Most Dangerous Countries in the World
Calling a country “dangerous” is a difficult label to put on it. However, there are some agreed criteria for judging how safe countries are.
These criteria are divided into minor and major categories, ranging from homicide rates, accessibility of weapons, terrorism, and political stability.
Most Dangerous Countries in the World
7. Iraq
The capital of Iraq, a country where people from many different ethnic groups live, is Baghdad. It’s a country within the borders of South Asia. Although Islam is the most widespread faith, there is also a diversity of religious beliefs such as Christianity, Yazidism, and Zoroastrianism.
For decades, Iraq has experienced many horrible periods. Back in the 1980s, there was a war between Iran and Iraq, followed by Saddam Hussein and the Gulf conflict. Later on, the period worsened with the invasion of the United States, which slowly led to the undeniably blood-thirsty movement of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Therefore, Iraq is still a country with civil unrest, and most of its problems are caused by ongoing political instability. The table below shows the scores of Iraq on the Global Peace Index:
Homicide: | 3.7/5 | Violent Crime: | 5/5 |
Access to Weapons: | 5/5 | Terrorist Activity: | 4.3/5 |
Organized Conflict: | 4/5 | Displaced People: | 2.3/5 |
Political Instability: | 4.2/5 | Total: | 3.16/5 |
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in Central Africa, is also considered among the most dangerous countries in the world. The capital of the DRC is Kinshasa, and the country’s official languages are French and Lingala. The population of the DRC is estimated to be over 100 million people, making it the second most populous country in Africa after Nigeria.
The DRC has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, with over 200 ethnic groups and a history that dates back to the Kingdom of Kongo in the 14th century. The country is also rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, and oil.
However, despite its potential, the DRC has faced many challenges in recent history, including armed conflict, political instability, corruption, and weak governance, which have made it one of the poorest countries in the world and one of the most difficult places to live and work. Despite these challenges, the DRC is home to many people who are resilient, hardworking, and determined to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Homicide: | 4.3/5 | Violent Crime: | 5/5 |
Access to Weapons: | 5/5 | Terrorist Activity: | 3.7/5 |
Organized Conflict: | 5/5 | Displaced People: | 3.1/5 |
Political Instability: | 5/5 | Total: | 3.17/5 |
5. South Sudan
South Sudan is a country located in East-Central Africa. Besides being one the unsafest countries in the world, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, becoming the world’s newest country.
The capital of South Sudan is Juba, and the official language is English. The population of South Sudan is estimated to be over 12 million people, and the country is home to many ethnic groups, including the Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk, and Azande, among others.
South Sudan possesses abundant natural resources, with oil being a significant source of income for the nation. Despite its wealth, South Sudan has encountered numerous difficulties since it gained independence, such as political turmoil, disputes, poverty, and the absence of fundamental amenities, such as education and healthcare.
The country is grappling with the ongoing South Sudanese Civil War, which started in 2013 and has resulted in widespread devastation, including displacement of people, famine, and violations of human rights. Nevertheless, the residents of South Sudan remain determined and unwavering in their efforts to construct a better future for themselves and their country, despite the challenges.
Homicide: | 4.4/5 | Violent Crime: | 5/5 |
Access to Weapons: | 5/5 | Terrorist Activity: | 1/5 |
Organized Conflict: | 5/5 | Displaced People: | 5/5 |
Political Instability: | 5/5 | Total: | 3.18/5 |
4. Russia
You may have noticed that Russia stands in a different place in terms of economic and political power compared to the rest of the list. The real danger about Russia lies in its potential to use its political power as a threat and the wars it started.
So, let’s start with some basic information. Russia is located in northern Eurasia. Apart from being one of the most dangerous countries in the world, it’s also the largest country in the world by area and spans two continents, Europe and Asia. The capital of Russia is Moscow, and the country has a population of over 144 million people. The official language is Russian.
Despite its economic and cultural significance, Russia faces significant challenges, including weak infrastructure, corruption, and a demographic crisis. Despite these challenges, the country remains one of the world’s leading powers and a significant player in global affairs.
In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, which sparked conflict and tensions between the two countries. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has since escalated into a larger conflict, with Russian-backed separatists fighting against Ukrainian government forces. The situation has led to international sanctions and increased tensions between Russia and the West.
While the possession of nuclear weapons by any country can be seen as a source of danger, it’s also true that nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent and can play a role in maintaining international stability. It’s important for all countries with nuclear weapons to act responsibly and follow international non-proliferation agreements and disarmament protocols, to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and ensure global security.
So, for its special conditions, we prepared two separate tables for Russia, the second table having different criteria for measuring the level of unsafety.
Homicide: | 3.3/5 | Violent Crime: | 3/5 |
Access to Weapons: | 4/5 | Terrorist Activity: | 2.7/5 |
Organized Conflict: | 3/5 | Displaced People: | 1/5 |
Political Instability: | 3.6/5 | Russia / Table 1 |
Nuclear and heavy weapons | 5/5 | Jailed population | 3.6/5 |
Weapons Exported | 5/5 | Internal conflicts fought | 2.6/5 |
Neighboring country relations | 5/5 | External conflicts fought | 4.5/5 |
Domestic & international conflicts | 3.7/5 | Russia / Table 2 |
3. Syria
Syria, located in the Middle East, is a country widely heard by the world in recent years because of the continuous civil war. But before it was torn down, it was a beautiful country with a long and rich cultural history, with archaeological sites such as Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers that date back thousands of years. Those archaeological sites are now demolished during the ISIS attacks.
Before going deep into the threats, here’s some basic information. Syria’s capital city is Damascus and its largest city is Aleppo. It has a population of approximately 17 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic and religious groups, including Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, and others. The official language is Arabic and the currency is the Syrian pound.
It has been experiencing war and conflict since 2011. This has caused much damage, forced people to leave their homes, and created a big problem for people’s well-being. The conflict is still ongoing and involves different groups fighting for control of the country, and it has already resulted in widespread destruction, displacement of civilians, and a humanitarian crisis. The situation remains complex and volatile, with various armed groups vying for control of different parts of the country. Despite these difficulties, people in Syria are trying to rebuild and keep their culture alive. The international community is also working to help those affected by the conflict and to find a solution to the crisis.
As can be guessed, Syria is on the list while we are getting closer to the most dangerous country. Here are the scores from Global Peace Index:
Homicide: | 1.8/5 | Violent Crime: | 5/5 |
Access to Weapons: | 5/5 | Terrorist Activity: | 4.3/5 |
Organized Conflict: | 5/5 | Displaced People: | 5/5 |
Political Instability: | 4/5 | Total: | 3.36/5 |
2. Yemen
Yemen is a country located in the Middle East, on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a population of approximately 29 million people, with a mix of ethnic groups, including Arabs, Afro-Arabs, and others. The official language is Arabic and the currency is the Yemeni rial. This impressive country has a long and diverse history, with civilizations and kingdoms dating back thousands of years, including the ancient kingdom of Saba. The country is also known for its unique architecture, including the multi-story mud-brick houses found in the old city of Shibam.
In recent years, Yemen has been experiencing a complex and devastating conflict. The conflict began in 2015 and has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement of civilians, and a humanitarian crisis. The situation remains volatile, with various armed groups vying for control of different parts of the country.
The conflict in Yemen is a fight between two groups: the government, led by President Hadi, and the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran and former President Saleh. The conflict started in 2014 when the Houthis took control of the government and a group of Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, intervened. The fighting has caused a lot of damage and suffering for the people of Yemen, including widespread hunger and lack of access to basic services such as healthcare. Efforts to end the conflict through peace talks have not yet succeeded. The conflict is a major problem for the region and continues to hurt the Yemeni people.
Despite these challenges, many Yemenis are working to maintain their cultural heritage and traditions, and efforts are underway to provide humanitarian aid and support to those affected by the conflict.
Homicide: | 3.2/5 | Violent Crime: | 5/5 |
Access to Weapons: | 5/5 | Terrorist Activity: | 3.3/5 |
Organized Conflict: | 5/5 | Displaced People: | 5/5 |
Political Instability: | 4.8/5 | Total: | 3.39/5 |
1. Afghanistan
Although it’s also the most dangerous, Afghanistan is a beautiful country located in South Asia and Central Asia. It has a population of approximately 38 million people and Kabul is its capital city. It was actually famous for its thousand-year-old olive trees and hand-made art crafts. The official languages are Pashto and Dari, and the country’s currency is the Afghan Afghani.
In recent history, Afghanistan has been torn by conflict and violence. In the 1980s, the country was invaded by the Soviet Union, which sparked a civil war that lasted for more than a decade. The current conflict in Afghanistan is primarily a result of ongoing fighting between the Afghan government and the Taliban, an Islamist militant group that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The conflict began in the 1990s when the Taliban emerged as a significant force in Afghanistan and gradually gained control of most of the country. In 2001, the United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan to remove the Taliban government and to capture Al Qaeda leaders who were responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Since then, Afghanistan has been struggling to rebuild its government and infrastructure while also trying to combat the ongoing Taliban insurgency.
The conflict has been complicated by a number of factors, including the presence of other armed groups, such as the Islamic State, the involvement of regional actors, and the ongoing global War on Terror.
The conflict has resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties, as well as widespread destruction of infrastructure and displacement of people. Despite repeated attempts to reach a peace agreement, the conflict has not been resolved, and fighting continues in many parts of the country. The conflict remains a major challenge for the Afghan government and its international allies and continues to cause suffering for the Afghan people.
So, before we finish, let’s take a look at the scores of the country that’s considered the most dangerous in the world on the Global Peace Index:
Homicide: | 3.2/5 | Violent Crime: | 5/5 |
Access to Weapons: | 5/5 | Terrorist Activity: | 4.6/5 |
Organized Conflict: | 5/5 | Displaced People: | 5/5 |
Political Instability: | 5/5 | Total: | 3.55/5 |
Safety Tips for Travelers
traveling to some of the most dangerous countries in the world can be a daunting experience. But with the right preparation, you can mitigate the risks and stay safe. Here are some quirky yet informative safety tips to keep in mind when visiting high-risk destinations:
- 🔎 Research travel advisories: Before traveling, research travel advisories issued by your government or other reliable sources to learn about safety concerns, areas to avoid, and other potential risks.
- 🕵️♀️ Keep a low profile: Dress conservatively, avoid flashy jewelry or expensive gadgets, and blend in with the local culture to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- 👀 Stay aware of your surroundings: Stay alert, particularly in areas with a high risk of crime or violence, and avoid dangerous situations.
- ⛔ Avoid high-risk areas: Stay away from border regions, remote areas, or areas with a history of conflict, political unrest, or terrorist activity.
- 🔒 Keep valuables secure: Keep your valuables, including your passport and other important documents, in a secure location. Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your money and other valuables safe.
- 👍 Use a reputable tour operator: Consider using a reputable tour operator who can provide additional safety measures, such as security escorts or safe transportation.
- 📚 Know the local laws and customs: Understanding the local laws and customs can help you avoid unintentional offenses and potential legal trouble.
- 📱 Stay in touch with loved ones: Let your family and friends know your itinerary and when you plan to check in with them. They can provide assistance or help raise the alarm in case of an emergency.
Remember, with proper planning and precautions, you can stay safe and enjoy your travels, even in the most dangerous countries in the world.
Don’t miss out on these related articles:
Methodology
In this article, we’ll look at the top 7 of the world’s most dangerous countries and how high they rank on each of the 7 following criteria.
Homicide
Calculated based on the number of people committing an intentional murder of another person, including infanticide, according to the data gathered from UN Survey on Crime Trends and Criminal Justice System Performance.
Access to Weapons
Based on a qualitative assessment of the accessibility of small armed and/or light weapons by Economist Intelligence Unit analysts.
Organized Conflict
Qualitative assessment of the intensity of organized conflicts within the country by Economist Intelligence Unit analysts.
Political Instability
Qualitative assessment of to which degree political institutions are sufficiently stable to support the needs of its citizens, businesses, and overseas investors by Economist Intelligence Unit analysts.
Violent Crime
Qualitatively reported violent crime rate within the country.
Terrorist Activity
Calculated by considering the number of fatalities, injured people, and property damage caused by terrorism in the last 5 years, based on the data gathered from the Global Terrorism Database and Institute for Economics and Peace.
Displaced People
Refugees as a percentage of the total population of each nation of origin (from 2010 this indicator now includes the number of internally displaced persons per country) according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center and UNHCR Statistical Yearbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most dangerous countries in the world?
The most dangerous countries in the world can vary depending on the sources and criteria used to measure danger. However, some countries that consistently appear on lists of the most dangerous include Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, Iraq, Venezuela, and the Central African Republic.
Are there any misconceptions about these dangerous countries that travelers should be aware of?
Misconceptions about these dangerous countries can include assumptions about the prevalence of violence, the attitudes of local people towards foreigners, and the overall level of risk. Travelers should do their research and seek out reliable information sources to avoid falling prey to these misconceptions.
What factors contribute to a country being considered dangerous?
Several factors can contribute to a country being considered dangerous, including high levels of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, political instability, war, and natural disasters. Other factors can include inadequate healthcare systems, poor infrastructure, and high levels of poverty.
What are the most common dangers faced by travelers in dangerous countries?
Travelers in these dangerous countries may face a variety of risks, including violent crime, terrorist attacks, kidnappings, civil unrest, and disease outbreaks. Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes can also pose a threat to travelers in certain regions.
How can travelers stay safe in dangerous countries?
Travelers can take several steps to stay safe in dangerous countries, including researching travel advisories beforehand, avoiding high-risk areas, staying alert to their surroundings, keeping a low profile, and being aware of cultural differences. Other tips include staying in well-lit and populated areas, avoiding solo travels at night and drawing attention with flashy clothing or expensive belongings.
What should travelers do if they find themselves in a dangerous situation in a foreign country?
If travelers find themselves in a dangerous situation in a foreign country, the first thing they should do is find a safe place and contact local authorities or the embassy or consulate of their country. It’s also important to stay calm, avoid drawing attention, and follow any instructions given by local authorities.
How do governments and organizations work to improve safety in dangerous countries?
Governments and organizations may work to improve safety in dangerous countries by providing aid and assistance to those affected by conflict and natural disasters, supporting local law enforcement and security forces, and implementing measures to address poverty and social inequality. Other efforts may include diplomatic interventions and support for peace negotiations.
What resources are available for travelers who want to learn more about the safety risks in dangerous countries?
Resources available for travelers who want to learn more about the safety risks in these countries include travel advisories issued by government agencies such as the US State Department or the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, as well as international organizations such as the United Nations. Local news outlets and social media can also provide valuable information about current events and potential risks.