By Faye Whitbeck
Statistical analysis made possible by improved computers has resulted in a definitive location for “the most peaceful spot on earth.”
A spot on the globe precisely one-half of the distance between International Falls, Minnesota, United States and Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada has been determined to be “the most peaceful spot on earth” based upon a comprehensive analysis of factors directly correlated to peaceful relations between sovereign nations including: number of years since last war ended (197 years), number of news stories in the last 12 months predicting war between the two neighboring countries (0 news stories), number of miles of undefended border (5,525 miles), total annual number of peaceful border crossings averaged per capita (129.36), total annual value of goods and services crossing border ($597 billion), and total number of annual international tug-of-wars held (1).
Sherry George, director of the Fort Frances Museum in Fort Frances, Ontario stated, “It is quite an historical event to be recognized as the most peaceful spot on earth. It has been nearly 200 years since the War of 1812 concluded which makes all locations along the U.S./Canada border including Fort Frances score high as peaceful locations.”
“Pulling for Peace,” the group that organizes the annual international tug of war between Canada and the United States, conducted the analysis as a way to create a friendly competition among those wishing to promote peace around the world. “We wanted to make everyone aware that peace is no longer an abstract concept,” stated Cynthia Jaksa, chair of Pulling for Peace and city councilor for International Falls. “It can be measured; it can be quantified; and therefore it can be enhanced and improved by intentional action. We see International Falls as a wonderful place to do business since you don’t have to worry about any interrupting war.”
Pulling for Peace is an annual celebration held on International Peaceful Borders Day — July 2. Canada and the United States share the longest undefended border in the world. International Peaceful Borders Day and Pulling for Peace is an effort to promote peace throughout the world by celebrating the peaceful border enjoyed between the United States and Canada.
All citizens in the world are stakeholders in the cause of peace. However, the Pulling for Peace organizers believe those living along the world’s international borders have day-to-day opportunities to promote the importance of peaceful borders. As the result of last year’s victory by Canada in the International Tug of War, the standings are now Canada 3, United States 1 in the four tugs of war held to date.
Jaksa and George both encouraged all border communities around the world to develop international tugs of war with their neighbors across the international border noting that such events are a good way to promote international peace and to improve any given community’s peaceful location score.
“Besides, it’s a lot of fun,” noted George. More information on Pulling for Peace is available at www.pullingforpeace.com.
Whitbeck serves on the International Tug of War Committee and as president of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
