Narayan AmmachchiArgentines may be grappling with the highest inflation rate, but their country is the safest in the region, according to the recently released Global Peace Index (GPI).
Other Latin American nations recognized for their safety include Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Chile. However, Argentina stands out as the only country in the region to secure a spot in the top 50 globally. While the country has recorded a notable decline in its homicide rate, the perception of criminality has worsened, the report noted.
A surprising ranking in the 2024 index is Costa Rica, which, despite recording 905 homicides in 2023 and a slight decrease to 880 in 2024, remains among the safest in the region. Last year was still the second most violent year in the country’s history, with authorities attributing the rise in crime to evolving drug trafficking patterns.
Chile, which ranks 64th globally, saw a significant drop in its safety ranking, falling 10 places. The country is facing a growing security crisis, driven by the rise in organized crime and the increased use of firearms.
Elsewhere in the region, Bolivia dropped two places, while Paraguay fell by four.
In the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic were ranked among the safest nations.
The GPI, developed by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), evaluates 163 independent states and territories, considering factors such as homicide rates and public perception of criminality.
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