The 5 Countries Most Improved in Peacefulness in 2025

Among 74 countries that recorded improvements in their GPI 2025 score, five stood out with the most significant gains, including in areas of reduced levels of conflict, strengthened political stability, and renewed international cooperation. For some, peace was bolstered by economic stabilisation, security sector reform, or post-conflict reconciliation efforts. 

Here’s a look at the 5 countries with largest improvement in peacefulness in 2025:

5. The Gambia

Improvement in GPI scores: 0.097 | Change in Rank: 16↑

The Gambia (55th)  is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa with a perfect score of 1 on the Political Terror Scale, which indicates a secure rule of law, with political violence rare. However, despite strong economic growth, averaging over five per cent for the last three years, political instability deteriorated over the past year, largely a result of civil unrest fuelled by discontent over poverty, mismanagement and rising living costs.  

4. Peru

Improvement in GPI score: 0.099 | Change in Rank: 14↑

Peru’s biggest gains were in the Ongoing Conflict domain, which improved by over 15 per cent. While Militarisation deteriorated slightly, a decline in violent demonstrations and stronger governance helped stabilise the country. These changes followed economic recovery and a reduction in political unrest following contentious presidential transitions in prior years. 

3. Uganda

Improvement in GPI scores: 0.105 | Change in Rank: 12↑

Uganda improved by 4.5 per cent, rising 12 places in the rankings to 113th. While all three GPI domains improved, with Militarisation and Ongoing Conflict recording the largest improvements, Uganda still faces many challenges in the security and conflict spheres. 

2. Saudi Arabia 

Improvement in GPI score: 0.113 | Change in Rank: 14↑

Saudi Arabia improved across all three GPI domains in 2025, driven by better diplomatic relations and a complete reduction in internal conflict deaths. Political stability was boosted by the ongoing Vision 2030 reforms and the restoration of diplomatic ties with Iran and Lebanon. These positive shifts helped to ease regional tensions and boost peacefulness indicators, particularly in Safety and Security. 

1. Azerbaijan

Improvement in GPI score: 0.123 | Change in Rank: 17↑

Azerbaijan recorded the largest improvement in peacefulness in 2025, rising from 113th to 95th place. The most significant gains occurred in the Ongoing Conflict domain, particularly due to a 100 per cent reduction in both internal and external conflict deaths. These improvements followed the cessation of active hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Safety and Security indicators also improved, although Militarisation scores worsened slightly. 

Download and read the 2025 Global Peace Index Report and view the Global Peace Index interactive map. To know more about how peace can be sustained in societies, read the 2024 Positive Peace Report (PPR).

See our analysis of the Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries in the GPI 2025.