Tunisia Peace Ranking Slips, Retains “High Level of Peace”

Tunisia’s ranking among the world’s most peaceful countries fell from 75 to 79 (out of 162) during 2014, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index (GPI).

Despite the slide, the report classifies Tunisia as a country with a “high level of peace.” Its position ranks second among Maghreb countries, with Morocco at 63 and Algeria at 114, and seventh in the broader Middle East and North Africa region.

The GPI uses 22 indicators to evaluate a given country.

Tunisia ties Morocco for the Maghreb’s highest level of violent crime with a rating of 3 (out of 5). Algeria received 2.5. Public perception of criminality in society is lower in Tunisia, at 3, however. It rates 2 and 4 in Morocco and Algeria, respectively.

Tunisia ranked 144 in “direct violence containment costs,” with military-, security-, and homicide prevention-related expenditures accounting for 2.8 percent of GDP. Its position remains considerably behind Algeria (6.4 percent of GDP) and Morocco (4.7 percent), which rank 48 and 74, respectively.

The “well-functioning government” indicator rates Tunisia a 5 (out of 10). This measure considers a number of factors, such as the existence of a government composed of elected representatives, an efficient system of checks and balances, and respect for the rule of law. Tunisia ranks higher than both its Maghreb neighbors in this category as well. Morocco received 4.6 while Algeria received 2.2.

The GPI considers a variety of other factors as well, including a country’s involvement in domestic and international conflicts, citizens’ ease of access to weapons, and public perceptions of peacefulness. It also assesses institutions which work to sustain peace and public attitudes toward such issues as gender inequality and political participation.

The world has become less peaceful overall each year since 2008, the report says.
Tunisia’s ranking has experienced movement as well, particularly in the years following the 2010-2011 revolution:

– 2008: 39 out of 138
– 2009: 37 out of 143
– 2010: 35 out of 148
– 2011: 41 out of 153
– 2012: 73 out of 158
– 2013: 75 out of 162
– 2014: 79 out of 162

SEE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.