The 2010 GPI, otherwise known as Global Peace Index, has honored New Zealand as the world’s most peaceful nation. This is the same index that has awarded Iraq as the most violent country last year. The criteria for judging a nation is the crime rate, respect for human rights and budget allocation for defense or defense spending.
This index is compiled annually by the Institute of Economics and Peace and the Economist Intelligence Unit. This is the second year in a row that New Zealand has bested close to 150 countries. The others in the top 5 were Iceland, Japan, Austria and Norway. Apart from Japan, the other three were also in the top 5 the previous year. Japan moved up from the 7th spot. Another important thing to note is the United States rank. From 83rd last year, it worsened to 85th.
Their findings also conclude that the world’s overall peacefulness has declined for the second year in a row. The institutions data showed that the growing instability and rise of conflicts arose due to the global economic downturn that spared no one in 2008. There is a noticeable increase in violent demonstrations, discontent, homicides and crimes in several countries as the global economy still seeks to stabilize itself.
The data also shows that the Korean Peninsula has become less peaceful for the past two years. Partially to blame for this is the constant tension between the North and South. Not to mention the recent investigation being made by several countries on the sinking of a South Korean navy ship only worsens their disposition.
