Iceland has retained its position as the world’s most peaceful country for 19 consecutive years, according to the Global Peace Index. Finland ranked ninth, Denmark 11th, Norway 33rd, Sweden 40th, and Estonia 25th. The United States fell six places from the previous year to 134th, ranking just behind Venezuela. Iran ranked 144th, and Russia ranked last among 163 independent nations and territories. Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Israel all ranked above Russia. Global peace has continued to deteriorate, with 119 countries less peaceful in 2026 than in 2008. The Global Peace Index evaluates 23 indicators to compile its ranking and has been published annually since 2008. According to USA Today, the index is compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace. Yle.fi reported that the number of active state-based conflicts rose to 61, the highest level since the Second World War, and that the Institute for Economics & Peace raises concerns that drones are becoming a defining weapon of modern warfare.