If you want to become fluent in Spanish then you must study the " Castilian " Spanish. There is no substitute and that pure Spanish is only taught in Spain. I studied Spanish in Costa Rica for two years but what they teach there is the gutterel " Central American " Spanish,...where there is no such thing as the second person plural. Forget Costa Rica or Panama or Mexico, go to Espana !

The safest Spanish speaking country is Spain but it is also one of the more expensive however Latin American countries like Panama or Costa Rica are much more open to foreigners than Spainiards. The safest countries in Latin America are probably (in this order) Chile, Uruguay, Panama and Costa Rica. Costa Rica has probably the best Spanish (least distinct accent not a lot of local slang).

Spain is beautiful, very safe and tourist are welcome.

Uruguay is other option if safety is your concern

Spain. It's beautiful, and it's in Europe so all you have to worry about is bandits and gypsies.

Not in terms of culture or sites to see, but in relative safety and friendliness. If someone wants to become fluent in Spanish by visiting a Spanish-speaking country for a long period of time, what country would be the safest and the locals would be the least prejudiced? Thanks for any suggestions.