Sierra Leone has recorded an improvement in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), rising two places to 57th out of 163 countries.
The annual index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, assesses nations based on safety and security, ongoing conflict, and levels of militarisation.
According to the report, Sierra Leone’s progress was largely driven by improvements in the Safety and Security category, where the country saw reduced perceptions of criminality and fewer risks of violent unrest. Unlike many countries, Sierra Leone also managed to avoid significant increases in militarisation, which contributed to its higher standing.
The new ranking places Sierra Leone ahead of regional peers including Ghana (61st), Liberia (70th), and Nigeria (148th), though The Gambia outperformed the country at 55th, marking one of the strongest gains globally.
While Sierra Leone’s progress is encouraging, the overall global outlook is troubling. The report highlights that peacefulness declined worldwide for the 13th time in 17 years, with 59 active state-based conflicts now ongoing—the highest number since the Second World War. Iceland retained its position as the most peaceful country, while Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen ranked among the least peaceful.
The report further notes that global military spending hit its highest level in over a decade, while investment in peacebuilding remained minimal, underscoring what it calls a dangerous imbalance in international priorities.
