Colombia Falls to 141st in the Global Peace Index, Worst in South America

Colombia has been ranked 141st in the 2026 Global Peace Index, making it the least peaceful country in South America. The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) published the Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 nations based on indicators such as safety and social security, ongoing conflict, and militarization. Colombia's peace score declined by 4.7% compared to the previous year, confirming its position as the least peaceful country in the region.

This ranking, which covers 99.7% of the global population, is a significant disappointment for Colombia, as most of Latin America has generally become more peaceful. The report highlights that Colombia's ongoing conflict, particularly in Catatumbo, has worsened by 13.8%, contributing to the country's deteriorating score. The issue lies in the robust and territorial control wielded by criminal organizations, which create instability and violence.

Without addressing these internal problems, it will be challenging for Colombia to improve its position in the global ranking. In contrast, neighboring countries such as Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, and Argentina show a marked difference in peace, with scores that are notably more peaceful than Colombia's. This stark contrast emphasizes the urgent need for Colombia to implement judicial reforms, invest in social welfare, and work towards disarming armed groups to achieve lasting improvement in its peace situation.