Iraq is the most violent nation in the world followed by Somalia, Afghanistan, Sudan, Pakistan, Israel, Georgia, Chad and Congo

The global peace index, prepared by the Sydney, Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace, says the world in general is becoming a more violent place. The report says nearly two-thirds of the countries it ranks every year have become more violent since 2007. Beacons of peace are New Zealand - which tops the index - Iceland, Japan, Austria, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland and Sweden. The United States ranks 85th, below Cuba and China and just ahead of Angola.