Costa Rica: safest in Latin America

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America, according to the Index of Public Safety ( English only ), published this month by FTI Consulting.

Investment in prevention and in professionalizing security forces have helped to maintain crime levels matched only by Chile and Uruguay.

Panama is the second safest country in Central America, while Honduras was last Venezuela is the most dangerous Latin American country.

The report analyzes official data in 19 countries, including rates of crimes of various kinds; activity of organized crime and drug trafficking; and political and labor unrest, along with government efficiency in addressing these problems (figures reflect the position of each Central American country in Latin America).

1. Costa Rica (1)
2. Panama (4)
3. Nicaragua (10)
4. El Salvador (14)
5. Guatemala (17)
6. Honduras (18)