A recent report by the Institute for Economics and Peace finds that there has been a decade-long decline in peace around the world. The most obvious conclusion from the Global Peace Index (GPI) report: The world is more dangerous than it was one year ago.
“The majority of the global deterioration is due to the developments in the Middle East and Africa (MENA), already the least peaceful region in the world,” the report explains. “So intense is the current concentration of violence and conflict in MENA that, when considered separately, the rest of the world’s average peace levels improved.”
Terrorism
The number of deaths caused by terrorism went up by 80% from the levels in 2014. Of the 163 countries included in the report, only 69 reported no terror incident.
The increase in terrorism has also caused other upsurges: “Battle deaths from conflict are at a 25 year high, and the number of refugees and displaced people are at a level not seen in sixty years.”
Most Dangerous Countries
The top 10 most dangerous countries shouldn’t be a surprise to people. These familiar places include:
- Syria
- South Sudan
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Central African Republic
- Ukraine
- Sudan
- Libya
On this list, the United States ranks 61st.
Safest Countries
Of the 163 countries listed, the safest nations, ranked from best to worst, are:
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Austria
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Japan
- Slovenia
The Economic Cost
All of this has a negative impact on the global economy. Last year, $13.6 trillion was spent on creating or containing violence. That equates to 13.3% of the world’s economy. This is money removed from the economy and invested in infrastructure or building efforts.
With world growing more dangerous by the day, it only makes sense to take steps to protect yourself, your family or your business and its employees. Call American Security Force today at 877-722-8585 to see how we can help you become more secure.
