According to the 2016 Global Peace Index, Belgium is among the top 20 of the world's most peaceful countries (it was ranked 18th). Overall, the index is dominated by European and Oceanic countries. Some Asian countries traditionally known for their pacifism have also made their way into the top 20.
The Global Peace Index is an international ranking differentiating countries depending on their degree of peacefulness. This ranking, launched in 2007, is drawn up by The Economist magazine and a panel of experts from institutes or think tanks as well as the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies of the University of Sydney in Australia. From the start, the initiative has been supported by international figures including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Peace is evaluated based on 22 specific factors.
Some of these indicators relate to a country's foreign relations, such as military spending, the extent of a country's involvement in local and international conflicts and arms exports. The ranking also looks to take account of the degree of harmony or discord within a nation: ten indicators measure security in society, the crime rate, respect for human rights and political stability. The starting assumption is that a low crime rate, a low number of terrorist acts or violent demonstrations, harmonious relations with neighbouring countries, a stable political scene and a low proportion of the domestic population who are displaced or refugees is a significant indication of a state's peacefulness.
