Canada still ranks as one of the top 20 most peaceful countries in the world, according to the newly released 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI)—but we’ve lost some ground compared to last year.

Published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, the GPI evaluates 163 countries annually using 23 indicators like crime rates, conflict levels, and militarization. These data points are used to determine each nation’s overall “state of peace.”

So, Where Does Canada Stand?

In 2024, Canada was ranked 11th with a “very high” peace rating. This year, we’ve slipped to 14th, now sharing the spot with the Netherlands. Despite the drop, our overall peace status is still considered “high”, and we remain far ahead of many global counterparts—especially our neighbours to the south.

For comparison, the U.S. ranked 128th, falling behind countries like Kenya and only slightly ahead of Ecuador.

Why the Slide?

The report attributes Canada’s 5.8% drop in peace levels to a rise in violent crime, including extortion, robbery, and assaults involving weapons. It also notes increased political tension with the U.S. over ongoing trade disputes.

Even so, Canada continues to score highly in key areas like militarization and ongoing conflict, where peaceful conditions remain strong.

Canada in a Global Context

Globally, the 2025 report paints a bleak picture. There are 59 active conflicts worldwide, and 17 countries recorded over 1,000 conflict-related deaths each. The report warns that key warning signs of conflict are higher now than at any time since World War II.

Still, Canada stands tall.

We remain the most peaceful country in North and Central America, ahead of Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. And although we’ve slipped in the rankings, Canada continues to be recognized internationally as a safe, stable, and peaceful place to live.

We may have dropped a few spots, but when it comes to quality of life and peace of mind, Canada still leads the way. Here's hoping we climb back up the list in 2026.