozambique 1.909
51 Cyprus 1.915
52 Argentina 1.923
53 Zambia 1.930
54 Bulgaria 1.936
55 Paraguay 1.946
56 Gabon 1.952
57 Tanzania 1.966
58 Libya 1.967
59 Cuba 1.968
60 China 1.980
61 Kazakhstan 1.995
62 Bahrain 1.995
63 Jordan 1.997
64 Namibia 2.003
65 Senegal 2.017
66 Nicaragua 2.020
67 Croatia 2.030
68 Malawi 2.038
69 Bolivia 2.052
70 Peru 2.056
71 Equatorial Guinea 2.059
72 Moldova 2.059
73 Egypt 2.068
74 Dominican Republic 2.071
75 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.089
76 Cameroon 2.093
77 Syria 2.106
78 Indonesia 2.111
79 Mexico 2.125
80 Ukraine 2.150
81 Jamaica 2.164
82 Macedonia 2.170
83 Brazil 2.173
84 Serbia 2.181
85 Cambodia 2.197
86 Bangladesh 2.219
87 Ecuador 2.219
88 Papua New Guinea 2.223
89 El Salvador 2.244
90 Saudi Arabia 2.246
91 Kenya 2.258
92 Turkey 2.272
93 Guatemala 2.285
94 Trinidad and Tobago 2.286
95 Yemen 2.309
96 United States of America 2.317
97 Iran 2.320
98 Honduras 2.390
99 South Africa 2.399
100 Philippines 2.428
101 Azerbaijan 2.448
102 Venezuela 2.453
103 Ethiopia 2.479
104 Uganda 2.489
105 Thailand 2.491
106 Zimbabwe 2.495
107 Algeria 2.503
108 Myanmar 2.524
109 India 2.530
110 Uzbekistan 2.542
111 Sri Lanka 2.575
112 Angola 2.587
113 Cote d'Ivoire 2.638
114 Lebanon 2.662
115 Pakistan 2.697
116 Colombia 2.770
117 Nigeria 2.898
118 Russia 2.903
119 Israel 3.033
120 Sudan 3.182
121 Iraq 3.437
It's interesting to note that one of the most significant factors of "peace" has been left out of the equation. That being "freedom". For instance; A cow lives most of its life in peace. No worries, plenty of food, a scenic environment -- until the day it is taken to the slaughter house. Is that the essence of peace? Hardly.
North Korea (curiously excluded from the GPI assessment of countries) is arguably the world's most peaceful country, with few public protests, little crime that we know of, a docile and orderly population. But no freedom. Without the appearance of freedom, or the belief of people that they are free (even if they aren't), "peace" means little.
Before accepting the Economist-sponsored criteria of "peace", I'd advise a look at research done by Freedom House, an organization based in New York which, since 1972, has been publishing annual comparative assessments of political rights and civil liberties in 192 countries and 14 related or disputed territories (Chechnya, Tibet, Kosovo, Kashmir, etc.).
Freedom House is the world's most authentic and respected barometer of human rights and freedom. It divides the world into three categories: Free countries, Partly Free, Not Free.
Interestingly, compared to 25 years ago, Free countries have more than doubled from 42 to 90. Partly Free countries have increased from 49 to 58, while the number of Not Free countries (repressive dictatorships) have declined from 68 to 45. By any realistic standards, that indicates progress -- though you'd never know it by some media accounts today. The world's freest countries, both in political rights and civil liberties, include Canada (of course), and the U.S. -- which the GPI considers less "peaceful" than countries like Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Mexico, Bosnia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, China, and Zambia, to mention a few.
Of course, Norway, New Zealand and Denmark, which top the GPI's Peace list, are also on Freedom House's list of free countries. Where the difference between peace and freedom is acute (and absurd) is when repressive regimes like China, Algeria, Libya, Syria, Egypt, Zambia and Vietnam, are among those considered more "peaceful" than the U.S. Something is out of kilter -- and it's neither Freedom House nor America. By Freedom House's standards, roughly 3 billion of the world's population (46%) live in freedom, with 1 billion partly free (17%), and 2.5 billion (37%) living in chains (figuratively speaking) under various degrees of tyranny -- albeit probably in peace if they don't say what they think, don't protest, and obey rules that often mean death if violated. China, for example, executes three to four times as many citizens per year as the U.S. has executed since the death penalty was restored 25 years ago.
I think the true barometer of countries desirable to live in for comfort, security, peace, well-being, or whatever, are refugees. Perhaps they are the most accurate assessors of what is important in life. Refugees, or immigrants, cannot afford to make mistakes. They have nowhere to go, and their choice often determines their fate. The overwhelming choice of the world's refugees for the country they yearn for as a sanctuary is -- always has been -- the United States. We hear much these days about how resented and friendless the U.S. is, how the world hates America. Tell that to the innumerable millions who would move to America if they could. How many seek to go Norway, the world's most peaceful country? Oh, sorry. Norway doesn't want refugees. Take China. The only refugees seeking to enter China are North Koreans -- who are returned to North Korea and prison if they are caught.
A Hobson's choice. According to Freedom House, by its assessment, in the Western Hemisphere -- that is, North and South America -- there is only one country that is Not Free and is an abuser of political rights and civil liberties: Cuba.
Free countries number 25 (71%) of the Western Hemisphere's population. Western Europe is the freest area of the world, with 24 countries (96% of the population) living in freedom. Only one county is Partly Free -- Albania, once the most repressive communist regime of Europe.
Europe also rates as the Global Peace Index's most peaceful region.
So... In the future I'm sure we're going to hear a lot more about the Global Peace Index. Perhaps it will modify its criteria more realistically. Right now it includes military spending, arms sales, crime and prison statistics, human rights, corruption, soldiers killed overseas, relations with neighbouring countries, domestic distrust, etc., in its evaluations of "peace".
And remember...
Those who value peace above all else should realize the grave is peaceful, as is surrender. But it isn't freedom and doesn't guarantee security.
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.” Albert Einstein
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Brillman
Joined: 10/08/02
Location: Norway
Posts: 136
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 6:29 AM
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Thanks for the info: Proud to say i have lived in 2 of those countries; Norway & Sweden who are of course neighbouring countries. 
Surprising difference between Canada & the USA, it would seem that there is indeed some truth to what Michael Moore was saying in his film "Bowling in Colombine"? Canada is nr.8 and USA are close to the nr. 100 spot!! 
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Brillman
Joined: 10/08/02
Location: Norway
Posts: 136
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 5:53 AM
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I suggest checking this link before making any assumptions or analysis of their definition of peace, though you may have already seen it and still argue against the idea that USA scores lower regarding peace than say Vietnam.
http://www.visionofhumanity.com/GPI_Indicators/index.php
I would say poverty, crime and war (including military spending) seem to have an effect on that list and a country's ranking. I agree with the fact that the really rich and peaceful top 3 probably do not take enough refugees or political asylums into their countries but i'm wondering on the statistics in percentage of populations, i.e. if the population of the US is nearing 300 million citizens then a 1% immigrant rate would allow for 3 million people to come to the United States whereas (and this is no defence for Norway) 1% of Norway's 4,5 million population would only "allow" for 45 000 immigrants/refugees.
This is just an example and i haven't checked the real figures but it's worth having in mind when discussing things like this. 
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LoveCraft's Adjectives
Joined: 08/14/01
Posts: 247
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 4:35 PM
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re: "A cow lives most of its life in peace. No worries, plenty of food, a scenic environment -- until the day it is taken to the slaughter house. Is that the essence of peace?"
imo, given that the definition of "essence" is "the choicest or most essential part; or the central meaning or theme" I'd tend to say that a lifetime of no worries, plenty of food, a scenic environment and the accompanying lack of stress interrupted by a moment of abject terror followed by an eternity of peace is as close, if not closer, to the "essence of peace" than most of us netizens will ever get ;) Discuss?
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(((stereofect)))
Joined: 09/02/01
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1333
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 6:38 PM
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LoveCraft's Adjectives wrote:imo, given that the definition of "essence" is "the choicest or most essential part; or the central meaning or theme" I'd tend to say that a lifetime of no worries, plenty of food, a scenic environment and the accompanying lack of stress interrupted by a moment of abject terror followed by an eternity of peace is as close, if not closer, to the "essence of peace" than most of us netizens will ever get
As long as that "eternity of peace" doesn't include death--as in the case of the cow--I'll agree.
I've personally experienced the "moment of abject terror" thing and I must say I prefer the "lifetime of no worries, plenty of food, a scenic environment and the accompanying lack of stress" without the moment of abject terror part. I'm quite certain that's what most people who come from a world of hate would prefer too. Prob'ly explains their desire to wanna move to a country where they sing about "the land of the free" in the national anthem.
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.” Albert Einstein
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LoveCraft's Adjectives
Joined: 08/14/01
Posts: 247
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Friday, June 22, 2007 at 5:26 AM
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"I prefer the "lifetime of no worries, plenty of food, a scenic environment and the accompanying lack of stress" without the moment of abject terror part."
Me too! Who wouldn't?
"that's what most people who come from a world of hate would prefer too. "
Me too! but we all come from a world of hate because humans hate. Not cows, tho
". . . as long as the eternity of peace doesn't include death . . ."
Yeah, but it does, in fact it's the definition of it. I think I'd prefer to be a cow, except for the icy cold hands at milkin' time . . .
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Sonic Wallpaper
Joined: 05/22/01
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1266
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Friday, June 22, 2007 at 8:33 AM
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(((stereofect)))
Joined: 09/02/01
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1333
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Friday, June 22, 2007 at 10:05 AM
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LoveCraft's Adjectives wrote:we all come from a world of hate because humans hate
You're right. I hate that...
:razz:
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.” Albert Einstein
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LoveCraft's Adjectives
Joined: 08/14/01
Posts: 247
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Friday, June 22, 2007 at 10:44 AM
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LoveCraft's Adjectives
Joined: 08/14/01
Posts: 247
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RE: Top Ten Most Peaceful Countries In The World
Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 4:58 AM
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