Mapped: Danger Levels Across South America

While South America is renowned for its stunning landscapes, safety is one aspect many travelers shouldn’t overlook.

South America was the only region in the world to show an overall improvement in peacefulness in the 2025 Global Peace Index, with an increase of 0.59%.

Yet, Colombia remains the most dangerous country in the region, and there’s more to the story.

NOTE: In the visualization, information is provided only for South American countries on the map with available data.

Colombia and Venezuela are the least peaceful in South America, both scoring around 2.69 on the GPI, driven by conflict, crime, and political instability.
Uruguay and Argentina are the most peaceful, with scores near 1.77–1.78, showing a 34% gap in peacefulness compared to Colombia.
The region is split. Northern countries face violence and instability, while southern countries maintain stronger institutions and lower crime levels.

Colombia tops the list of risky places in South America due to rising violence and ongoing issues with leadership.

It is ranked 140 out of 163 countries globally.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), between January and May 2025, humanitarian mass displacement increased by 117% compared with the same period in 2024.
In February 2025, residents in Chocó and other frontier departments have reported armed “strikes”, displacement, and clashes between dissident groups and state forces, which have renewed humanitarian pressure and undermined local security.

The suspension of some international aid programs has also weakened reintegration efforts and could lead to increased violence.