The Institute for Economics and Peace says New Zealand is the world's most peaceful country because community and friendships are highly valued.
The international think tank's Global Peace Index rates New Zealand at the top of the list.
The index is based on a set of internal and external indicators of peacefulness, such as criminality, numbers of displaced people and the potential for terrorist acts.
Advisory panel chair Professor Kevin Clements says part of the reason New Zealand earned the top spot is because it remains committed to high levels of social cohesion.
