180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: Not RecommendedLGBT+ visiting: Not Recommended
Costa Rica scrapped its army in 1948 and put the money into the good stuff, and it shows: cloud forest at Monteverde, hot springs under Arenal's volcano, turtles nesting at Tortuguero. The eco-tourism machine is the world's most polished. Homicide has climbed in recent years, mostly far from the tourist circuit ā stick to the established routes and it's still one of the region's easiest trips.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people ā lower is better.
Costa Rica: 17.1
Ranked 16th in the world for the highest homicide rate.
17.12 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024 ā a high rate by any standard.
Higher than 90% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is ā lower is better.
Costa Rica: 1.8
Ranked 70th most peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 67% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 1.843.
Down 4 places since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom ā higher is better.
Costa Rica: 8.3
Ranked 32nd freest country in the world.
Freer than 82% of the 165 countries measured ā 8.36 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 8.72; doing business and owning property, 7.85.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life ā higher is better.
Costa Rica: 6.9
Ranked 29th most equal in the world for LGBT+ people.
Better for LGBT+ equality than 85% of the 197 countries scored ā 69 out of 100.
The law runs ahead of public opinion here ā legal protections score 85 out of 100, everyday attitudes 54.