Chile ranks as one of Latin America's most peaceful countries, study finds

Chile has solidified its position as a leading peaceful nation in Latin America, ranking second in South America and 52nd globally in the 2026 Global Peace Index. The report by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) highlights Chile as the region's most improved country over the past year, advancing eight spots in the world ranking.

This upward mobility is largely attributed to enhancements in safety and security. The index noted a decrease in violent demonstrations and an improvement in the arms import indicator. These factors contributed to Chile's overall score, maintaining its status among the continent's most secure nations.

However, the report also casts a shadow on this progress by pointing out that Chile's homicide rate has tripled since 2017. Despite this concerning trend, the country's overall peacefulness score keeps it favorably positioned within the Latin American context. Only Uruguay, ranked 43rd globally, surpassed Chile in South America.

The broader regional picture presented by the index is one of deterioration, with eight out of eleven South American countries experiencing a decline in peace levels. Internal conflicts were cited as the primary driver of this regional slump. Colombia remains the least peaceful nation in South America, ranking 141st globally, largely due to ongoing clashes between armed groups. Argentina experienced the most significant decline in the region, a result linked to social tensions and protests stemming from austerity measures implemented by its government.