New Zealand "World's Most Peaceful Country" 4 June 2009

New Zealand has taken top place on a list of the world’s most peaceful nations, according to the Global Peace Index. It’s just one more confirmation of why New Zealand is considered to be a safe and welcoming country for international students and visitors alike.

The index was collated by the Economist Intelligence Unit for a new think tank called the Institute for Economics and Peace. It uses a weighted mix of 23 criteria, including foreign wars, internal conflicts, respect for human rights, the number of murders, the number of people in jail, the arms trade, and degrees of democracy.

Traditionally the Northern European countries such as Iceland , Denmark and Norway have topped the list. New Zealand has placed in the top four countries since the index was created in 2007, but this year moved into the top position for the first time.

New Zealand ’s sparse population, political stability, and geographical separation from neighbouring countries all combine to reduce the stresses that can cause violence to increase. Since 1984 New Zealand has been completely nuclear-free, which also supports its peaceful image.

New Zealand institutions have long assured the international community that their country is a safe and peaceful place where students can feel relaxed and secure. It is pleasing to see that message confirmed by the Global Peace Index.

For more information on the Global Peace Index please go to the website www.visionofhumanity.org.

Michelle Waitzman

Communications Specialist, Education New Zealand