Summary
The 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI) report has been released, with Iceland topping the list for many consecutive years and New Zealand rising to second place, becoming the safest country in the Asia-Pacific region. The report shows that against the backdrop of a 12-year decline in global peacefulness, New Zealand's militarisation indicator improved by 3.3%, with a significant decrease in weapons imports. Among the top ten, seven are European countries, with the remaining spots occupied by Singapore and Japan.
Iceland has a population of only about 400,000, almost no military, and an extremely low crime rate; New Zealand is known for its low crime rate, high level of social governance, and the lowest conflict index. The ranking is based on a comprehensive assessment of indicators such as conflict, safety and security, and militarisation.
Commentary
Small and medium-sized enterprise owners in New Zealand, especially those in tourism and export industries, should capitalise on the brand premium brought by the safety ranking. On one hand, the 'world's second-safest country' label will attract more high-net-worth tourists, particularly from China (a favourite destination for Chinese tourists makes the list), potentially driving demand for tourism-related services, accommodation, and experiential products. On the other hand, the safe image helps enhance trust in New Zealand's exports such as food and dairy products, especially in quality- and safety-conscious Asian markets.
However, vigilance is needed regarding the potential pressure on infrastructure and environment from a surge in tourists. It is recommended that businesses plan ahead for sustainable tourism and high-end customised services. At the same time, attention should be paid to the competitiveness of European countries (e.g., Iceland, Switzerland); New Zealand needs to continuously strengthen its unique natural landscapes and clean image.
Conclusion: businesses can use 'world's second safest' as a marketing highlight, but it must be backed by actual service experiences to avoid empty propaganda.
Keywords: safest countries in the world, Iceland, New Zealand, Peace Index, tourism safety, European countries, crime rate, militarisation
Summary in Chinese | 摘要
2026年全球和平指数(GPI)报告发布,冰岛连续多年位居榜首,新西兰升至第二位,成为亚太地区最安全国家。报告显示,在全球和平指数连续12年恶化的背景下,新西兰的军事化程度指标改善3.3%,武器进口数量明显下降。前十名中欧洲国家占7席,其余为新加坡和日本。
冰岛人口仅约40万,几乎没有军队,犯罪率极低;新西兰则以低犯罪率、高社会治理水平和最低冲突指数著称。该排名基于冲突、安全与社会保障、军事化等指标综合评估。
Commentary in Chinese | 评论
新西兰中小企业主,尤其是旅游和出口行业,应抓住安全排名带来的品牌溢价。一方面,全球第二安全国家的标签将吸引更多高净值游客,特别是中国游客(中国游客最爱国家上榜),这可能带动旅游相关服务、住宿和体验产品的需求。另一方面,安全形象有助于提升新西兰食品、乳制品等出口产品的信任度,尤其是在注重品质和安全的亚洲市场。
然而,也需要警惕游客激增可能对基础设施和环境的压力,建议企业提前布局可持续旅游和高端定制服务。同时,注意欧洲国家的竞争力(如冰岛、瑞士),新西兰需持续强化独特自然景观和纯净形象。结语:企业可将“全球第二安全”作为营销亮点,但需配合实际服务体验,避免空泛宣传。
关键词: 全球最安全国家, 冰岛, 新西兰, 和平指数, 旅游安全, 欧洲国家, 犯罪率, 军事化程度
Source: Sina News