Global Peace Index ranks Armenia as most peaceful country in South Caucasus

January 18, 2011 - 15:12 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Guardian has published Global Peace Index – GPI, providing an insight into peace around the world.

GPI is made up of 23 indicators, ranging from a nation's level of military expenditure to its relations with neighboring countries and the level of respect for human rights. The index has been tested against a range of potential "drivers" or determinants of peace - including levels of democracy and transparency, education and national wellbeing. The data comes from various sources, including the International Institute of Strategic Studies, The World Bank, various bits of the UN offices and Peace Institutes and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Last year's 2010 data shows that 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); falling are: Cyprus, Russia, Philippines, Georgia and Syria.

Armenia, named the most peaceful in South Caucasus states, was ranked 113th (among 149 countries in GRP list). Azerbaijan was listed 119th, with Georgia announced as the least peaceful (142nd position).