Global Peace Index (GPI) for year 2014 has been released by Institute for Economics and Peace in London. The GPI measured peace in 162 nations on the basis of 22 parameters. India slipped two ranks than previous year and has been positioned 143rd in the global rankings.
Some key observations from GPI 2014:
- Syria replaced Afghanistan as the world’s least peaceful country. Iceland has retained its position as the most peaceful country in the world.
- Georgia registered the largest improvement in peace, while South Sudan witnessed the sharpest decline and now ranks as the 3rd least peaceful nation.
- Comparing India with its neighbours, Nepal ranked 76, Bangladesh (98), Sri Lanka (105), Pakistan (154), Afghanistan (161) and China (108).
- From economic perspective, it cost Indian economy $ 177 billion for containing and dealing with the consequences of India’s level of violence. The cost is equivalent to 3.6% percent of GDP of India or $145 per person.
Top ten performers on GPI 2014:
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Austria
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Canada
- Japan
- Belgium
- Norway
Global Peace Index (GPI)
Launched in 2007, GPI intends to a measure levels of world peace. Produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the Index uses 22 indicators, ranging from a nation’s level of military expenditure to its relations with neighboring nations and the percentage of prison population in 162 countries.
The IEP, based in Sydney (Australia) is an international and independent think tank dedicated to draw the world’s attention towards peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and development.