World's most dangerous countries
Violence and possible dangers often lead news coverage of foreign countries, but just how treacherous are the most dangerous countries in the world? How many threats are real versus how many are only perceived as real? Whether you are looking to travel or move, researching the safety of your destination can help you stay protected, giving you the chance to enjoy the experience without worrying.
Using data from , 爆料TV compiled a list of the world's most dangerous countries. More than 148,000 adults from 142 countries took the poll in 2017. Questions included experiences with theft and assault, confidence in the local police force, and feelings of safety at night. Each country was then given a score based on respondent answers.
From countries recovering after deadly outbreaks of disease to those with decades-long civil wars and unruly police, read on to discover more about the world's most dangerous countries. 爆料TV begins the list in Eastern Europe with Belarus.
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#68. Belarus (tie)
Law and order index score: 77
The landlocked Eastern European country of Belarus in 1991. , petty theft is a problem for travelers.
#68. Bulgaria (tie)
Law and order index score: 77
The Orthodox Christian nation of Bulgaria sits north of Greece. More tourists each year than there are local citizens. The by a democratically elected president and parliamentary republic.
#68. Tanzania (tie)
Law and order index score: 77
According to the BBC, Tanzania has a despite a lagging economy. The East African nation who travel alone or who visit the countries borders.
#68. Turkey (tie)
Law and order index score: 77
Turkey is known for its delicious food. Following the , President Recep Tayyip Erdo臒an has cracked down on dissent in the country, meaning political-based violence is possible. The nation is also under threat from because of its Kurdish population and shared border with Syria.
#67. Latvia
Law and order index score: 76
Latvia gained independence in 1991 and is a member of the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Eastern European country bordering Russia, is one of the world's most . The number of road deaths in Latvia was 60% higher than the European Union average in 2016.
#66. Tunisia
Law and order index score: 75
The North African country of Tunisia is home to the ancient city of Carthage. Tunisia was part of the , which removed its president from power. Since, the country has been relatively peaceful, though the country is still after a 2015 suicide bombing. The most volatile parts of the country are near its borders.
#63. Greece (tie)
Law and order index score: 74
The Mediterranean country of Greece faces difficult economic issues, stemming from a debt crisis beginning in the 2000s. , violent crime is low in the country, though petty theft is high due to the economic hardships Greeks face. The against attending protests that often occur in cities like Athens.
#63. Pakistan (tie)
Law and order index score: 74
Pakistan struggles with a sluggish economy, which cannot meet the needs of the labor force. The country is a because of its ongoing border war with neighboring India and the terrorist networks present in the country.
#63. Niger (tie)
Law and order index score: 74
Niger鈥檚 political independence is unstable. The country is also part of a , which makes Niger a target for retaliation. The to the northern parts of the country due to concerns of kidnapping and terrorist attacks.
#58. Zimbabwe (tie)
Law and order index score: 73
Former President Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for nearly 40 years with . The country's new President Emmerson Mnangagwa is party of Mugabe's party and is associated with a bloody history of crackdowns on political dissent. Travelers are advised not to go out at night because .
#58. Burkina Faso (tie)
Law and order index score: 73
The West African nation of Burkina Faso has faced a series of political coups, the most recent being in 2015. Burkina Faso is ruled by President Roch Marc Kabore, but faces constant terrorist threats, which .
#58. Jamaica (tie)
Law and order index score: 73
The Carribean island of Jamaica is known for its beaches and food. However, travelers must be wary of . Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
#58. Nicaragua (tie)
Law and order index score: 73
The largest Central American country has a . Political protests in the country in 2018 turned violent and left nearly 300 people dead when government forces attacked the protesters.
#58. Kyrgyzstan (tie)
Law and order index score: 73
Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia on the western border of China. The former member of the Soviet Union is , and the country鈥檚 political situation is precarious. , especially when travelers use public transportation.
#55. Honduras (tie)
Law and order index score: 72
According to the BBC, Honduras is in Central America because of its ongoing economic problems and political corruption. , even targeting foreigners.
#55. Panama (tie)
Law and order index score: 72
Panama is the border country between North and South America. Violent crime like murders and kidnappings are common. , drug trafficking can be part of the country鈥檚 tourism industry.
#55. Palestinian Territories (tie)
Law and order index score: 72
The Palestinian Territories is refuge for displaced Palestinians in Israel. Palestinians have asked for independence for decades. Tensions between Israel and Palestine are always high, which can . The area features numerous ancient holy sites, many of which travelers are not advised to visit because of security concerns.
#47. Uruguay (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
Tourists are drawn to Uruguay鈥檚 coastlines and year-round mild climate. According to World Nomads, the country is one of the safest to visit in South America, though pickpocketing and car robberies do occur.
#47. Benin (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
Benin, located in West Africa, is . The country faces widespread poverty and political corruption. protests are common and can turn violent, and robberies are also common for tourists.
#47. Ecuador (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
Ecuador benefits from an agricultural economy and the recent discovery of oil. Travelers often come to take in the nation's abundant nature, though , especially at night.
#47. Mozambique (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
Half of Mozambique鈥檚 population lives below the poverty line, making tourists targets for theft. , traveling at night is not advised because of the greater threat of robbery. There is also the danger of landmines that were never removed after the country鈥檚 civil war, though Mozambique was declared landmine free in 2015.
#47. Yemen (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
Located south of Saudi Arabia, the country of Yemen is home to numerous ancient sites. An ongoing civil war , with neither group gaining significant political or social control.
#47. Guatemala (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
The Central American country of Guatemala features Mayan ruins, volcanoes and large forests. However, the city鈥檚 deserted areas or streets at night are for travelers. The country鈥檚 police forces are ineffective at stopping crime or following-up on crimes.
#47. Iraq (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
The Middle Eastern nation of Iraq has been politically unstable since the 2003 removal of President Saddam Hussein by American-led forces. , including attacks by members of the Islamic State. There is also the risk of .
#47. Lesotho (tie)
Law and order index score: 71
The nation of Lesotho is landlocked and surrounded by South Africa. Cities are locations of high crime, . Lesotho is also a production hub and trafficking route for drugs.
#41. Mongolia (tie)
Law and order index score: 70
Located south of Russia, Mongolia has a . Outbreaks of are common, so travelers need to be vaccinated and prepared to take antibiotics.
#41. Kenya (tie)
Law and order index score: 70
Known as the 鈥渃radle of humanity,鈥 Kenya is a relatively safe and stable country. Tourists should be in city centers. However, terrorist attacks from Al-Shabaab, located in neighboring Somalia, are growing more prevalent, and travelers are advised to stay away from the border.
#41. Costa Rica (tie)
Law and order index score: 70
Due to Costa Rica鈥檚 large tourism industry, the Central American nation struggles with . There are also active volcanoes in the country.
#41. Paraguay (tie)
Law and order index score: 70
Political unrest and corruption are common problems in Paraguay. The South American nation struggles with .
#41. Russia (tie)
Law and order index score: 70
The largest country in the world offers amazing architecture and natural wonders. However, the nation is at a . In 2017, there was an attack in St. Petersburg. Travelers should also be wary of pickpockets in cities.
#41. The Gambia (tie)
Law and order index score: 70
The Gambia is and struggles with its economy and poor soil. , hotel thefts are common and local beaches can be targeted by robbers.
#37. Chile (tie)
Law and order index score: 69
Unlike other South American countries, Chile has not experienced as many coups or instances of political unrest, . Petty theft is , and visitors to Chile face the risk of flash floods and active volcanoes.
#37. Togo (tie)
Law and order index score: 69
Political demonstrations, which can become violent, are . Government crackdowns on unrest do happen, and .
#37. Senegal (tie)
Law and order index score: 69
Political stability in Senegal has allowed the West African nation to send peacekeeping forces to conflicts in neighboring countries. However, the instability of neighboring countries makes Senegal a . Muggings after dark and occur regularly.
#37. Ukraine (tie)
Law and order index score: 69
The Eastern European nation of Ukraine remains at war with itself following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. This area of because fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian forces can break out at any time. Other parts of the country are more stable and safe to visit.
#33. Haiti (tie)
Law and order index score: 68
Haiti is located in the Caribbean alongside the Dominican Republic. Widespread poverty make in the nation鈥檚 cities. Using public transportation can for mugging and kidnapping. Political demonstrations happen regularly, with some turning violent.
#33. Trinidad and Tobago (tie)
Law and order index score: 68
Large oil reserves make Trinidad and Tobago one of the . The island nation is a tourist destination, though theft and highway robbery is a threat. Parts of the city are and are best avoided.
#33. Guinea (tie)
Law and order index score: 68
Located in West Africa, Guinea received international attention during the region鈥檚 2014 Ebola outbreak, which . Border areas with are particularly dangerous. Violent crime is increasingly becoming a problem in cities, including in tourist areas.
#33. Central African Republic (tie)
Law and order index score: 68
Known for its diverse wildlife and natural sites, the Central African Republic has been marred by a series of civil wars, one of which is ongoing. Political figures and humanitarian workers have been kidnapped, and rebel groups throughout the country to visitors.
#29. El Salvador (tie)
Law and order index score: 67
The decades-long civil war in the 1980s did not reduce inequality in El Salvador, which remains a country with one of the . The Central American nation struggles with urban gangs and police corruption.
#29. Moldova (tie)
Law and order index score: 67
While this small Eastern European nation, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, is well-known for its , travelers should be cautious. The former Soviet state experiences high rates of petty theft in the capitol city Chisinau as well as in the disputed territory of Transnistria.
#29. Ivory Coast (tie)
Law and order index score: 67
The Ivory Coast has experienced political fractions since the early 2000s. The instability has made some areas of the West African nation unsafe. Robberies and muggings are likely to occur at night . Violent crime happens in cities, particularly Abidjan.
#29. Libya (tie)
Law and order index score: 67
The North African country of Libya is known for its oil reserves. The nation continues to face political instability following the . Ongoing armed conflict between political groups and threats of terrorism place the nation on the U.S. State Department鈥檚 . Foreigners are often targets of terrorist groups in the country.
#25. Congo (Brazzaville) (tie)
Law and order index score: 66
The Congo continues to face civil war and bloody power struggles between militias. The nation is rich with natural resources, which only furthers the unrest. Refugees from inside and out of the country continue the nation鈥檚 instability, and foreigners have been .
#25. Ghana (tie)
Law and order index score: 66
Ghana, located in West Africa, adopted a democratic form of government in the 1990s and has remained a stable nation since. Crime in the country consists of typical tourist dangers鈥攑ickpocketing and petty theft. However, are increasing. The main security concerns in Ghana involve the instability of neighboring countries.
#25. Nigeria (tie)
Law and order index score: 66
Nigeria has long struggled with a sluggish economy, mostly due to the military coups in its history. While the nation is a democracy today, there is a risk of . Terrorism remains a major threat with the in the northern parts of the nation.
#25. Mali (tie)
Law and order index score: 66
Mali is on the U.S. State Department鈥檚 due to the risk of violent crime and terrorism. Terrorist attacks are .
#22. Cameroon (tie)
Law and order index score: 65
Cameroon, in West Africa, is . The diversity has been a source of tension in the country, some of which have become violent. There are in northern parts of the country where the terrorist group Boko Haram is located. Armed militias , which can harm unsuspecting travelers.
#22. Namibia (tie)
Law and order index score: 65
Namibia won independence in 1990 and has since in West Africa. Travelers should watch out for petty theft in cities. There is also the along Namibia鈥檚 border.
#22. Congo (Kinshasa) (tie)
Law and order index score: 65
The resource-rich Congo is a dangerous place because of its ongoing civil war, referred to as Along with the fighting, political demonstrations to hold democratic elections have become violent with the current government suppressing demonstrators.
#18. Malawi (tie)
Law and order index score: 64
Political demonstrations, which , are common in the East African country of Malawi. A poor economy pushes some towards crime like petty theft. Traveling by road in the country is dangerous due to the .
#18. Colombia (tie)
Law and order index score: 64
According to World Nomads, Colombia is not as dangerous as it once was, although there are . The South American country is particularly dangerous in areas that border with Venezuela and Ecuador. There is risk of extortion for travelers, who are targeted by local criminals.
#18. Madagascar (tie)
Law and order index score: 64
Located off the eastern coast of Africa, the island nation of Madagascar is . The nation鈥檚 political landscape has been volatile since the 2009 coup d鈥櫭﹖at. Along with risk of petty theft in cities, travelers are advised to where they could be targeted for extortion or violence.
#18. Chad (tie)
Law and order index score: 64
The U.S. State Department advises travelers to Chad. The North African nation has this label due to its robbery and violent crime rates, as well as its from Boko Haram.
#14. Argentina (tie)
Law and order index score: 63
Argentina features one of . The country does with petty crime and scams in cities.
#14. Peru (tie)
Law and order index score: 63
Despite being the world鈥檚 Peru remains a stable country. Petty theft, kidnapping, and does happen in the country.
#14. Mauritania (tie)
Law and order index score: 63
The West African nation of Mauritania faces the threat of terrorism, especially in the . Public places used by tourists are a target, and visitors should be .
#14. Brazil (tie)
Law and order index score: 63
Gang-related violence, including , take place in Brazil. Armed robbery is common in cities and poses a high risk of leading to murder.
#12. Uganda (tie)
Law and order index score: 62
According to World Nomads, Uganda is a , but threats from its neighbors can make it unsafe. In the north, Uganda faces . Greater police presence has decreased the amount of petty theft in Uganda.
#12. Zambia (tie)
Law and order index score: 62
Despite Zambia's fast-growing economy, the remain in poverty. Political rallies do occur in the country, though one of the biggest threats are its .
#9. Botswana (tie)
Law and order index score: 61
Thanks to the diamond industry, Botswana is a with a strong economic sector and stable, multi-party government. Visitors could fall victim to theft and robberies, and should be careful of leaving valuables in hotel rooms, according to the .
#9. Sierra Leone (tie)
Law and order index score: 61
The West African nation of Sierra Leone is one of the . Thefts do occur, especially at night. Visitors are also advised to avoid traveling at night due to the risk of robbery. The country鈥檚 also pose a risk to travelers.
#9. Bolivia (tie)
Law and order index score: 61
Bolivia鈥檚 natural gas industry generates much of the country鈥檚 economy. However, it has also spurred conflict in the South American nation, notably in 2003 when while protesting a new export agreement. Pickpocketing and ATM robbery are common problems. There is also a high risk of drug-related crime since Bolivia is a world-leading producer of cocaine.
#8. Dominican Republic
Law and order index score: 60
Along with producing coffee and sugar, the Dominican Republic for its economy. The Caribbean island nation features pristine beaches with its full-service resorts. However, traveling off the resorts into cities greatly or scam.
#6. South Africa (tie)
Law and order index score: 58
South Africa is one of the continent's strongest economies. Recently elected President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a mission to in the government, which has been criticized for not doing enough about the nation's economic inequality. Theft, often occur in isolated parts of the cities. Cape Town is also experiencing a .
#6. Mexico (tie)
Law and order index score: 58
Despite a strong oil industry, Mexico is unable to shake its economic inequalities. The drug trade is a source of violence, and may be the reason Mexico has one of the in the world. Tourists are advised to be and avoid traveling at night.
#5. Liberia
Law and order index score: 56
Liberia experienced a 14-year civil war that ended in 2003. The war killed 250,000 people. The outbreak of Ebola in 2013 dealt . , and the country has one of the highest rates of rape in the world. Tourists are encouraged to be cautious all the times.
#4. Gabon
Law and order index score: 55
As a world-leading producer of oil, Gabon鈥檚 economy is . However, many of its citizens are impoverished. Thefts are common, , and traveling by road is dangerous due to poor road conditions.
#3. South Sudan
Law and order index score: 54
South Sudan is a relatively new nation in the African continent, though it remains in conflict. A civil war has been when the president and vice president began attacking one another. The violence can be indiscriminate, which is why visiting South Sudan.
#2. Afghanistan
Law and order index score: 45
Afghanistan makes the U.S. State Department's because of the threat of kidnapping, terrorist attacks, and ongoing military operations. The may have removed dangerous elements of the Middle Eastern country's government. However, the war has left a weak system for upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens from militant attacks.
#1. Venezuela
Law and order index score: 44
Violent political protests are common in Venezuela where economic inequality and high rates of inflation have made it . Those protesting President Nicol谩s Maduro鈥檚 rule are met with violence. The local government does little to protect citizens, and .