A recent ranking of the most peaceful country reveals that the countries in this list still ranks at the top. This is based on the 2023 Global Peace Index. How they measured the ranking is based on multiple criteria. The main ones are social safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarization. While majority of the countries in the world have shown improvement, there are still some that are showing decline.
Having a peaceful country have a significant effect on the tourism of that country. This tends to invite people for visits, investments and even concerts. Which then increase the GPD or economic growth of that country. Peaceful countries also tend to be predictable in terms of stability, which investors thoroughly evaluate.
Aside from the positive points of having a peaceful country. We are here to mention another reason for visiting these countries.
Iceland
Iceland, an island, located in the west of Great Britain and Norway, and east of Greenland. Having a land area of 103,125 square kilometer and a population of 400 thousand, this makes the country sparsely populated. For reference United Kingdom land area is around 243,610 square kilometer but with a population of 67 million.
Why visit Iceland? Hiking. With a vast amount of mountains, volcanoes (just don’t get too close), geysers, hot springs, and fields. Iceland is a perfect place to roam and have a lot of exercise walking. Majority of the people living here speak English, which makes communicating a lot easier. Just remember to visit the Reykjanes volcano, or see it from a safe distance, as it is a marvelous site. If you also visit from September to April, you might have the chance of gazing upon the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
Denmark
With a size of 43,094 square kilometer, located north of Germany, Denmark is another one of the most peaceful countries in Europe. Just take precaution if you are not used to the cool winters here. It can be 1.5 °C (34.7 °F) in January, but is mild during the summer.
Why visit Denmark? Castles. There are over 400 castles in Denmark, 37 of which is open to the public. Aside from the castles there are also other Unesco World Heritage sites that you can visit. But don’t forget to taste the pastries they have there. From Kanelsnegle, Spandauer, and Terbikes. Shopping on high-class shops and classy department stores in Copenhagen can be excellent gifts.
Ireland
Ireland, being ranked 3rd in the Global Peace Report, is also one of the most happiest nation in the world. Within the top 20 ranks of the happiest places, along with Denmark, Iceland, New Zealand, and Austria. Which is also part of this list.
Why Visit Ireland? Forests. Aside from being known for St Patricks Day and Guiness. Ireland has a vast number of World Heritage Sites. These are the Brú na Bóinne complex, Skellig Michael and the Giant’s Causeway. But what you should not miss is the famous forests that are located throughout Ireland. Walking through woods, you’d also be treated with otherworldly landscape that will be accompanied by plants and wild animals.
New Zealand
New Zealand, located in the Oceania continent, near the Southeast Asian countries, and is the only country in the list that is not in Europe. It’s natural geography being south west of Australia and being an island makes it pretty far to visit. But venturing here is always a worthy experience.
Why New Zealand? Adventure. You might be thinking that it is the same with the previously mentioned countries, you are correct. From hiking the mountains and other places in order to visit all the places used in Lord of the Rings movie. Then whitewater rafting the Shotover River of Queenstown. Not to mention the whale watching or sheep watching, whichever is your favorite animal to gaze upon.
Austria
Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is a federation of several federal states. This includes the state of Vienna, which is the most populous, and Burgenland which is the least populous. As with all the countries in this list, English is widely spoken, but the official language here is German.
Why Visit Austria? Culture. While Austria has castles you can visit too. It is also known for the classical music from Mozart, Strauss, Schubert and others. As such there are various concerts that feature music from these musicians. This is why Vienna is often called the classical music capital of the world. Make sure to visit the Mozart House in Salzburg and check the other museums in Vienna.
