The Seven Safest Countries in the Americas

When most people think of Latin America, images of drug cartels and street crime often come to mind. But that view is only half the picture. In fact, several countries in the region are now safer than the United States, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI).

Prepared by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GPI notes a surprising trend: South America was the only region in the world to record an improvement in peace in 2024, with overall peacefulness rising by 0.59%. Eight out of eleven countries improved their ranking.

Here is a list of the seven safest countries in the Americas, as identified by news coverage, academic studies, and global indexes like the GPI

1.Canada

Unlike the United States, Canada reports far fewer gun-related deaths. This is largely because gun owners are required to undergo rigorous background checks and safety training before obtaining a licence.

Adding to this, government institutions remain largely free of corruption, and citizens have access to stable employment opportunities. Together, these factors contribute to the country’s low crime rate. Aside from petty offenses such as pickpocketing, most tourist destinations are considered very safe, according to Harvard Global Support Services.

Reinforcing its reputation, the US News & World Report’s “Best Countries” list ranked Canada the 3rd safest country globally in 2022, while Berkshire Hathaway’s “Safest Places to Travel” placed it at #1 for 2023–24.

That said, Canada does face certain seasonal environmental risks, including winter storms, avalanches, and tornadoes.

2.Argentina

Argentina has quietly become one of the region’s calm anchors. The GPI shows its peacefulness improved 3.8% last year.

Despite austerity measures tied to its economic crisis, Argentina has avoided the large-scale protests and unrest that many had anticipated. Improving indicators—most notably a sharp drop in inflation and unemployment—are adding to a sense of stability and safety. According to both the Global Peace Index and international travel advisories, crime is largely limited to opportunistic theft, particularly in areas like the Buenos Aires metro and parts of Rosario.

3. Uruguay

Political stability, strong rule of law, and minimal violent crime have made Uruguay a model of peace for decades. Unlike other Latin nations, it has kept drug cartels largely at bay.

Tourist hotspots—Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este—are considered exceptionally safe. Even in Montevideo, only the outer neighborhoods need caution.

On the GPI 2025, Uruguay sits comfortably at 46th in the world, a rank that reflects its long-standing reputation as Latin America’s Switzerland.

4. Costa Rica

Surrounded by cartel-ridden neighbors, Costa Rica is a rare oasis. It has no standing army and invests heavily in policing and social stability to protect its tourism-driven economy.

It was ranked the safest in Central America and the Caribbean in 2023. That said, analysts still caution against leaving luggage unattended or walking alone at night.

5. Chile

Thanks to its educated population, stable governance, and the relative absence of powerful drug cartels, Chile provides a generally safe environment for both residents and visitors.

Its strong safety record is reinforced by measures such as the Comisaría Virtual, an online police platform that allows citizens to file reports, request certificates, and seek assistance with ease.

Major cities like Santiago consistently rank lower on crime indexes than most urban centers in Latin America, reflecting both reduced criminal activity and higher levels of public confidence in safety. Of course, petty urban crime still exists—as in any country—but it remains manageable.

6. Paraguay

Paraguay’s turnaround is striking. Just years ago, it was branded one of the world’s hotspots for organized crime.

That changed under President Santiago Peña, whose security push drove homicides down to 6.2 per 100,000 in 2023—one of the lowest in the region.

A steady economy and falling unemployment have reinforced that progress. In upscale Asunción districts like Villa Morra and Las Lomas, or in border towns like Encarnación, crime is mostly limited to petty theft.

7. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has managed a steady decline in violence since 2011, bringing its homicide rate to about 9 per 100,000—low by Caribbean standards.

Its secret weapon: Politur, a dedicated tourist police unit that patrols airports, resorts, and historic centers. Their presence reassures millions of visitors each year.

The country also benefits from political stability—no coups since the 1960s—and steady economic growth, which together underpin its safety gains.