Global Peace Index (GPI) presented the annual ranking of the safest countries in the world, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, according to which the safest country in the world for 2023 is Iceland. On this list, the Republic of North Macedonia is in 38th place.

The safest country in the world for 2023 is Iceland. This Northern European country has topped this list every year since 2008. Denmark is second on the list, partly due to the low level of government corruption, and third is Ireland, which jumped five places compared to last year.

Speaking of countries from the Balkans, the best, highest rated is Slovenia - in place no. 8th, Croatia is 14th, and Bulgaria is in 30th position. Below the Macedonian state on the list are Montenegro - in 45th place, Greece (60), Bosnia and Herzegovina (61), and Serbia is 65th, which makes it the worst positioned country in the Balkans.

At the other end of the list are war-torn countries, with widespread violence and political instability, making them quite insecure. Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Russia and South Sudan are among the most unsafe countries.

The GPI ranks countries on a wide range of factors, from levels of violence and crime to terrorism and international conflict. This report presents the most comprehensive analysis of peace trends, economic value and development of peace in societies.