Global peace falls in 2026 — North Macedonia ranks 46th
World peace hits its lowest level since records began; North Macedonia ranks 46th, ahead of most neighbours.
Global security slipped further in 2026 and the world recorded its lowest level of peace since the start of the measurements, according to the latest annual assessment.
North Macedonia performed comparatively well in the regional rankings, placing 46th worldwide — ahead of most neighbouring states. Bosnia and Herzegovina appears close behind at 48th.
Within the region, Slovenia ranks especially high at 4th globally. Croatia is 23rd, Montenegro 30th and Albania 36th. Kosovo is positioned at 54th and Serbia at 70th.
Economic and human costs
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) estimates the global cost of violence at an astonishing 21.8 trillion dollars. Some 73 percent of that total is linked to military spending, while funding for diplomacy and long-term conflict prevention remains negligible. Analysts warn we are entering a period of "great fragmentation."
Iceland retained the top spot as the world’s most peaceful country — a title it has held since 2008. New Zealand is second and Switzerland third; other countries in the top ten include Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland and Japan. At the opposite end of the scale, Russia is last at 163rd, alongside Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine and Israel.
The IEP report highlights two principal drivers of the deterioration: a record number of active armed conflicts around the globe and a steady rise in defence expenditures. Overall, 99 countries recorded a decline in peace in the latest edition.
Photo: press material from the event
