Map courtesy of Vision of Humanity / Feature photo: woordenaar
Some recent events have lowered Iceland’s peaceful ranking. New Zealand is there to slip into top spot.
It’s nice to know that amongst the crime, corruption, and political dissent in today’s world we can rely on some places to go where we can feel relatively safe. The Global Peace Index 2009 has found New Zealand to be the most peaceful nation on the planet, usurping Iceland for top spot.
The GPI, however, doesn’t paint a rosy picture overall. As Vision of Humanity states, the results suggest that the world has become slightly less peaceful in the past year. This could be due to increased conflict in some areas and rising food and fuel costs globally. Rising unemployment, falling housing prices, and lack of savings are also contributors.
Photo: kjohn493
New Zealand: A diamond in the rough
The Kiwis have got it good, according to the GPI. Ranked 3rd in last year’s index, it made the move to number one due partly to greater political stability combined with Iceland’s fall (which is attributed to some violent demonstrations and perceived criminality in the wake of a large banking collapse).
Other factors that play in NZ’s favour are the low homicide rate, high level of respect for human rights, and harmonious relationships with neighbouring countries (i.e. Australia). As far as the military goes, New Zealand also scores points for how little it spends on the military (George Dubbya would have problems with this concept) and also its low numbers in exports of conventional weapons.
Not just lush valleys and snowy peaks
As if New Zealand didn’t already offer enough reasons to visit or relocate there, the GPI this year is another notch in the belt. Now you can bungee jump, swim with dolphins, wind surf, snowboard, explore caves, visit volcanoes, tour wineries, kayak, walk the Milford Track, and watch wildlife — all in peace.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Matador cares about your safety when abroad. Here are some articles we’ve published in the past that might come in handy the next time you hit the road:
7 Must-Know Personal Safety Tips For Solo Women Travelers
Carlo Alcos
Carlo Alcos is the editor of Brave New Traveler and co-founder of Confronting Love. He blogs about his travels and life in general at Vagabonderz.com. You can also find him at the yoga studio and tweeting away as @vagab0nderz.
-
http://www.keepingpaceinjapan.com Turner
-
http://matadortrips.com/ Hal Amen
-
http://tom.ride-earth.org.uk Tom Allen
-
http://matadortrips.com/ Hal Amen
-
http://thelonglayover.blogspot.com Carlo Alcos
-
http://matadorabroad.com Tim Patterson
-
julz
-
Thomas Shipton
-
http://therecessends.com Austin Chu
-
http://www.google.com.au Nahana
-
http://www.google.com.au Nahana
Connect with Facebook
