"The descendants of Vikings continue to be extremely chill" - Internet reacts to Iceland being ranked the world’s most peaceful country in 2025

Iceland has been ranked as the world's most peaceful country in the 2025 Global Peace Index. The index is designed to rank the safest countries to live in the world.

According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, published on September 1, Iceland is the most peaceful and safest country to reside in. The country secured the first rank in the index. The GPI ranks 163 nations, considering 23 different parameters, including terrorism, crime rates, homicides, external-internal conflicts, and others.

Fans took to X to react to Iceland ranking first in the Global Peace Index. One user quipped about it being the land of the Vikings, who are known to be associated with wars and violence.

They wrote:

"The descendants of Vikings continue to be extremely chill."

james

@midnightbobarun

@Dexerto The descendants of Vikings continue to be extremely chill

Other netizens also shared their thoughts on the Global Peace Index:

Debayo 🌱

@debayo_xx

@Dexerto what’s their secret recipe for peace and can we steal it

Juwon | Thumbnail designer

@ThelearnerX

@Dexerto How do they achieve this, every country needs to learn

Marco Kelly

@MarcoKelly_23

@Dexerto Many factors contribute to a nation's stability and peacefulness, such as economic equality, social cohesion, political stability, and a strong rule of law

Some reactions joked about the possible reasons for Iceland reaching the top of the GPI:

Haleemah (❖,❖)

@Haleeeemahh

@Dexerto Of course Iceland is peaceful… there’s more sheep than people

agatha 💤

@Kutaa__Kala

@Dexerto It's obvious because they are in the middle of the ocean.. Who would they be arguing with? 🙄🙄🙄

dudu

@dudu_bitcoin

@Dexerto Took them a couple centuries but these guys went from peak viking terror to blondes gazing at dancing lights

Iceland's perfect standing in the Global Peace Index is due to its very low crime rate and near absence of military conflict. The index also noted that it is one of the safest countries at night, with streets that can be walked even during dark hours.

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Global Peace Index 2025: Iceland is followed by Ireland, New Zealand, and other countries

Christmas Village In Akureyri, Iceland. (Image via Getty)

The top ten safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), are led by Iceland. The Nordic island nation is followed by Ireland in the second place and New Zealand in the third. Ireland is considered one of the safest nations in Europe, while New Zealand is known for its political stability and isolated location, which keeps it largely free from conflict.

The fourth and fifth positions in the list include Austria and Switzerland, both European countries. Singapore ranked sixth, marking the only Asian country in the list. The remaining four countries to make it to the top ten of the Global Peace Index are Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland.

For those unaware, the Global Peace Index is published by the Institute for Economics and Peace. It has made it to the top of the list as one of the safest countries in the world for the 18th consecutive year. The land of the Vikings showed a 2% improvement in the overall peacefulness and safety index. The only factor that showed deterioration was its military expenditure.

Speaking of the reason behind the country's ranking, the GPI explained in its official report:

"The key to building peacefulness in times of conflict and uncertainty is Positive Peace: the attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies. Positive Peace is strongly correlated with higher GDP growth, lower interest rates, societal wellbeing and more resilience to shocks."

Apart from its first position in the Global Peace Index, the Land of Fire and Ice has also ranked third in the World Happiness Report, which lists the happiest countries in the world.

According to a report by the BBC, on April 12, 2025, multiple factors contribute to Iceland's peaceful atmosphere. This includes a low crime rate, a stable government, strong social support, freedom, generosity, progressive policies, and its stunning natural landscapes.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal, dated April 27, 2025, it is also the only North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member without a standing military force.

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Moreover, the country is also known for its scenic landscapes and beautiful weather. As noted by the BBC, children are reportedly safe, and outdoor play is encouraged from an early age. Overall, the isolated location of the country, lack of military involvement, and low crime rate make it one of the safest countries in the world.