It may sound strange but according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), 2011, India is one amongst 20 least peaceful nations. India’s rank on GPI has fallen seven points and the country now ranks 135 out of 153 countries.
With this new ranking, India is amongst the 20 least peaceful nations in the world, along with Pakistan (146) and Afghanistan (150). Homicide and crime rates are lower in India but the fall in ranking is mainly due to increasing perception of criminality in the society.
The Global Peace Index tracks 23 indicators, from military spending to crime levels to conflict and disputes with neighbours.
As per the data, Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the most violent regions in the world.
Only three years after its financial meltdown destroyed its banks and prompted some of its first ever riots, Iceland returned to its position at the top of the list as world's most peaceful country by ousting New Zealand. On the other end, Somalia falls to the bottom, replacing Iraq.
Social unrest is making the world less peaceful for the third year running and economic strains could point to rising risks in China, the GPI noted.
The Global Peace Index showed economic factors are at the heart of unrest including the "Arab Spring".
Well functioning governments, relatively homogenous societies and equitable distribution of wealth, good secondary education and press freedom were amongst the most important factors in ensuring peace, said Steve Killelea, founder of Global Peace Index.
