New index ranks Chile as second most peaceful country in South America

Chile continues to lead as the second most peaceful country in South America and ranks 30 globally, according to the 2014 Global Peace Index report.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the annual report on Wednesday, which ranks 162 independent states’ internal and external peacefulness based on 22 indicators. Through its rankings, the institute also establishes the countries most likely to experience instability and violence in the next two years.

Chile’s index scores in the broader areas of safety and security in society, the extent of domestic or international conflict, as well as the degree of militarization raise it one spot globally from last year’s ranking of 31. The most peaceful country ranks at one, while the least peaceful ranks 162.

“Although it has faced many challenges over the last decade, Chile has remained resilient to a platitude of external shocks, including the tragic earthquake and Tsunami in 2010,” the IEP wrote in April.

Its improvement from last year, however, is still a low ranking compared to previous years. This year Chile ranked higher in violent demonstrations, accessibility of small arms and light weapons, as well as high level of perceived criminality. The country ranked lower in various other indicators like political instability, meaning that citizens’ needs are supported by political institutions.

While Chile increased its index score, Uruguay continues to remain as the most peaceful country in South America despite its drop in score. An increase in police and security forces dropped the leading country’s score.

Although it ranks third regionally as most peaceful, Argentina is among the ten countries most likely to “deteriorate in peace” in the next couple of years. The index shows that even with internal tensions in Colombia and Venezuela, South America scored above the global average this year.

Overall results represented Syria as the least peaceful country in the world and Iceland as the most peaceful. The general findings indicate that global peacefulness is gradually decreasing due to terrorist activity, number of conflicts fought and number of refugees and displaced persons.

“As these effects are likely to continue into the near future, a strong rebound in peace is unlikely,” Steve Killelea, founder and Executive Chairman of the IEP, told the press.