Portugal ranked 6th on the Global Peace Index 2022

10 March 2023

Annually, the Institute for Economics and Peace, a non-profit organisation based in Australia, publishes the Global Peace Index, a comprehensive ranking of the safest and most peaceful countries worldwide. This study includes 163 independent countries and territories, and it measures 23 indicators grouped into three distinct categories: 

  • Militarisation
  • Security and Protection
  • Domestic and International Conflicts.


In addition to ranking the most peaceful and safe countries, the Global Peace Index also assesses the most hazardous countries in the world, based on the various factors that contribute to the overall ranking. According to this analysis, the 20 most peaceful countries in the world, where residents enjoy a high level of safety and security, alternate positions, with Portugal retaining its 6th position for the second year in a row, while Iceland continues to lead the list for more than a decade.

 

Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world

  1. Iceland
  2. New Zealand
  3. Ireland
  4. Denmark
  5. Austria
  6. Portugal
  7. Slovenia
  8. Czech Republic
  9. Singapore
  10. Japan

 

Despite ranking Portugal as the 6th most peaceful country out of the 163 studied, the Institute for Economics and Peace highlights the nation's demographic challenges, noting that "Portugal stands out from most other European countries due to its declining population and its efforts to attract more immigrants."


According to the report, Portugal's population is projected to decrease to 9,877 by 2030 and 8,944,594 by 2050, indicating a demographic challenge that the country must face in the coming years. Nevertheless, the Institute for Economics and Peace still considers Portugal as a peaceful, secure (equivalent to low crime rates), and well-organised nation, outranking other countries such as Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and Norway based on its ability to resolve both domestic and international conflicts.

by Joana Torres Fernandes & Joana Loureiro Veríssimo 29 May 2026
Portugal’s nationality law changed in 2026. Read 30 key FAQs on residence rules, AIMA delays, Golden Visas, citizenship eligibility and legal risks.
by Luís Maria Branco 29 May 2026
Can you travel with an expired Portuguese residence permit? Learn the legal and practical risks involving airlines, Schengen travel and re-entry.
by Danielle Avidago 26 May 2026
Danielle Avidago | Lawyer
by Danielle Avidago 20 May 2026
Saiba como funciona atualmente o regime CPLP em Portugal, os vistos exigidos e o impacto das recentes alterações migratórias.
by Francisca Abrantes 19 May 2026
The legal window to recover overpaid Portuguese real estate capital gains tax closes on 30 June 2026 for many non-resident owners.
by Javier Mateo 14 May 2026
Learn how EU citizens can transition from a CRUE to Portuguese citizenship. Discover the 5-year residency rules, language requirements, and upcoming law changes.
by Joana Loureiro Veríssimo 13 May 2026
Understand the 2026 Portuguese Nationality Law amendments. Learn about the new 10-year residency requirement and how to secure your future through early planning.
by António Pratas Nunes 12 May 2026
Find out how partial-year tax residency in Portugal affects your worldwide income, obligations, and tax reporting when relocating.
by Francisca Abrantes 30 April 2026
Joint or separate IRS filing in Portugal? Understand which option reduces your tax burden for your 2025 return.
More posts