Tajikistan has been ranked among the world’s 50 safest countries in the latest Global Peace Index (GPI), published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

The Global Peace Index evaluates the level of peace and security in 163 countries and territories worldwide. The ranking is based on 23 indicators grouped into three broad categories: ongoing domestic and international conflict, societal safety and security, and militarization.

Among the factors considered are relations with neighboring countries, political stability, crime levels, the number of refugees and internally displaced persons, military spending, and the size of security forces. Countries receive scores on a five-point scale, with lower scores indicating higher levels of peace.

According to the report (in 2026), Tajikistan scored 1.711 points in the category of domestic and international conflict, 1.976 points for societal safety and security, and 1.651 points for militarization. The latter was one of the country’s strongest indicators, placing it ahead of most of its Central Asian neighbors in that category.

The report notes that the global security environment continues to deteriorate. The average level of peace worldwide declined by 0.7% over the past year, marking the 12th consecutive annual decline.

Of the 163 countries assessed, 99 experienced a deterioration in their peace scores, while 62 recorded improvements. Researchers identified ongoing armed conflicts as the primary driver of the negative trend.

At the top of the ranking, Iceland retained its position as the world’s most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year. It was followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland.

Russia ranked last, placing 163rd with a score of 3.367 points.

Other countries at the bottom of the index included Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Israel, all of which have been affected by armed conflict, war, or severe political instability.