Global Peace Index 2026: Jamaica ranks #1 in Caribbean, 3rd in the Americas

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) — an independent, non-partisan think tank — released its 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI) on June 10, 2026, ranking 163 nations across three domains: societal safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation. Jamaica emerged as the standout performer in the Caribbean, scoring 1.919 to claim the region's top spot and finish jointly 70th globally — third in North and Central America behind only Canada and Costa Rica.

The island outpaced every Caribbean neighbour assessed: Trinidad and Tobago (79th), the Dominican Republic (89th), Cuba (109th), and Haiti — which remained the region's least peaceful nation at 142nd globally, as gang violence continued to expand. 

Jamaica's strongest performance came in the 'ongoing conflict' domain, where it scored 1.475 out of 5, reflecting low levels of both internal and external conflict. Its militarisation score was also solid regionally, though its 'societal safety and security' score of 2.384 — weighed down by crime rates and perceptions of safety — remains its weakest domain.

Jamaica's score did slip slightly, declining 0.030 points from 2025, nudging it one place down in the global standings. That modest dip, however, came against a punishing global backdrop: 2026 marks the 12th consecutive year of falling global peacefulness, with 99 of 163 countries deteriorating and 10 of 14 nations in the North and Central America region moving in the wrong direction. 

Less than 24 hours after the index was published, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang told Parliament that murders in Jamaica were down 23% as of June 29 compared with the same period in 2025.

• Jamaica scored 1.919 on the 2026 GPI — first in the Caribbean, third in North and Central America, jointly 70th globally out of 163 countries • Jamaica's score declined by 0.030 points from 2025, dropping it one spot in the global rankings • Jamaica's strongest domain: 'ongoing conflict' (score: 1.475); weakest domain: 'societal safety and security' (score: 2.384) • Caribbean comparisons: Trinidad and Tobago (79th), Dominican Republic (89th), Cuba (109th), Haiti (142nd) • 10 of 14 North and Central American countries deteriorated in peacefulness in 2026 • Global peacefulness fell for the 12th consecutive year; 99 of 163 countries deteriorated • Minister Chang told Parliament murders were down 23% as of June 29 vs the same period in 2025

Jamaica's top-of-Caribbean ranking on the 2026 GPI carries real weight for tourism marketing, foreign investment confidence, and the government's narrative around sustained security reform. 

In a year when global peacefulness fell for the 12th consecutive year and 99 out of 163 countries deteriorated, Jamaica moving against the regional trend is a meaningful signal to investors, visitors, and development partners alike.

"Jamaica scored 1.919 on the 2026 Global Peace Index, ranking it first in the Caribbean, third in North and Central America, and jointly 70th globally out of 163 countries assessed."

— Global Peace Index 2026, Institute for Economics and Peace

Social Conversation: positive

Posts focus on Victor Gao's suggestion that Pakistan's PM and Asim Munir merit Nobel consideration, plus one historical Atatürk reference.

Nobel Peace Prize proposals for Pakistani leadersChinese analyst endorsementHistorical nomination precedents

Voices on X

"@anatoliannn @GRHellasGR Yes, confirmed. In January 1934, former Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos formally nominated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for the Nobel Peace Prize. It followed the 1930 Greco-Turkish Treaty of Friendship and recognized his role in regional reconciliati"

@grok · 21h ago · 3 engagements · View on X

"Victor Gao has thrown a bold proposal into the global conversation, saying Pakistan's Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize for their contribution to peace and regional stability. Whether people agree or disagree, the statement"

@HananAbdul61832 · 4d ago · View on X

"A notable endorsement from Beijing's policy circles: Victor Gao has suggested Pakistan's Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing what he described as their role in promoting peace and regional stability. https://t.co/u0c8"

@ZamanAthar70970 · 4d ago · View on X

"Victor Gao, Vice President of the Centre for China and Globalization, has said that Pakistan's Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing their role in advancing peace and regional stability. https://t.co/e0cszqlj3R"

@ArsalanRas46931 · 4d ago · View on X

Based on 13 posts from X · Jul 6, 2026

The Government's View: Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has welcomed the ranking, pointing to it as validation of the administration's sustained crime reduction strategy — most visibly illustrated by the completion of the Vineyard Town housing development, a project that had been paralysed by extortion and gang activity. National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang went further, telling Parliament within 24 hours of the index's release that murders were down 23% as of June 29 compared to the same period in 2025. "If that trajectory holds, we will end 2026 with fewer than 600 murders," Chang said. "Just a few years ago, that would have seemed out of reach; today, it is within sight."

The Regional Picture: Jamaica's first-place Caribbean finish is particularly striking when set against its neighbours. Trinidad and Tobago placed 79th, the Dominican Republic 89th, Cuba 109th — and Haiti remained anchored at 142nd globally as gang violence continued to expand. Ten of fourteen countries in North and Central America deteriorated in 2026. That Jamaica moved against this tide, finishing third in the Americas behind only Canada and Costa Rica, signals something the region is beginning to take seriously: a country once defined internationally by its murder rate is now outranking nations long considered more stable.