180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: RecommendedLGBT+ visiting: Recommended
El Salvador's turnaround is real: streets that were once no-go now read calm in the data, and the country is busy rediscovering itself. For travellers that means El Tunco's surf, the Santa Ana volcano hike, and pupusas costing a dollar at every corner. The calm came via a state of emergency and an iron-fisted government, so know the rules and keep opinions to yourself.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people — lower is better.
El Salvador: 3.3
Ranked 89th in the world for the highest homicide rate.
3.3 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024 — a moderate rate by world standards.
Lower than 51% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is — lower is better.
El Salvador: 2.1
Ranked 60th least peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 36% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 2.136.
Barely moved — up one place since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom — higher is better.
El Salvador: 6.9
Ranked 84th freest country in the world.
Less free than 50% of the 165 countries measured — 6.88 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 6.72; doing business and owning property, 7.09.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life — higher is better.
El Salvador: 4.1
Ranked 86th most equal in the world for LGBT+ people.
Better for LGBT+ equality than 54% of the 197 countries scored — 41 out of 100.
The law runs ahead of public opinion here — legal protections score 48 out of 100, everyday attitudes 35.