Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus fell nine places in the Global Peace Index 2026 to rank 80th worldwide, marking one of the sharpest declines among European countries in this year’s assessment. The country received a score of 1.967 in the annual ranking compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Annual index findings
The Global Peace Index evaluates 163 countries using indicators including levels of conflict, crime, militarisation, homicides, security conditions and public perceptions of safety.
The latest results showed Cyprus significantly lower than in the previous edition of the ranking.
Global and regional context
The decline came as global peace deteriorated for a twelfth consecutive year, with 99 countries recording weaker performances compared with 2025.
The results also widened the gap between Cyprus and Greece. Greece improved by two places to rank 53rd worldwide with a score of 1.828.
Top-ranked countries
The report found that countries in the highest positions continue to be characterised by low levels of violence, strong institutions, social stability and a high degree of public trust.
Iceland retained first place for the nineteenth consecutive year and remained the world’s most peaceful country. New Zealand ranked second, followed by Switzerland, Slovenia and Ireland.
Measure of stability
The Global Peace Index is widely used as a measure of security and stability, assessing both domestic and international factors that influence peaceful conditions within states.