Portugal ranked 6th on the Global Peace Index 2022

10 March 2023

Annually, the Institute for Economics and Peace, a non-profit organisation based in Australia, publishes the Global Peace Index, a comprehensive ranking of the safest and most peaceful countries worldwide. This study includes 163 independent countries and territories, and it measures 23 indicators grouped into three distinct categories: 

  • Militarisation
  • Security and Protection
  • Domestic and International Conflicts.


In addition to ranking the most peaceful and safe countries, the Global Peace Index also assesses the most hazardous countries in the world, based on the various factors that contribute to the overall ranking. According to this analysis, the 20 most peaceful countries in the world, where residents enjoy a high level of safety and security, alternate positions, with Portugal retaining its 6th position for the second year in a row, while Iceland continues to lead the list for more than a decade.

 

Top 10 most peaceful countries in the world

  1. Iceland
  2. New Zealand
  3. Ireland
  4. Denmark
  5. Austria
  6. Portugal
  7. Slovenia
  8. Czech Republic
  9. Singapore
  10. Japan

 

Despite ranking Portugal as the 6th most peaceful country out of the 163 studied, the Institute for Economics and Peace highlights the nation's demographic challenges, noting that "Portugal stands out from most other European countries due to its declining population and its efforts to attract more immigrants."


According to the report, Portugal's population is projected to decrease to 9,877 by 2030 and 8,944,594 by 2050, indicating a demographic challenge that the country must face in the coming years. Nevertheless, the Institute for Economics and Peace still considers Portugal as a peaceful, secure (equivalent to low crime rates), and well-organised nation, outranking other countries such as Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and Norway based on its ability to resolve both domestic and international conflicts.

by Jéssica Dos Nunes 21 July 2026
Learn why incorporating a company in Portugal is only the first step and how ongoing legal, tax and corporate compliance supports long-term business success.
by Constança da Graça Mendes 16 July 2026
Learn why Portuguese Land Registry requirements remain essential in cross-border succession, even with the European Certificate of Succession.
by Luís Maria Branco 7 July 2026
Proposed changes to Article 122(1)(k) will restrict Portugal's exceptional residence route for parents of foreign minors. Learn how this impacts your family.
Portugal EU family residence, Law 37/2006
by Danielle Avidago 29 June 2026
Moving to Portugal? Learn how Law 37/2006 protects EU family members with a 5-year residence card, no prior visa required. Get clear legal insights now.
by Luís Maria Branco 26 June 2026
Portuguese nationality law provides citizenship pathways for stateless persons and vulnerable children under protection measures, ensuring legal stability and rights.
by Joana Torres Fernandes | Domingas Andresen Guimarães 25 June 2026
Living in Portugal? Find out how Portuguese succession rules affect international assets, forced heirship for family, and when you need a local public will.
by Danielle Avidafo 24 June 2026
Portugal’s Parliament is debating a new package of immigration law amendments. Learn what has been proposed, what could change, and why current residents should pay attention.
by Luís Maria Branco 22 June 2026
Find out when Portugal allows a residence permit without a visa. Explore Article 122 exceptions and who may qualify under immigration law.
by Javier Mateo 18 June 2026
Learn how the transitional provisions of Portugal's new Nationality Law affect applications already pending before 19 May 2026.
More posts