Which puts us behind Iran. The Global Peace Index, put together by the Institute for Economics & Peace, is apparently made up of a couple of factors – including levels of democracy and transparency, education and national wellbeing. Top three are New Zealand, Iceland and Japan, with Iraq coming in last (149th place).

I mean, we’re not actively engaged in any wars at the moment, but we’re still a couple of steps behind the United States (85th), so I’m a little inclined to call shenanigans.

Says The Guardian:

‘The index provides a unique insight into peace around the world. Last year’s 2010 data shows that:

• Falling are: Cyprus, Russia, Philippines, Georgia and Syria
Intriguingly, the index also finds the monetary value of peace: they estimate that for 2006-2009, the world could have saved $28.2tn from the cessation of violence.

• Overall, the world has become slightly less peaceful since 2007, with 62% of countries recording decreases in levels of peacefulness
• The big risers are: Ethiopia, Mauritania, Hungary, Lebanon and Haiti (despite the earthquake)’

At least we’re not Iceland, I guess.

[Global Piece Index]