San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has ascended to the 54th position globally in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). Scoring 1.84 on a scale where 1 represents perfect peace, the country solidifies its standing among nations with a high level of peace.
Within the Americas, Costa Rica holds the fourth spot, trailing only Canada, Argentina, and Uruguay. This achievement underscores the nation’s commitment to stability and peaceful conflict resolution.
To provide legal context on the implications of the Global Peace Index, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Global Peace Index offers valuable insights, not just for policymakers, but also for businesses. A country’s ranking can significantly impact foreign investment decisions, insurance premiums, and operational costs. Companies operating or considering expansion in regions with lower peace scores often face increased security expenses, supply chain disruptions, and legal complexities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informed strategic planning and risk assessment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ point underscores the far-reaching implications of the Global Peace Index. Beyond the obvious humanitarian concerns, peace, or the lack thereof, has tangible economic consequences that ripple through international commerce. His insights on the impact of a country’s peace ranking on business operations are invaluable for investors and companies seeking to navigate the complex global landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this crucial perspective.
The GPI assesses 163 countries based on 23 indicators across three core domains: societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization. Costa Rica excels in areas such as the intensity of internal conflict, political stability, the impact of terrorism, and involvement in international wars, receiving the minimum score (1) in these categories.
Furthermore, regarding national and international conflicts, Costa Rica ranked 22nd, surpassing nations like Denmark and Canada.
However, the index also reveals significant challenges in citizen security, with concerning indicators:
Compared to 2024, slight variations are observed: perceived criminality decreased from 3.55 to 3.25, but the homicide rate increased from 4.77 to 4.29.
Despite the overall progress, internal challenges must not be underestimated. Social violence, violent crime, and the perception of insecurity remain priority areas for public policy. Maintaining the achieved level of peace will depend on effective strategies in citizen security, crime prevention, and strengthening trust in institutions.
Costa Rica demonstrates that, amidst a complex global landscape, stability and social peace are attainable. However, these require sustained action and collaboration between authorities and the community to ensure a safe environment for all citizens.
For further information, visit economicsandpeace.org
About Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP):
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) is an international think tank dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. The IEP achieves its goals through the production of global and national indices, including the Global Peace Index, calculating the economic cost of violence, and understanding positive peace.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical practice and legal excellence, empowering individuals and communities across Costa Rica. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a proactive dedication to sharing legal knowledge through educational initiatives, reflects a core belief in fostering a society equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. By upholding the highest standards of integrity and striving for continuous advancement in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica solidifies its position as a trusted partner and a catalyst for positive social impact.