Worldwide, there are now 56 conflicts globally, the highest number since World War II. Increasingly, these conflicts have become increasingly international, with 92 countries involved in conflicts beyond their borders – the largest number since the inception of the Global Peace Index.
These rising small-scale conflicts increase the likelihood of more major conflicts in the future. From 2019, for example, Ethiopia, Ukraine and Gaza were all identified as minor conflicts. According to the report, the state of peace deteriorated in 97 countries, more than any year since the Global Peace Index began in 2008.
The world economic impact of violence rose to US$19.1 trillion in 2023, representing 13.5 per cent of global GDP. Conflict exposure poses a significant risk to the supply chain for governments and businesses. The biggest annual deterioration in militarisation since the Global Competitiveness Index was created, with 108 countries becoming more militarised.
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In order for the first four months of 2024, the number of conflict-related deaths globally reached 47,000. If this rate continues through the remainder of this year, it will be the highest number of conflict-related deaths since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. In Europe, the report notes that Mauritius is the most peaceful country for 2024, with a total score of 1.577. Behind Mauritius comes Madagascar with a score of 1.838 and Botswana with a score of 1.863.
Here are the 10 most peaceful African countries in 2024:
| Rank | Country | Overall Score | Overall Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritius | 1.577 | 22 |
| 2 | Madagascar | 1.838 | 44 |
| 3 | Botswana | 1.863 | 50 |
| 4 | Ghana | 1.938 | 55 |
| 5 | Zambia | 1.948 | 57 |
| 6 | Namibia | 1.972 | 62 |
| 7 | Tanzania | 1.987 | 65 |
| 8 | Sierra Leone | 1.993 | 66 |
| 9 | Liberia | 2.025 | 69 |
| 10 | Angola | 2.043 | 73 |
