'World's safest country' is full of ridiculously beautiful places to visit

The world's safest country has been announced - and it is packed full of exciting places to visit and intriguing dishes to eat.

Each year the Global Peace Index from the Institute of Economics and Peace analyses all of the countries in the world based on metrics including violent crime, terrorism, international conflict and societal safety and dangers.

This year Iceland topped the list for a remarkable 14th year in the row - and there are some ridiculously beautiful places to visit if you're planning a holiday.

The small island nation has a tight knit population, incredibly high standard of living and very low crime rates, making it a very safe and welcoming environment.

The country has some of the world’s lowest military spending and conflict rates as well.

While safety may not be the quality people think of first when choosing a place to visit, Iceland is also blessed with a series of fantastic tourist attractions.

Visitors will be able to see an incredible range of natural wonder as they make their way across a country carved up by glacial rivers, lava fields and mountains.

Iceland's stunning Black Sand Beach is one of the country’s top rated attractions on Tripadvisor, due to its jagged skyline formed from boiling hot lava.

One visitor recently gushed: “This is an amazing and spectacular beach. The cliffs and sea caves with their variety of basalt columns of all sizes and twists are mesmerising.”

Many tourists choose to rent a car and drive the country’s Ring Road which offers outstanding views of glaciers, waterfalls and coastlines.

The road was immortalised by local prog rock icons Sigur Rós, who made an ambient track to accompany the 24 hours it takes to drive the entire route.

Along the road - which takes two weeks to complete at a leisurely tourist pace - you will take in miles and miles of almost eerie, otherworldly terrain that has come to typify Iceland's natural beauty.

Warm springs and geological wonders formed by volcanic movements punctuate these alien vistas.

Wherever you are on the island - whether it be among the bustling streets of Reykjavík or beneath the mountain wall of Grundarfjorour - there's is always a good chance the night skies will be lit up by the aurora borealis. (In fact, Iceland has a whole host of brilliant places to see the Northern Lights if they're on your bucket list).

Another key part of the Icelandic holiday experience is the food, which is renowned the world over for its challenging flavours and unconventional match-ups.

Due to its location and environment, Icelanders have had to get creative over the years and learn how to whip up a feast out of an abundance of fish, few vegetables, and plenty of pickling juice.

The outcome is delicacies such as lamb soup or Kjötsúpa, dried fish in a bag (Hardfishkur) and potato, onion and fish stew, known as Plokkfiskur.

New Zealand was ranked as the second safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index and is now open to vaccinated Britons.

Those who have the cash and patience to make the long, long trip down to the country have a great variety of natural wonders to enjoy, from sweeping lakes and raging rivers to beach resorts and snow capped mountains.

Britons seeking sun could opt for a holiday in the fourth safest country in the world, Portugal.

Portugal’s southern Algarve region offers almost guaranteed good weather during summer as well as stunning beaches.

If money was no object, where is the first place you'd travel? Let us know in the comments below.