For people who live in historically peaceful nations it is easy to forget that there are nations across the world currently struggling with conflict or recovering from the devastation of civil war. Sure, we know that Iraq is a war zone because we hear about it on the news each day but there are dozens of other countries struggling to achieve peace and stability in their society, countries that we often don't hear that much about. Many of these countries have suffered internal conflicts for decades and only achieved a state of peace in recent years. Unfortunately many of these formerly conflicted countries continue to struggle with economic problems caused by those years of unrest, but are thankfully beginning to gain a more stable place in the global economy now that the wars have ended.

Here's a look at six upcoming countries that suffered recent, often extended, conflicts but which are now essentially at peace.

Cambodia

Cambodia: This area became a region with significant problems during the Vietnam War in the 1970's when the region was marred by political instability and internal warring. Cambodia achieved political stability in the late 1980's and has been trying to improve civil amenities since that time. A coup in 1997 caused some setbacks but these have been gradually stabilising ever since that time.

Cambodia has received significant assistance from other developed nations and is now considered a safe and growing country fit for spending time in. Obvious attractions in Cambodia include the beautiful city of Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat Temple and Wat Phnom as well as the powder white sandy beaches of Sihanoukville.

Indonesia

Indonesia: It is really no surprise that the Republic of Indonesia has had trouble uniting all of its people in order to avoid internal conflicts. After all, this archipelago state consists of over 17,000 different islands that are home to people of diverse cultures, religions and political beliefs. Although the country gained its independence after World War II, it struggled for the entire second half of the 20th Century to reconcile the differences amongst its diverse population. Several sections seceded from the nation and the area has been marred by political corruption and general instability.

When the first direct presidential election in Indonesia occurred in 2004, the archipelago experienced steadily improved civil stability. There are still small pockets of problems and the country faces difficulties resulting from economic distress and natural disasters in the area. A recent string of bombings in Bali caused temporary concern. However, it is an increasingly safe location that is gaining in popularity with globetrotters.

Islands such as Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa are great places for watersports such as surfing and windsurfing. The cost of living is cheap, the inland scenery spectacularly lush and the beaches tropical; there's certainly plenty to see and do!

Angola

Angola: This is an African country which was once a Portuguese colony, a situation which led to a great deal of civil unrest during the 20th Century. Leftist military groups overthrew the Portuguese leadership in the 1970's but this was followed by many years of battling between guerilla groups. The result of this was the Angola Civil War which lasted from 1975 to 2002. The war devastated the area, shattered the economy and caused a large percentage of the population to flee to refugee camps.

In 2002 a ceasefire was reached and the political situation began to stabilise. Angola is not yet a democratic nation but the internal warring appears to be done, at least for the time being. In recent years, Angola has topped the lists of post-conflict countries for making developments in the area of peace.

Peru

Peru: This country gained its independence early in the 19th Century but then spent the rest of that century involved in intermittent wars over control of the territory. The first half of the 20th Century involved a valiant effort to rebuild and create stability there but a military coup introduced a series of military dictatorships that wreaked havoc in the country. The end of the 20th Century saw problems with drug trafficking as well as a border conflict between Peru and Ecuador.

The border conflict ceased in 1998 and stability has returned to the area and has been increasing ever since. Today Peru is considered to be a safe and growing tourist destination with any visit being incomplete without a trip to the stunning mountaintop city of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the 'Lost City of the Incas'.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland: Most people have heard about 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland but many people don't really understand the depth of the conflict that occurred here over a twenty five year span. Internal fighting took place between Nationalists and Unionists around the central debate of whether this province should become a part of the Republic of Ireland or remain part of the UK. In 1998, the Belfast Agreement was signed, a treaty that started the province down the road to peace at long last. In 2005, the IRA agreed to non-violence and decommissioning of their weapons.

Northern Ireland is emerging from a troubled past to become a forward-thinking and positive country. The small province is blessed with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery you'll find anywhere in the world, with the Causeway Coast being the jewel in the crown. Elsewhere in the province, Belfast is in the midst of a remarkable transformation from being deeply depressed and introverted into a cosmopolitan and lively city with excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

Croatia

Croatia: During the 1990's, Croatia found itself waging a war for independence during a time when the politics of the entire region were in the midst of change. The war was against a Serbian group called the Republic of Serb Krajina and later against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia war lasted through 1995 and led to significant economic trouble in the area.

Today, Croatia is in the process of joining the EU and NATO. The only travel warning that still exists here is that de-mining of the war-torn area continues to this day so it's necessary to read signage carefully and to be aware of the issue. For the most part, Croatia is a beautiful country with cities rich in history, lush countryside and a truly stunning coastline with popular tourist spots such as the party island of Hvar located on the Adriatic coast.

ProTraveller June, 2008