Over the years, readers of TBTP have pointed out to me that I seem to be obsessed with Iceland. While I cannot dispute the charge, I can justify my fixation on the magical island with a lengthy list of exceptional attributes. In all likelihood you are well aware of Iceland’s many charms, but did you know that it’s the “most peaceful country on the planet” ?

For the tenth year running, the Global Peace Index has placed Iceland on the top of the list as the most peaceful nation in the world. That’s according to the international think tank, the Institute for Economics and Peace,which compiles the annual list. The organization utilizes 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators to rank 163 countries and territories each year.

Since 2008, Iceland has placed number one based on indicators measuring levels of militarization, social safety and security, and domestic conflict and international conflict. Not surprisingly, the other nations regularly in the top 5 are Denmark, New Zealand, Austria, and Portugal.