Kazakhstan has been named the most peaceful country in Central Asia in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), ranking 56th worldwide, QazMonitor reports. Compared to last year, the country climbed five positions, with its peace score improving by 0.042 points.
Iceland retained its position as the world’s most peaceful country for the 17th consecutive year, with an index score of 1.095. The top ten also included Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland.
The Global Peace Index assesses national safety and security, the extent of domestic and international conflicts, and levels of militarization. In 2025, the number of active state-based conflicts worldwide reached 59, the highest figure since World War II. The least peaceful countries included Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Israel, and Mali.
Among Kazakhstan’s neighbors, Uzbekistan ranked 67th, Kyrgyz Republic 78th, Tajikistan 79th, and Turkmenistan 87th. All Central Asian countries showed improvements compared to the previous year, with Turkmenistan recording the largest gain.
Overall, the Global Peace Index points to a continued decline in global peacefulness amid escalating conflicts, while Central Asia continues to demonstrate a moderately positive regional trend.