Plus: Sagrada Família's ancient engineering marvels ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
DuckDuckGo removed trackers from LiveIntent, and one other. More
Plus: Sagrada Família's ancient engineering marvels ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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12 June, 2026
Kate Samuelson
Hello. The UK (where I live) came a fairly decent 39th on the 2026 Global Peace Index, a ranking of 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. I can't help but feel slightly envious of the people who live in the countries that came right at the top of the list. Below, hear from locals about what life is like in the safest places in the world. Also in this edition is a look at how Gaudí designed Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Família. I hope you enjoy reading this edition – my colleague, Esther, will be back in your inbox on Tuesday.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES
Daily life in the world's safest countries
We spoke to residents of the five safest countries, according to the latest Global Peace Index. What does that sense of security feel like – and how can travellers experience a taste of the calm and stability, too?
Engineering marvels of the world's tallest church
How Antoni Gaudí's arch design for Barcelona's Sagrada Família helps it soar higher than any other church in the world.
**Read more >**
Why you are never too old for therapy
We assume therapy belongs to youth, yet older people may be particularly likely to benefit from psychological support.
**What's going on >**
Cape Fear's Max Cady is 'unforgettably terrifying'
A new TV take on the classic thriller is dominated once again by its monstrous antagonist, now played by Javier Bardem.
**Get the story >**
A Bond villain lair inhabited by astronomers
Chile's futuristic Residencia featured in the finale of Quantum of Solace, but it is actually home to pioneering astronomers.
**Step inside >**
ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS
Questions raised over 'miracle' Everest survival
The reappearance of a presumed-dead guide has shone a light on the deadly risks faced by Sherpas working on Everest.
**What happened >**
The furious dispute over Air India flight 171 crash
The ongoing investigation has exposed deep questions about the way inquiries into major air incidents are carried out.
**InDepth explores >**
A World Cup guide for new football fans
Football is the world's most popular sport, but for anyone new to the beautiful game, here's what you need to know.
**Get the guide >**
ESSENTIAL WATCH
The only woman to report from Normandy
American journalist and author Martha Gellhorn tricked officers so that she could write firsthand dispatches from Normandy in June 1944. In 1991, she told the BBC about her daring subterfuge.
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How to stop procrastinating
Discover the science behind why we put off actions, with chartered psychologist Kimberley Wilson.
The true story of the Cambridge Spies
The shocking tale of a group of well-educated British spies who sold secrets to Russia and never faced justice.
MORE BBC NEWSLETTERS
Your daily guide to the World Cup
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Thank you for reading this edition of The Essential List, which was edited by Francine Chen. Got feedback? You can reach us by emailing here. We'll be back in your inbox on Tuesday. In the meantime, you can follow the best of the BBC here.
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