Costa Rica has fallen eight places in the 2026 Global Peace Index, according to a new report analyzing 163 nations. The decline in ranking reflects a broader global trend of increasing conflict, political tensions, and military spending. The index assesses countries based on various factors, including societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization. This year’s report highlights a worldwide deterioration in peacefulness, impacting Costa Rica’s relative position. While the report doesn’t detail specific reasons for Costa Rica’s drop, it links it to the overall global context of heightened instability. The findings suggest a challenging environment for maintaining peace internationally, with implications for countries worldwide.