Mongolia has been recognized as one of Asia’s most peaceful countries, climbing four places in the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) and strengthening its position among the region’s safest and most stable nations. The 2026 Global Peace Index was released by the Sydney-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which has published the influential global assessment annually for the past two decades. According to this year’s report, Mongolia ranked 34th out of 163 countries and territories worldwide, marking a notable improvement from the previous year and reflecting the country’s relatively stable security environment.
Within the Asia-Pacific region, Mongolia secured seventh place, ranking behind New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, and Timor-Leste. The result places the country among the region’s leading examples of peace and stability at a time when many parts of the world continue to face growing uncertainty and conflict.
At the global level, Iceland maintained its status as the world’s most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year. New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland rounded out the top five positions. In contrast, Russia remained at the bottom of the rankings, while China’s position slipped slightly compared with the previous assessment.
The report also drew attention to rising political tensions in the United States, noting that political instability and social polarization have reached their highest levels in nearly 60 years. Researchers warned that increasing geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts, and domestic unrest in various parts of the world continue to pose significant challenges to international peace and security.
According to the study, the global average level of peace has declined for the 12th consecutive year. The report attributes this trend to the persistence of armed conflicts, political crises, and the growing militarization of many countries. These developments have weakened both regional and international stability, creating an increasingly complex global security landscape.
The Global Peace Index is one of the world’s most widely cited measures of peace. It evaluates countries using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators that assess levels of peace, safety, and security. These indicators are grouped into three key categories: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the extent of militarization.
Among the factors examined are crime rates, prison populations, perceptions of criminality, military expenditure, the size and structure of armed forces, and the impact of both internal and external conflicts. By analyzing these indicators, researchers are able to compare the overall peacefulness of nations across different regions.
According to the report, Mongolia achieved relatively stable scores across all three major categories. The country’s consistent performance in maintaining social stability, public safety, and a low level of conflict contributed significantly to its improved ranking. These factors helped secure Mongolia’s place among Asia’s most peaceful nations and underscore its reputation as a country that continues to foster stability despite an increasingly turbulent global environment.
