20 Most Peaceful Countries in the World

Just stumbled upon this article on the internet and feels like sharing it on my blog. The article was written by Julia Melko for Amerikanki.

Do you know which are the most peaceful countries in the world? Since 2007 each year, the Global Peace Index has been issued by the IEP (Institute for Economics and Peace) and is a measurement of nations’ and regions’ peacefulness based on external and internal measures. Although it seems like the world is becoming more cruel, according to the Global Peace Index there are 20 most peaceful countries in the world.

1. Denmark

Denmark tops the list of the most peaceful countries on Earth since it’s really a safe place to live. Even while Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, was under occupation by the Nazis during the World War II, it still did not fight. The point is that people living in Denmark prefer to focus on economic matters, instead of involving themselves in various armed conflicts. Danish people are very friendly, open and helpful. Personally I have been to Copenhagen twice and I wish I lived in this country. I’m pretty sure that those who have been to Denmark at least once could say the same.

2. Norway

Many people do not expect Norway to appear in the list of the most peaceful countries in the world. Perhaps, this is because of Anders Behring Breivik, mass murderer, who hit the pride of the country hard. Sure, it was an extraordinary incident, but according to the Global Peace Index Norway is one of the world’s most peaceful countries and friendly and safe place to live. Norway is the country with the highest level of human development in the globe, plus, the government of Oslo always places peace at the forefront of the priorities of the country. 

3. Singapore

As an active member of the international community and, overall, a small nation, Singapore can never take its right to exist and security for granted. Since achieving its independence in 1965 as a sovereign Republic, Singapore has always concentrated on being a great neighbor, through establishing social, peaceful, economic, cordial political relations with all countries.

The country has worked with the United Nations and its supporting agencies on a great variety of efforts. It also participates in various global, unilateral and multilateral organizations to promote international cooperation, including WTO (World Trade Organization). Singapore is among the most peaceful countries in the world as well as one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The homicide and violent crime rates are lower than the criminal rates.

4. Slovenia

A beautiful European country, Slovenia is also among the most peaceful countries in the world. The country got its lowest marks in funding for the United Nations peacekeeping missions, number of police and security officers, level of perceived criminality in society, number of organized internal conflicts, violent protests, and number of internal and external wars fought. I agree with the Global Peace Index and believe that Slovenia deserves its place in the list of the most peaceful countries on Earth. Moreover, with its wonderful cities like Maribor and Ljubljana teeming with unique culture, Slovenia is a fantastic travel destination.

5. Sweden

One of the most beautiful Scandinavian countries, Sweden is located in the far north of Europe. Although Sweden is one of the biggest weapon exporters in Europe, the country has a low level of robberies (only 9,000 a year) compared to the United States (about 350,000 a year)! According to the Global Peace Index, Sweden is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, in spite of the fact that it’s among the world’s top arms exporters. Besides, Sweden has not been to war and has not participated in any combats for the whole 2 centuries.

 These are the top 5. See the remaining after the cut..... Do you agree with the list so far?

New York City Buildings Blast Left Two People Dead

Two women have died after a gas leak sparked an explosion which levelled two buildings in East Harlem, New York City, authorities say.

Eighteen others have been injured in the incident, which sent smoke billowing into the city sky.

More than 250 firefighters are tackling the blaze at the scene near 116th Street and Park Avenue.

All train services in and out of Grand Central terminal have been halted following the incident near its tracks.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio: "This is a tragedy of the worst kind"

Missing people

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news conference from the scene that the gas leak had been reported to the utility company just 15 minutes before the blast on Wednesday morning.

Mr de Blasio said the "major explosion" had destroyed two buildings and heavily damaged other structures.

A number of individuals were still missing in the area, he added.

"Every effort is being expended to locate" them, he added.

New York fire department has elevated the incident to the highest threat level possible.

Among the injured was a child said to be in a critical condition, CNN reports.

The utility company, Con Edison, says a resident in a nearby building reported smelling gas shortly before the explosion.

Streets and pavements around the site were littered with broken glass from shattered windows.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN APPOINTS A NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

President Goodluck Jonathan appoints a new Chief of Staff.

Brig-General Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa (rtd.), a retired Officer of the Signals Corps of the Nigerian Army, will replace Mike Oghiadomhe who was sacked on February 10.

The appointment is with immediate effect, the spokesperson of the president, Reuben Abati has said in his twitter massage today.

Earlier today, Senate confirmed Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), General Aliyu Gusau (Zamfara) and nine others as ministers.

Click read more to see the photo of the new Chief of Staff to Nigeria's President and his background.....

ENDLESS CASH - Photos From Inside A Raided Mexican Drug Lord's Home

Mexican government recently raided the hideout of a notorious drug lord in the country and discovered these amazing things and rare animals worth billions of dollars. See pictures after the cut....

Information Minister Names Replacement For Sacked Ministers

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has explained the circumstances surrounding the sacking of four ministers in the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying they were sacked in order to pursue other goals.

Mr. Maku announced the names of serving ministers to take charge of the ministries of the sacked ministers, stating that the Minister of State for Trade and Investments, Mr Samuel Ortom, will take charge of the Ministry of Aviation pending the appointment of a new minister, while Mr Darius Isiaku takes over as the Minister of Niger Delta Affiars.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Missus Olajumoke Akinjide, will now oversee the Ministry of Police Affairs vacated by Capt. Caleb Olubolade (Rtd).

Briefing State House correspondents after the council meeting, Mr Maku said: “The ministers had indicated their interest to pursue other goals in the country and so President Goodluck Jonathan asked them to go”. Continue after the cut....

BREAKING NEWS: President Jonathan Sack Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah and 3 Others

President Goodluck Jonathan today Wednesday February 12, 2014 sacked the embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah.

 

Others affected were Caleb Olubolade (Police Affairs); Godsday Orubebe (Niger Delta); and Yerima Ngama (State, Finance).

  

Stella Oduah’s approval for the purchase of two bullet-proof cars for N255m caused public outrage in the country with many Nigerians calling for her removal and prosecution. Though she worked hard to reform the aviation sector, only that singular act rubbished all her achievements. Want to see your comments….

Shocking? Report Claims Beyonce And President Barack Obama Had A Romantic Affair

There is a report that songstress and wife to Jay Z, Beyonce had an affair with President Barack Obama. This is hilarious and unbelievable. Though anything is possible, but this one is very unlikely. Below is how MediaTakeOut reported it.

According to the French Press, Beyonce and President Obama had an affair y'all. Here is what they are reporting in the French version of Glamour magazine, not the National enquirer y'all, Glamour magazine" MTO writes

This morning the paparazzi Pascal Rostain invited the largest direct media Jean- Marc Morandini on Europe 1. According to him, the American press [will] disclose tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11, 2014, a "love affair" between Barack Obama and Beyonce[He explained], "You know, at this time, the United States, there is something big that is happening. Moreover, it will come out tomorrow in an edition of the Washington Post, [so] we cannot say the alleged affair between President Barack Obama and Beyoncé is being reported on by the gutter press."

Already last week, the National Enquirer indicated that the U.S. presidential couple was on the verge of divorce and multiplied disputes. Do you believe this?