Singapore - Singapore moved up two spots in a global index which measures how peaceful countries are.
It ranks 29th out of 140 countries in the Global Peace Index, which aims to link peace to prosperity.
When ranked against its neighbours, Singapore is No. 6 among 25 countries in Asia and Australia.
Its improved position this year is due to its “favourable score” for the low number of refugees as a proportion of the population, said a statement on the index.
The index is compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, part of the group that publishes the Economist magazine.
Overall, Singapore scored well in areas such as its lack of internal conflict, likelihood of demonstrations and political instability.
Last year Singapore was ranked high for its low level of violent crime.
Iceland, a newcomer on the index, clinched the top spot as the most peaceful country in the world. At the bottom, for the second year running, is Iraq.
Topping the list in Asia and Australasia is, once again, New Zealand, which ranks fourth globally. Next comes Japan (fifth globally), Hong Kong (23rd), Bhutan (26th), Australia (27th) and Singapore.
Source: thestar.com.my (23 Mei 2008)
