The Global Peace Index issued its annual report Thursday, and according to its authors, its results reflect the dramatic changes sweeping through the Middle East. Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace and Vision of Humanity, the index noted an overall drop in world peace – for the third consecutive year.
The report also highlights what it defined as “a continuing threat of terrorism.” Global Peace Index data indicated that 29 countries are now under bigger threat of terror, and 33 countries found themselves prone to violent riots over the past year.
The Global Peace Index crowned Iceland the world’s most peaceful country, while the dubious honor of being named the world’s most violent and chaotic country went to Somalia – which ranked at the bottom of the list – 153.
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New Zealand ranked second and Japan third. Denmark, Czech Republic, Austria, Finland, Canada, Norway and Slovenia rounded up the top 10, respectively. Israel did not fare so well and was ranked 145 – above Pakistan and Russia, but below Libya and Chad. Israel was ranked 144 in the 2010 GPI, and 119 in 2007. Israel’s neighbors are apparently safer: Jordan was ranked 74, Syria came in at the 116th place, and Lebanon ranked 137. For the sake of comparison, a recent Gallup Happiness Index, ranked Isra…
