Press Release
A spot on the globe precisely one-half of the distance between International Falls, Mn. and Fort Frances, Ont. has been determined to be “the most peaceful spot on Earth.”
The finding is 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) and number of news stories in the last 12 months predicting war between the two neighbouring countries (zero).
Also taken into consideration are the number of miles of undefended border (5,525), total annual number of peaceful border crossings averaged per capita (129.36), total annual value of goods and services crossing the border ($597 billion), and total number of annual international tug-of-wars held (one).
“It is quite an historical event to be recognized as the most peaceful spot of Earth,” said Fort Frances Museum curator Sherry George.
“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,” she added.
“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,” noted International Falls Coun. Cynthia Jaksa, who is chair of “Pulling for Peace.”
“It can be measured, it can be quantified, and, therefore, it can be enhanced and improved by intentional action,” she explained.
“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 U.S. 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 U.S. and Canada.
All citizens in the world are stakeholders in the cause of peace. However, “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, Canada now leads the U.S. 3-1 in the four tugs-of-war held to date.
Both Coun. Jaksa and George encouraged all border communities around the world to develop international tugs-of-war with their neighbours 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,” enthused George.
More information on “Pulling for Peace” is available at www.pullingforpeace.com
