WASHINGTON: Iraq has emerged as a more stable country than Afghanistan, thanks to lower violence, the presence of a large US-led international force and high oil prices, according to a report published yesterday.

The report by the British-based Jane's Information Group ranked Afghanistan as the world's third-most unstable country after the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and Somalia.

By contrast, Iraq was at No 22 where it appeared among several African countries including Niger, Nigeria, Burundi and Equatorial Guinea.