South Korea has been ranked 41st among the world's most peaceful countries, while North Korea remains near the bottom of the list, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI).

The index, compiled by the Australian think tank Institute for Economics and Peace and reported by CNN on Saturday, evaluates 163 countries based on levels of peace. South Korea scored one-point-736 points, moving up two places from the previous year.

A lower score indicates a higher level of peace.

Iceland retained its top position with a score of one-point-282, continuing its streak since 2008, followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Switzerland.

North Korea ranked 149th, unchanged from last year, making it the second-least peaceful country in Asia, ahead of only Myanmar.

The GPI assesses peacefulness using 23 indicators across three domains: domestic and international conflict, social safety and security, and militarization.