July 2, 2025, 5:18 am | Read time: 5 minutes

The Global Peace Index (GPI) from the renowned Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) assesses the state of global peace annually. It evaluates world peace based on 23 criteria, focusing primarily on these three areas: societal safety, ongoing national and international conflicts, and the degree of militarization. In doing so, it compares 163 countries as well as individual regions. TRAVELBOOK presents the results for South America.

Also of interest: Global Peace Index 2025–these are the most (un)peaceful countries in the world

South America overall safer

Currently, South America ranks fourth out of seven in the regional comparison. It is behind its increasingly less peaceful neighboring region, North and Central America, which is in third place (you can also read the GPI results for the northern part of the Americas here at TRAVELBOOK).

Seven of the eleven countries grouped into the South America region improved in terms of peacefulness last year, becoming somewhat safer. On average, the level increased by 0.59 percent. The most significant improvements were seen in Peru and Argentina. In both, the government recently changed (2022 and 2023). At the same time, peacefulness decreased in three South American countries.

The Global Peace Index attributes the improved peace situation in South America to increasing security and decreasing militarization. The most significant changes occurred in the indicators of violent demonstrations, political instability, and the intensity of internal conflicts.

Argentina is the most peaceful country in South America

Argentina increased its peacefulness by 3.8 percent last year. The country is the most peaceful in the entire region. After the ultraconservative Javier Milei took over the government in December 2023 and announced extreme austerity measures, mass protests and unrest were expected. However, the extent was less than feared. At the same time, according to the GPI, economic indicators improved, including declining inflation and unemployment. In the second half of the year, the country was able to recover to the extent that the impact of the austerity measures could be partially mitigated. Thanks to these developments, the risk of political instability was limited. Only one aspect worsened in Argentina in 2024 according to the index: the financing of UN peacekeeping.

Peru improves the most

Peru made the greatest strides toward more peace in the region last year. The country increased its peacefulness by 4.4 percent. Most notably, in the area of ongoing conflicts, Peru improved by 15.6 percent. However, the country worsened in terms of its militarization. While four of the six indicators improved, one declined and one remained unchanged. Peru ranks sixth within its region.

The Global Peace Index notes that there is still too much political unrest in Peru, although significantly less than in previous years. Unlike in 2022 and 2023, there were no mass protests last year demanding the president’s resignation. There were only smaller demonstrations against the government, which were not suppressed by security forces. According to the GPI, Peru is politically more stable, partly due to an economic recovery and partly due to institutional reforms. Another factor contributing to the improved security situation in Peru was the crackdown on organized crime.

Colombia remains the least peaceful country in South America

For the fifth consecutive time, Colombia ranks last in peace in the region. And this, despite increasing its peacefulness by 0.55 percent. Deteriorations were particularly noted in the area of ongoing conflicts. The number of conflict-related deaths in the country rose to 933 in 2024, up from 434 the previous year. At the same time, the murder rate in Colombia remains very high, and there are many refugees and internally displaced persons.

However, Colombia improved last year in the areas of militarization and security within the country. This is evident in the improved political stability, which the GPI attributes in part to government reforms aimed at reducing inequality and strengthening social integration. One of the most important measures is a comprehensive pension reform. Additionally, there were modernizations of the tax system and laws to promote rural development. The latter are intended to provide more security and access to resources for small farmers and marginalized agricultural workers. Apparently, the Colombian government’s efforts are already bearing fruit, as the political climate has been strengthened and social unrest reduced.

Venezuela has become even less secure

A South American country that has also been making headlines for years due to its unrest is Venezuela. The situation there worsened again last year. So much so that Venezuela shows the overall greatest deterioration in South America. All three areas declined, with the country’s peacefulness dropping by 2 percent. For example, about 37 people died due to internal conflicts in 2024, 22 more than the previous year. The authors of the Global Peace Index attribute the deteriorated political stability in 2024 to the “controversial presidential elections in July last year.” Allegations of election fraud and repression by the government of Nicolás Maduro led to nationwide protests. In the South American country ranking, Venezuela is in second-to-last place.

Also of interest: Where Europe has become more dangerous

More on the topic

Global Peace Index 2025 Where Europe Has Become More Dangerous

"Risk Map" The Most Dangerous (And Safest) Countries in 2025

Risk Map These Are the (Un)Safest Cities in the World for Travelers in 2025

The (un)safest countries in South America according to the Global Peace Index 2025 at a glance

(in parentheses the ranking in the worldwide ranking of 163 countries)

1. Argentina (46)
2. Uruguay (48)
3. Chile (62)
4. Paraguay (75)
5. Bolivia (83)
6. Peru (96)
7. Guyana (106)
8. Ecuador (129)
9. Brazil (130)
10. Venezuela (139)
11. Colombia (140)