The Global Peace Index brought up a report which ranks each nation in terms of "peacefullness". It took in consideration factors as a nation's relations with its neighbors, arm sales, troop organization, respect for human rights and number of homicides per 100,000 people. It is the second year when the index was conducted and it rates 140 countries.

Iceland, which is unarmed and has the lowest rate of citizens in prison of all the countries surveyed, came top ahead of Denmark and Norway. On the bottom of the list were Iraq, Somalia, Sudan and Afghanistan. Great Britain is the 49th, supposedly because its recent activities in Afghanistan and Iraq, together with its potential for terrorist attacks. United States occupies the 97th position.

Sixteen of the top 20 most peaceful nations are European, with Germany ranked 14th and France at 36th.

Analyzing the index, specialists said a benefic change is visible in comparison to last year’s list. Most of the countries surveyed are having better indicators. And despite the fact that some areas are still under the influence of conflicts, the world as a whole is more peaceful this year. Among countries with the most remarkable improvement are Angola, Indonesia and India.

"This is encouraging, but it takes small steps by individual countries for the world to make greater strides on the road to peace," said Steve Killelea, as cited by telegraph.co.uk

The index has won the support of prestigious people, like Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Joseph Stiglitz and Professor Muhammad Yunus as well as supporters from the world of business including Sir Richard Branson and Sir Mark Moody Stuart. Author: Andra Griffin
Source: eNews 2.0
Released: 22 May 2008