Produced annually by the Australian-headquartered Institute for Economics & Peace in collaboration with experts from the Economist Intelligence Unit, the study measures national peacefulness across 163 independent states and territories.

Now in its 20th edition since its launch in 2007, the index evaluates each nation using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped into three primary domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarisation. Indicators range from homicide rates, violent crime, and the intensity of internal conflicts to political instability, military expenditure, nuclear capability, and relations with neighbouring countries.

Each category is assigned a score on a scale from one to five, with lower aggregate scores reflecting a higher degree of overall peacefulness.

In the 2026 report, Hungary achieved an overall composite score of 1.538.

Readers interested in examining the complete data breakdown for individual metrics — including arms exports, political terror scales, and regional diplomatic relations — can access interactive profiles directly via the Vision of Humanity website.

Global Trends Point to Rising Conflict

While Hungary climbed in the global standings compared to the previous year — surpassing nations such as the Netherlands, Latvia, and Australia — its position reflects a complex international landscape.

Global peacefulness has deteriorated for the 12th consecutive year, with 99 countries recording a worsening of conditions over the past twelve months while only 62 showed improvements.

In fact, Hungary's individual composite score was slightly lower than in the prior edition, a pattern seen even among top-ranked nations such as Iceland.

Researchers highlight that conflict driver metrics have reached notable levels worldwide, with 61 active interstate and state-based conflicts recorded — the highest figure documented since the end of the Second World War.

European Nations Lead Top Rankings

Iceland maintains its position at the peak of the rankings, a standing it has held continuously for nearly two decades.

The upper tier of the index remains heavily concentrated with European nations, with New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland rounding out the top five positions.

Japan entered the top ten this year, replacing Canada alongside other high-performing countries such as Austria, Portugal, Singapore, and Finland.

As one of the most widely cited benchmarks for geopolitical security, the Global Peace Index focuses strictly on negative peace — defined as the absence of violence or the fear of violence.

The methodology intentionally isolates security parameters, societal safety, and militarisation levels without evaluating broader socio-economic development, living standards, or general quality of life.

This breakdown of global peace trends provides clear insights into current geopolitical safety metrics.

More: 
Overview of the 2026 Global Peace Index
 

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