Vietnam has recently been ranked 38th out of 163 countries and territories in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) with 1,721 points, moving up three places and improving its score from the previous year (41st – 1,802 points). In a context where the global average level of peace continues to decline, Vietnam’s progress is a positive sign for its social security, macro stability, and overall environment.
Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam currently ranks third in the region, only after Singapore (6th) and Malaysia (13th). The following group includes Timor-Leste (51st), Laos (49th), and Indonesia (48th), while Thailand (86th), Cambodia (87th), and the Philippines (108th) are in the latter half of the ranking. Myanmar remains at the bottom of the regional group with a rank of 153rd. Brunei is not included in the 2025 GPI. This picture highlights Vietnam’s relatively “high peace” standing within ASEAN and showcases the growing polarization among neighboring economies.
Methodologically, the Global Peace Index is constructed and published annually by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). The 2025 edition, the 19th in the series, ranks 163 independent states and territories according to 23 indicators from three domains: Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarization. Lower GPI scores indicate higher levels of peace. This index is widely used by investors, insurers, and logistics professionals to assess business environment risks.
In the global context, the 2025 GPI records a 0.36% decrease in the global peace average, marking the sixth consecutive year of decline. IEP also estimates the economic impact of violence in 2024 to be $19.97 trillion PPP, equivalent to 11.6% of the world’s economic activity. This figure underscores the “cost of instability” on growth and welfare. Vietnam’s improved score and ranking against this deteriorating trend are, therefore, significant.
Regionally, Singapore maintains its very high global position, and Malaysia remains in the “high peace” group. Vietnam has overtaken Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines, reflecting the positive correlation between social stability, security, and economic resilience. In contrast, Myanmar is still the least peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, posing significant risks to border trade and investment.
