DILI, 12 June 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste has been ranked as the third most peaceful country in Southeast Asia and 32nd globally, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
Among ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste ranked behind only Singapore and Malaysia, with a score of 1.681.
The country showed a notable improvement in overall peacefulness, rising 12 places from 44th position in 2025 to 32nd in 2026. This places Timor-Leste 6th in the Asia-Pacific region, with New Zealand ranked as the most peaceful country. Myanmar remains the least peaceful in the Asia-Pacific, which comprises 19 countries.
Globally, Iceland maintained its position as the most peaceful country out of 163 nations and territories assessed, while Russia ranked last at 163rd place.
The annual index assesses 163 countries and territories, covering 99.7% of the world’s population. Rankings are based on 23 indicators across three broad categories: safety and security, levels of conflict, and militarisation.
Timor-Leste is categorized as having a high level of peace, supported by relatively low crime rates, internal stability, and strong social cohesion.
In the area of safety and security, the country performed well due to low levels of violent crime and a stable social environment. It also recorded favourable scores in the conflict domain, reflecting the absence of major internal or external armed conflict.
On militarisation, Timor-Leste maintained moderate levels of defence spending and military capacity relative to its size and security context.
The Global Peace Index 2026 noted that global peacefulness continued to decline for the 12th consecutive year, with the average level of peace deteriorating by 0.7% over the past year.
The report said the world has become less peaceful for 15 of the past 18 years, driven by escalating and prolonged conflicts in several regions.
It highlighted ongoing wars in Sudan, Ukraine and Myanmar, as well as rising tensions in South Asia, including a four-day military exchange between India and Pakistan — described as the most serious confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since 1971.
President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta and the Government of Timor-Leste welcome the publication of the Global Peace Index 2026.
TATOLI
