Jamaica has earned a major regional recognition after being ranked as the most peaceful destination in the Caribbean for 2026, according to the latest Global Peace Index highlighted by Travel + Leisure.
The island placed 70th worldwide with an overall score of 1.919 in the 2026 Global Peace Index. That ranking also made Jamaica the third most peaceful destination across North and Central America, behind Canada and Costa Rica, according to data from the Institute for Economics & Peace.
Jamaica finished ahead of several regional neighbours, including Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti. While the country saw a slight decline compared to last year, its overall position still placed it at the top among Caribbean destinations.
The Global Peace Index evaluates 163 countries and territories using 23 indicators. These include levels of safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarisation. Jamaica performed especially well in the ongoing conflict category, reflecting relatively low levels of internal and external conflict.
However, the report also noted that Jamaica continues to face challenges in areas connected to safety and security, including crime and public perceptions of safety. Even so, its overall score kept it ahead of other Caribbean nations in the 2026 rankings.
Globally, Iceland remained the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th year in a row. New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland also ranked among the top five.
The report comes at a time when global peacefulness has continued to decline, with the Institute for Economics & Peace noting a rise in active conflicts around the world. For travellers, the rankings offer another point of reference when considering destinations, though they should still check current travel advisories and local safety updates before booking.