The Global Terrorism Index released. Where does Uzbekistan rank?

Central Asian countries were among the least affected by terrorism in the world. Nevertheless, the report notes that the region’s stability is increasingly being shaped by external factors, particularly its proximity to Afghanistan. This is according to the Global Terrorism Index 2026 report.

Countries are assessed on the basis of four indicators: the number of attacks, deaths, injuries, and hostages. A five-year average is used to measure the impact of terrorism. Africa and South Asia remain the main centers of terrorist activity. Although the overall global level of terrorism declined in 2025, the nature of the threat became more complex and harder to predict.

According to the report, no terrorist incidents were recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Turkmenistan. With a score of 0, these countries share last place, ranking 163rd out of 163 countries included in the study. Uzbekistan, ranked 95th, remains in the minimal-risk category. Within the region, only Tajikistan faces a relatively higher level of risk, placing 41st in the global ranking.

The relative stability of Central Asia is explained by several factors, including strict security measures, the absence of active armed conflicts, and the limited presence of international terrorist organizations.

Despite this internal stability, threats to the region are increasingly coming from outside. The report says extremist groups have intensified their activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while relations between the two countries have deteriorated and could escalate into open conflict in 2026. Particular concern surrounds the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, where vulnerabilities remain.

In addition to external pressure, experts are also drawing attention to internal dynamics. The report highlights an accelerating process of radicalization among young people, with digital platforms and online content playing an important role.

Pakistan ranked first in the index, followed by Burkina Faso and Niger. Nigeria placed fourth, while Mali came fifth.

According to the Global Terrorism Index, the deadliest terrorist attacks of last year took place in Africa. The three deadliest incidents were all recorded in Burkina Faso. In total, more than 300 people were killed in terrorist attacks in that country.

The fourth-deadliest attack took place in Niger, where 71 people were killed after ISIS militants attacked civilians in the Tillaberi region. The fifth-deadliest attack was recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 71 people were killed when militants attacked a funeral in the autumn of last year.

In 2025, more than 2,900 terrorist attacks were recorded worldwide, resulting in over 5,500 deaths.

Despite the continuing terrorist threat, the overall situation improved. Over the course of the year, the number of deaths fell by 28 percent, while the number of attacks declined by 22 percent. Positive trends were observed in 81 countries, while the situation worsened in 19 others.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the main center of terrorist activity, although signs of stabilization are also emerging there. The number of deaths fell in 10 countries across the region, while it increased in four.

ISIS remains the deadliest terrorist organization, operating in 15 countries in 2025. This marks a significant decline compared with the previous year, when the group was active in 22 countries.

It is worth noting that in the 2025 ranking, Uzbekistan was also named one of the safest countries in the world and was placed 90th globally for terrorism risk.