Singapore & Malaysia rank in top 10 on Global Peace Index 2024

Asia Pacific remained the second most peaceful region in the world, a position it has held since 2017.

Singapore and Malaysia have ranked in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index 2024 (GPI), at fifth and 10^th place respectively. 

According to the report by the Institute of Economics and Peace, the GPI 2024 finds that the world became less peaceful for the 12^th time in the last 16 years, with the average level of country peacefulness deteriorating by 0.56% over the past year.

Here are the top 10 countries that have earned a "Very High" ranking on the GPI 2024:

Regional overview

Every region other than Russia and Eurasia recorded a deterioration in peacefulness.

Asia Pacific 

The Asia Pacific region saw a marginal shift in its peacefulness ranking in 2024, with the overall score declining by 0.1%. Despite this, it continues to hold its position as the second most peaceful region globally, a standing maintained since 2017. The slight change was influenced by higher scores in the militarisation and ongoing conflict domains.

On a positive note, the safety and security domain showed notable progress, particularly in the areas of reduced violent demonstrations and lower homicide rates. Of the 19 countries assessed, 11 experienced slight declines, while eight showed improvements.

South Asia

South Asia ranked among the lower regions in the report, ahead of only two other regions. The region recorded a slight decline in overall peacefulness over the past year, with four out of seven countries seeing minor score changes.

This shift was mainly influenced by trends in the militarisation domain, including changes in peacekeeping contributions and military expenditure. On a more positive note, the region saw average improvements in both the ongoing conflict and safety and security domains.

Sharing his excitement towards Malaysia's ranking, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said in a Facebook post: "This achievement shows that the continued efforts by the Government and all citizens in maintaining peace, security and stability of the country is bearing fruit.

"This success is also a manifestation of cooperation, tolerance and the spirit of unity demonstrated by all walks of life. May this achievement serve as a motivation to continue maintaining peace and harmony in the country."

Methodology 

The Global Peace Index assesses the level of peacefulness in 163 countries and territories, covering 99.7% of the world’s population. Developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Index uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from trusted international sources. These indicators span three core domains:

• Societal safety and security
• Ongoing domestic and international conflict
• Militarisation

Each domain reflects a broad range of factors, from levels of violence and crime to military spending and involvement in conflicts. The GPI provides a holistic, data-driven view of peace, offering valuable insights into the conditions that foster or hinder peaceful societies.

READ MORE: Singapore shines with a smile as world’s third happiest city in 2025 

Lead image / Institute for Economics & Peace