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One thing is for certain, we live in a very dangerous world. However, some countries are significantly more dangerous than others and it would be wise for any potential tourist to avoid them. The data that is included in this article is based on the Legatum Prosperity Index and it’s “Safety and Security” sub-index. They take into consideration a number of variables including state-sponsored political violence, property theft, and assault when determining which are the most dangerous countries in the world.
Generally, the most dangerous countries are in three main regions. The first is the Middle East where the main problem is terrorism and civil wars plaguing many of the countries in the region. The second is Africa, more specifically middle and eastern Africa. In these areas, countries are plagued by extremist terrorist groups and civil wars waged between multiple opposing groups. The third is South America. This area is extremely dangerous due to drugs and organized crime.[1]Prosperity – Rankings To find out more about these countries, check out the list below of the top 10 most dangerous countries in the world.
#10: Afghanistan
Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to the extremely high number of terrorist attacks that take place throughout the country. In fact, it is so bad that even the capital is not immune from the attacks. Most embassies can provide little to no support to its people inside Afghanistan. This is due to the political and social instability in the country, due to the military operations that have taken place in the country as well as the volatile internal power struggle in the country.
In addition to terrorist attacks, kidnapping is a real threat in the country. While in the capital city, Kabul, the danger is limited, anywhere else in the country the chance rise significantly. Experts suggest, that if you need to travel to the country, you should hire professional security with armored vehicles.[2]The Telegraph – Afghanistan
#9: North Korea
Despite the extremely harsh totalitarian state and being one of the most dangerous countries in the world, recently North Korea has become a very popular destination for travelers to visit. However, if visiting, be prepared to feel like you have entered a completely different planet. The strict laws in place by the totalitarian regime will feel completely foreign to visitors from European countries or the US.
The region is in a constint state of alert due to the Korea War never officially ending. In addition, North Korea continues to test nuclear and ballistic missiles as late as 2016 and 2017. With all these factors, the area is a tinder box and at any minute further instability in this region with the rest of the Western World could lead to extremely bad consequences. If you are still brave enough to visit after hearing all of that, you should definitely be aware of North Korean laws. To many Europeans and Americans, they are completely foreign. Additionally, visiting the country is only available through organized state sponsored tours.[3]The Telegraph – North Korea
#8: Syria
Syria ranks as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. It is definitely not recommended to visit the country for the time being. This is mainly due to the Syrian civil war that is currently taking place in the country. Full-scale military operations are constantly taking place and large swaths of the country is a war zone. In addition, the Syrian government has lost almost full control of large parts of the northern and eastern areas of the country which are currently under the command of rebel groups.[4]The Telegraph – Syria As a result, Great Britain is withdrawing all British diplomats from the country, and recommended all British citizens to leave as well.
#7: Yemen
The country of Yemen is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite this fact, Yemen it is currently one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The political and social instability of the country make it very dangerous for travelers. Experts warn visitors that there is a high risk of kidnappings. In addition, terrorist attacks are common all over the country.
In fact, many countries are advising their citizens to stay way from Yemen. For example, the United Kingdom has advised its citizens to not travel to the country, and for all citizens currently in the country to leave immediately. Because of the political instability in the country, many embassies can not provide help to their citizens in the country.[5]The Telegraph – Yemen
#6: Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently under full scale military operations between the Congolese armed forces and various extremist armed groups. As a result, the situation in many parts of the country is extremely volatile and unstable. In addition, due to the large number of military operations, visitors are very likely to come across soldiers, tanks, armored military vehicles, and military helicopters. One of the tactics used by rebel groups include kidnapping both Congolese citizens as well as foreigners as hostages to use as leverage against the government.[6]The Telegraph – Democratic Republic of Congo
#5: Chad
Chad is by far one of the most dangerous countries in the world right now. Several notorious religious terrorist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram are still actively operating in the country. In the past, these groups have targeted security forces, civilians, and even foreign visitors. In addition, the country’s borders are very dangerous due to the the minefields that have been installed along the borders with Libya and Sudan.[7]The Telegraph – Chad
#4: Mali
Mali is one of the most dangerous places in the world due the extremely high risk of terrorism in the country. Attacks have occurred throughout the Northern and central parts of the country. In addition, even the country’s capital, Bamako, has not escaped attacks. To make things even worse for the country and its people, common targets for extremist terrorist attacks include restaurants and hotels. This makes it even more dangerous for travelers to visit the country. For example, on November 2015 a terrorist group took prison and executed a number of people at a Radisson Hotel in Bamako.[8]The Telegraph – Mali
#3: Venezuela
In the past few years, Venezuela has faced a hard economic crisis. This has resulted in shortages of basic goods such as water, food, medicine, and electricity. As a result, criminal actions, social unrest, and riots have skyrocketed in large swaths of the country.
In fact, the crime rates in Venezuela are one of the highest in the world. Common crimes include armed robberies, murder, kidnapping, and carjacking. The country’s organized crime only makes this worse. Unfortunately, drug lords, gun traders, and human traffickers are practically in charge of most of the poorest neighborhoods in the country. The people unlucky enough to live in these areas are daily witnesses to some very atrocious crimes. As a result of all this, the US Department of State explicitly declared Venezuela as a dangerous country to visit and warns all American citizens against from traveling to Venezuela.[9]The Telegraph – The world’s 17 most dangerous countries (according to the Foreign Office) Venezuela
#2: Nigeria
Nigeria is another African country on the list of the most dangerous countries in the world. In the country, two well-known Islamic terrorist groups, Boko Haram and Isis West Africa, use a twisted interpretation of the Quran to justify their high level of violence in the country.
The most common targets of these groups are places where people are going to gather in big groups. This can include churches, schools, restaurants, hotels and entertainment places. This tactic is very effective for the terrorists. It makes citizens and tourists scared to do anything as they don’t know if anywhere is safe. Due to this, the US Department of State advises visitors to be vigilant when they are in public and to exercise extreme caution when they are anywhere in the country. In short, the Department of state highly recommends people to not visit the country and leave if currently there.[10]The Telegraph -The world’s 17 most dangerous countries (according to the Foreign Office) Niger
#1: Iraq
Terrorist activities have taking place in Iraq since June 2014. As a result of this, 3 factions currently split the country. The first is the official Iraqi central government. The second is the terrorist group the Islamic State of Irag and the Levant. The third is the Kurdistan Regional Government. As a result, large-scale military operations between the factions are still taking place throughout the country. To make things worse, the risk of terrorism and kidnapping is very high in the country. This is especially true in the capital city of Baghdad.[11]The Telegraph -The world’s 17 most dangerous countries (according to the Foreign Office)
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