180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: Recommend CautionLGBT+ visiting: Recommend Caution
The Dominican Republic invented the all-inclusive Caribbean week, and Punta Cana still does it as smoothly as anywhere. The better trip adds Santo Domingo — the oldest European city in the Americas, Columbus' actual colonial zone — and the kite beaches of Cabarete. Outside the secured tourist areas, use licensed taxis and city sense. Good-value sun, sensibly done.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people — lower is better.
Dominican Republic: 9.1
Ranked 37th in the world for the highest homicide rate.
9.12 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024 — an elevated rate by world standards.
Higher than 77% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is — lower is better.
Dominican Republic: 2.0
Ranked 85th least peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 52% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 1.996.
Up 6 places since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom — higher is better.
Dominican Republic: 7.9
Ranked 45th freest country in the world.
Freer than 75% of the 165 countries measured — 7.90 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 8.27; doing business and owning property, 7.37.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life — higher is better.
Dominican Republic: 3.8
Ranked 89th least equal in the world for LGBT+ people.
Ranks behind 50% of the 197 countries scored for LGBT+ equality — 38 out of 100.
The law runs ahead of public opinion here — legal protections score 44 out of 100, everyday attitudes 33.