This is the finding of the Institute for Economics and Peace. (IEP) based on 163 countries.

Although shown as a gain of two places compared to 2018, the actual 2018 report shows us in 4^th place. In 2017 Portugal was also in 3^rd place having improved consistently over the last 10 years.

Spain and France are ranked in 32nd and 60th place respectively, Portugal’s promotion this year to third place in the Global Peace Index has exponentially raised the bar on this country’s profile.

In respect of European countries Portugal is ranked second just behind Iceland in top place.

The report is compiled annually covering 27 indicators ranging from Violent crime, homicide to internal conflicts.

In the domain of “Safety and Security” Portugal was in 9^th place this year up four places compared to 2018. By comparison in this domain the UK and Spain were ranked 29^th and 33^rd places respectively. Afghanistan was in last place.

The Index’s ‘key findings’ report that “the average level of global peacefulness improved very slightly, for the first time in five years.

“Europe remains the most peaceful region in the world, and it recorded a very slight improvement in peacefulness after several years of deterioration.