In keeping with this site’s love of helping out with holiday plans, this is a list on the top 10 most dangerous places in the world – these are all places you might consider not visiting when planning your next holiday. Some of the items may be a little controversial, but you are, of course, free to ignore our advice and go anyway!
In this crime-ridden, ex-Soviet state, no longer does the government stuff their Armani suits with rubles, but the vandals and gangsters. The Russian mafia runs amuck, there are more gangsters than police, and a Russian is assassinated every 18 minutes, averaging 84 murders per day in a nation of 143 million. The nucleus of Russian crime is stationed in the Republic of Chechnya, a region within Russia just north of Georgia. Prostitution, drug trafficking, and underground restaurants are arbitrarily controlled by the Chechens. Foreigners are kidnapped more frequently due to the higher ransom allocated. Crimes towards include but are not limited to: pick pocketing wallets, cell phones, cameras, cash, and physical assaults. From superpower to Third World country, think tanks are beginning to speculate if communism really was the cure for Russia. [Source]
For anyone traveling to Brazil, it is not a matter of whether you get mugged, it is a matter of when! Grinding poverty still lives alongside incredible wealth in a country that is riding a wave of economic growth. But with prosperity, rates of crime have also soared. Street crime is rampant in parts of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, and whilst many victims are left unharmed, having a broken bottle put to your throat for your bracelet is not pleasant. The incidences of “quicknappings” has risen in major cities. This involves being abducted and taken to an ATM to pay your ransom. If you can’t pay, thanks to mobile technology, your family is only a call away. Along with street crime, organized criminal groups have waged wars against police and public institutions that were unable to be bribed. Prison riots are brutally suppressed, drugs and narco-terrorism claim civilian casualties and if you survive all that – the piranhas are waiting.
Any nation described as the ‘rape capital of the world’ should be one to take extra special care in. Although rape had shown a declining trend to 113.7 in 2004, it increased in 2005 to 118.3 per 100 000. Another damning statistic for South Africa is its appallingly high murder rate. The 2010 World Cup host is consistently in the Top 5 list of countries by homicide rate. Most crime is confined to poor areas but it hasn’t stopped gated communities springing up all over South Africa and armed guards protecting wealthy tourist groups. Farming in South Africa has become one of the most dangerous professions in the world. The murder rate for farmers is 313 per 100 000 – about 8 times the national average. And like anywhere, sex can be very dangerous in South Africa, where more than 10 million people are infected with HIV.
This small, densely populated and poor nation has giant problems. A civil war between Hutus and Tutsis tore the nation apart between 1993 and 2006. A ceasefire was declared however most provisions have not been implemented. Mass murder and mayhem compete with environmental problems as the biggest headaches for the people of Burundi. The list of assassinated leaders is extensive, and control of the nation has changed hands numerous times in the last 50 years. Crimes committed by roaming gangs and armed children are risks for visitors. Muggings, carjackings and kidnappings await, so you are advised not to stop the car for souvenirs. Should you be injured or harmed while in Burundi, you may need to be well trained, as local clinics have almost no resources to assist you.
While murder, rape and robbery may not be a big problem in this part of the world, the hostile conditions are. Antarctica is home to some extreme weather conditions, with the mercury regularly dropping below -60 degrees Celsius (-100F) and winds tearing in at more than 100km/hr. If exposed to this weather for more than an hour, you will most certainly die. Antarctica has no hospitals, no food to forage and if you get lost, not a lot of hope. Stay with the tour groups. At least there is a McDonald’s at Scott Base if you manage to find it.
This nation has for hundreds of years, been one of the worlds most strategically important and lusted after territories. However it remains one of the poorest, undeveloped and unstable. During the Soviet invasion, the Red Army planted more than 12 million landmines in Afghanistan. Hundreds of people are killed, shredded, and maimed each year due to these insidious devices. Following the Soviets came the Taliban, whose control meant women were banned from jobs and universities. In 2001, the United States overthrew the Taliban, but banditry, tribal rivalries and drug related violence has left the nation unstable. Suicide bombings are a constant threat, and nobody in Afghanistan is safe. The most lethal suicide attack occurred in Baghlan Province in November 2007, killing more than 70 people. Did I mention Afghanistan is also the worlds largest supplier of top grade hashish and opium?
Somalia is a failed state known for its anarchy, corruption, lack of government, and starvation. Travelers are warned against entering Somalia, the self-proclaimed “independent Republic of Somaliland” or even sailing near the Horn Of Africa. Pirates patrol these waters armed with AK-47s and will seize craft and hold crews to ransom. Inter-clan fighting has claimed thousands of lives in the north of the country, while territorial control in the capital, Mogadishu is carved up between many clans and warlords. Ethiopia attacked Islamic troops in Somalia in late 2006, resulting in hundreds of casualties and the internal displacement of thousands. Heck, if this place is too much for the Marines, what chance do you stand? Make sure your insurance is fully up to date.
Desperation, death and destruction are synonymous with Sudan. Terrorism is a mainstay of this nation, which has been controlled by Islamic military regimes since its independence. Some of the worlds most famous killers have earned their stripes in Sudan, finishing with degrees in car-bombing, rocket launching and genocide. Violence is rife in the Darfur region between government-backed militias, government troops and local insurgent groups. Sudan has been in open warfare with Chad partly due to the Darfur conflict. Since 2003, 230,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to eastern Chad from Darfur. More than two million have died during the 2 civil wars that spanned the last 50 years. Along with its bleak desert conditions, Sudan is one of the worst places on the planet.
Kidnapping is the main worry in Colombia. There were 2338 kidnappings in Colombia in 1998. Of the victims, 138 were killed by their captors. Ranked Fourth in the world for murders with 69.98/100000 in 2006, the popular targets are mayors, with dozens of them being slain each year. And of course, who can forget cocaine? Colombia supplies 75% of the worlds supply and thanks to Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel, paramilitary groups have waged war on the government in a bloody conflict with no end in sight. Even those working in the name of charity are not excluded from the frenzy. In 2005, 5 Catholic missionaries were murdered, down from 9 in 1999. Colombia’s beautiful coast and rugged mountains should make it a tourist paradise, instead it is among the most feared destinations you can visit.
It doesn’t matter whether you are George Bush, Pele or Chuck Norris – you are not safe in Iraq. Despite its rich history and its oil reserves, it is a ruined nation that is wracked with violence, despair and confusion. Since 2003, the United States has occupied Iraq which has led to a civil war claiming the lives of more than 650 000 civilians. Al-Qaeda, Sunni insurgents, Shiite security forces, Kurdish rebels, American soldiers, Turkish troops and criminals are involved in a cycle of violence that unfortunately, will not abate any time soon. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) and mines are a constant threat, as are suicide bombers who have slain hundreds. Kidnappings and random killings are reported with almost mind-numbing frequency. Since 2003, 2 million Iraqis have fled to neighboring countries and another 1.9 million in Iraq remain internally displaced. Depleted uranium used as armor-piercing rounds will poison Iraqi civilians and US servicemen for decades. Truly, a hell on earth.
For the average traveller, the USA is fairly safe, but the numbers do not lie. There are more than 200 million guns in the USA and more than 50 murders a day, 10 times the rate of Germany. Nearly 5000 people die a year in truck crashes, about 6000 pedestrains die on the streets and 31000 people end their own lives. The USA now leads all nations in violent crime and leads all nations with incarcerations now standing at 2.3 million. American citizens also make up the greatest number of criminals serving time in overseas prisons. Militias, hate groups and other right wing radicals all spread their message of violence and are known to throw around the odd pipe-bomb. The government is not much better, spending a whopping $600 billion a year on defense in order to contain the handful of nations hostile to it.
Dishonorable Mentions: Haiti, Liberia, and Congo.
Contributor: DentShop
Dischuker, first of all I wasn’t complaining, I was making an objective observation. What I expect from my government is to enforce the laws protecting workers’ safety. Bush put an anti-labor mine owner in charge of mine safety, so now mine workers are more likely to die. Bush decided to send our troops to Iraq without properly armored vehicles, and didn’t issue the marines helmet liners so their lives are more at risk. Bush decided to appoint Michael “You’re Doing a Heck Of A Job” Brown to head FEMA, we know how that turned out.
As for the roads and bridges. You are apparently the only person in the country that doesn’t understand how important it is that we begin to repair our infrastructure. I don’t have time to research this for you, get off your lazy ass and look up the numbers for yourself. It wasn’t just the one bridge in Minnesota.
Dischuker, you are a foolish man who puts your fellow Americans at risk with your vote and your anti-social attitude. I bet you’re a lousy, agressive driver as well. So answer the question I posed. Considering only first world countries, where does the US rank in terms of danger?
I’m wondering if maybe DentShop uses another name here….. My personal opinion, if it even matters… Don’t post a list like this if you are not willing to stand up to the heat it will generate. Pathetic!
Good thing you have that “by submitting you give listverse.com permission to reproduce…” clause at the bottom of submissions, Jamie.
This list would be a bit more fair if we listed cities versus countries. As 81. Kreachure said, most of his/her country is nice. I have no idea what percentage of Iraqi towns have murder issues, but Baghdad is pretty intense. Put those numbers against most of the cities in America? I don’t think even St. Louis or Detroit could match them.
I find it funny that Antartica is on here, I guess it makes sense due to the conditions, but if global warming keeps up, it might uncover a vacation paradise
randall man you’re such a complete moron.
what i meant by jews infuenced is that america had a jewish population that it cared for.
therefore they jumped in.
its like saying british had an english population, thus english influenced.
dear god. america has one of the largest jewish population in the world. why wont it try to help? and get your language right mate. its “spelt” not “spelled”. i have to retort to such things because you’re acting so incredibly idiotic.
The USA (specifically New York City) IS one of the most dangerous places on Earth, in my opinion. If you think about it, the USA is ALWAYS the target of super-villains. Alien invasions and monster attacks are regular occurrences. And it is where major catastrophes/Armageddon strikes first! The people must be living in fear everyday.
AT86: Wow, you just insulted the granddaddy Randall, prepare to get burned.
AT86, my shotgun was used for hunting. Its people like you who automatically think “Oh no, he’s got a gun so he’s out to kill people”. Also, it was a Christmas present, not a birthday present. I’ve known many people throughout my life who own guns yet they aren’t killers. I find it fascinating that people like you think that removing guns from the hands of law abiding citizens are somehow going to convince the criminals to not use guns. Are you that naïve? It’s funny, knives aren’t allowed in prisons yet I hear of people getting stabbed all the time in prison.
Lastly, during elementary school my class was required to take a hunters safety course which includes gun safety. I’ve been around guns my entire life and know how to handle them. So I agree with you, I’d rather someone like me own a gun rather than someone like you, AT86, since you act like you don’t know which end is the dangerous end.
Here is a statistic for you; in 2005 there were 43,510 traffic fatalities, of which 17,602 were alcohol related, yet there were 12,682 violence related gun deaths. I say get rid of cars and drinking alcohol.
Frank and Dischuker, the political battle in the United States pretty much boils down to this; one side wants the US to be more like Canada and Europe, one side wants the US to be more like Mexico and South America. One side wants to protect and expand the middle-class, one side wants no middle-class at all.
nuglyman:I’m not sure that would sit well with oil and car companies and every beer company
Yogi:You pretty much nailed it, but there’s one side that wants the US to be like Victorian times with the un*****iest TV ever.
“Club Med” Antarctica?
Well, we are getting screwed by the oil companies, foreign or domestic. I don’t want to hear the debate about how CHina is a growing economy which is why gas is so expensive. I just find it funny how the oil companies, who are “barely making it”, are making huge profits every quarter.
Oh, and I drive a good Japanese car (Honda).
Like everything, lets not get a wrong idea of the whole just because of some parts. Rio and Sao Paulo (not PAOLO) are dangerous cities, on some neighborhoods. Rio’s south zone is safe and very beaultiful, but north zone really not that good… and piranhas? how’s that?
AT86, you don’t know what the Hell you are talking about. The US didn’t get into the war with Germany because of our Jewish population. The prevailing attitude in America during the Thirties was virulently anti-Semitic. Henry Ford, Charles Limburgh, Father Coughlin, and the Bush family were all staunch supporters of Nazi Germany. Before Pearl Harbor, the country was pretty evenly split between those that favored Germany and those who favored England.
Open a history book for crying out loud and stop believing everything you read on the internet.
VChaz – you mean you need a reason to offer military “aid” ? Gee, the people of Iraq would be glad to hear it
Kiwiboi- they were, i was there, and they still are. If you dont beleive me, go to iraq, and ask the first citizen you see.
Heres a little “food for thought”. I graduated from high school in 83. It was common for us to take guns to school (never took them in the building). Hunting coyotes and other “scavenger” animals was something we would do after school for fun. It beneficial to the ranchers as well as fun! BTW, i drove my own car to school…obviously a gun would not be allowed on the bus!
I live in Brasil, in Rio de Janreiro we have a joke:
The red signal is to recommend stoping, not demand.Because if you passes too much time in the signal you are robbed
otay, I graduated in 86 in Mississippi. We weren’t allowed to bring guns onto campus. We couldn’t even bring a pocket knife but I did anyway, mainly to stick it to the man. I will say though that even if a kid did bring a gun to school, it would probably be his (or her) shotgun since he (or she) probably came straight from the deer camp to school.
Chesty-Puller – so tell me…what was the reason for the US invasion of Iraq ?
AT86:
Don’t pretend you didn’t say what you said. It doesn’t sound like English is a second language for you—so there’s no excuse saying something like “Jews have always been influential in the usa so there was no surprise in them declaring war on germany.”
If you want to back off now and say you didn’t mean that to sound vaguely anti-semitic and bigoted, then do so. Because I’m telling you it DID come off that way. And I’m quite sure I wouldn’t be the only one to think so. And no, I’m not Jewish, nor am I overly-sensitive to this sort of thing. I’m not the PC type.
“Jewish influence” was NOT any kind of major–let alone a minor–factor in our entry into WWII against Nazi Germany. A) Nazi Germany declared war ON THE UNITED STATES after congress declared war on Japan. B) We were assisting Britain and Russia in their war against Germany BEFORE the declaration, because Germany was seen as a THREAT to our country and to our CIVILIZATION in general—not because “the jews” wanted us to fight.
I’m a moron? You repeatedly make yourself unintelligible and I still can’t put a proper sentence together, “mate.” And OVER HERE we say “spelled,” not “spelt,” by the way.
If you feel you’ve been misunderstood, it’s your own fault, not mine… but you were wrong in your original assertions anyway–you know absolutely nothing about history if you think the US entered WWII strictly for its own self-aggrandizing reasons.
kiwiboi: It was because of 9/11 but it seems that now it’s for oil, I hope it’s still for 9/11 and avenging those deaths, but if it’s for oil, I’m moving to Europe.
First, AT86 spelt is not the correct word. Spelt is a grain. Spelled is a past tense verb.
Now that we have that out of the way. This list is terrible.
The general, most dangerous places on Earth is a bad idea. I’d rather be in Basra than in Antartica, the middle of any Ocean, desert or mountain range.
Next, you cannot clump countries as a whole. Columbia, even Iraq has it’s safe places.
Lastly, while I think it is fun that you included USA because of all the debate. If you truly believe that the US one of the most dangerous places on Earth, you have a very twisted perception of reality. The fact the 31,000 people kill themselves does not make the US dangerous. What qualifies the US on this list would also force the majority of the UN onto this list.
I am pretty surprised that JFrater allowed this list on. I’m sure his intentions were for debate, but this list is clearly biased. If the poster, DentShop, were to use any quality source, I would accept, however, he does not. He simply uses his own bias (based on his Anti-American bias, I am surprised he didn’t put Israel on here).
Also, where is DentShop? He needs to answer for his list.
Cough Cough Coward
AT86: See, don’t ***** with Randall.
Dan: I seriously doubt Jamie is anti-american, and don’t you ever diss the man who makes the lists.
“It was because of 9/11″
Csimmons – no, that tells me nothing. I’m looking for a more specific reason?
yogi: i’m not asking you for stats because i’m too lazy to look them up. i’m asking for stats for you to PROVE your assertions. i made no sweeping claims about america’s infrastructure.
as far as your question, i have no idea where the US ranks. this is your “belief”. you back it up.
but you are right, i am an agressive driver. but i got skills, baby.
as a side note, do you actually think that the decision about helmet liners went all the way up the chain of command to the president? or is it just more fun to blame the president for it?
standing aside of the huge arguements, 10 or 15 years ago, Peru would have been on this list for sure.The Shining Path were a horrible group, and the stupid Japanese president at the time did some heavy handed stuff to bring them down.You couldnt even wear a red shirt without being beaten.
kiwiboi: Well, we went to Iraq to basically avenge the deaths that happened on 9/11, it was either that or to get more oil.
Another can of worms opened, hehe!
I’m late to the party, I missed the whole “list changing” debacle, and I haven’t read all the comments, so here’s a few thoughts anyway.
The US was on this list at number three? Really? Wow. JFrater, thanks for editing the list. I know you encourage user-submitted lists, but I don’t think it’s fair that someone would use this site for their own personal prejudices. Especially since you’re the one who owns and runs the site, what is posted here (at least on the list side, not so much the user comments) reflects on you.
The US as a bonus seems fair enough, there are places where it’s not too safe, every place has that. Some places have it more than others. It’s about traveling safe. Don’t go into dark alleys at night, stay on main roads unless you’re traveling with someone you trust. USE YOUR BRAIN! Don’t go planning a trip to the Middle East or Russia, and don’t go thinking it’s a good idea to visit big cities like Chicago or LA and wander around the ghettos there. DUH!
Oh yeah, I like that Burundi is on the list only because it made me think of Eddie Izzard. XD (Mad love to anyone else who thought of that bit while reading that!)
“spelt is not the correct word. Spelt is a grain. Spelled is a past tense verb.”
Dan – not quite. *Spelt* is just as correct as *spelled*. The former is more prevalent in British usage, the latter in American. They are both right.
Csimmons: I know Jamie is NOT Anti-American. I’ve been coming here for close to 9 months now.
I was saying DentShop appears to be:
“If the poster, DentShop, were to use any quality source, I would accept, however, he does not. He simply uses his own bias (based on his Anti-American bias, I am surprised he didn’t put Israel on here).” He is DentShop
I also said (with reference to Jamie) “I’m sure his intentions were for debate”
Dan
Dan, why shouldn’t Jamie allow this list? It’s a damn sight more interesting than a list of the safest places to live. Perhaps safety is overrated anyway. I was talking with my father about Norway( my great grandfather was born there), saying how it is probably the best place in the world to live. He laughed, having been there numerous times, then he told me I would die from boredom if I lived in Norway.
Really sorry to double post. I made a typo on my last one.
Jamie/JFrater is cool. He likes America. He is NOT Anti-American.
Dan
Chesty-Puller – so tell me…what was the reason for the US invasion of Iraq ?
Umm maybe to overthrow, a ruthless dictator who for the past 40 years, was raping, murdering, and supressing the people of iraq, not too mention violating the agreement that was arranged by the UN the last time he got froggy?
I am 100% red blooded American, and i want to believe that what we are doing in Iraq is the right thing, and that Iraq will be benefitted the most by the outcome. I also find it a little ironic that “Baby Bush” finished what “Daddy Bush” started in the ’90s…… coincidence??? hmmmmm.
PS – I do realize that if i were in another country and made a comment like this about my country’s leaders, could have nasty if not fatal consequences!
BTW – it is NOT my belief, i just find it to be an interesting tid bit.
I agree that some parts of the US can be dangerous. If you’re stupid about it.
I’m a 24 year-old woman, and was born and raised in a nice family community about 30 minutes south of Los Angeles. I have spent many nights walking the streets of Hollywood from bar to bar, and I have NEVER had any problems. I feel rather safe there, actually.
I choose not to walk the alleyways crowded with homeless people alone, flashing expensive jewelry. I do not strut through gang territory proclaiming my allegiance to rival gangs.
My father is an LAPD officer approaching retirement. He could write a book about the dangers of the streets. But my point is this: if you’re looking for trouble, you will most definitely find it. But if you’re just a normal person out for nothing more than a good time, you’ll be fine.
You’re a nice kid, csimmons.
“Chesty-Puller – so tell me…what was the reason for the US invasion of Iraq ?
Umm maybe to overthrow, a ruthless dictator who for the past 40 years, was raping, murdering, and supressing the people of iraq, not too mention violating the agreement that was arranged by the UN the last time he got froggy?”
Ha. Ha ha ha ha ha… HA HA HA HA HA HA… HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! Oh god… I can’t…. stop…. laughing… HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Ha ha ha ha. Ha. Ha ha. Heh. ha ha heh…
Oh… *cough*… sorry… you were serious.
Good point Marcy, any place can become a dangerous place if you don’t use your head and practice good common sense! walk with a purpose (like you are supposed to be there) and don’t draw attention to yourself. If your actions make you stand out, you make yourself visible to “less than nice people” that will take advantage of your situation.
excuse me…. i meant to say MAY take advantage of your situation, not WILL.
Wow… I won’t comment on the choices of this list… But in terms of grammar and its attempt to use intelligent vocabulary, this list SUCKED. did anyone else notice that? usually these lists are pretty eloquent but this one really was hard to read. If Microsoft Word underlines something in Green, there’s a reason buddy.
Where’s Mexico? Well, Mexico is dangerous for journalists, cool fact, Mexico is actually the most dangerous place in the world to be a journalist.
I’m Mexican, so I’m ashamed of this fact. Sad.
thank you randall, I learned my lesson after arguing over Guns N’ Roses.
Dre: I don’t think Jamie uses M Word to post these lists. That’s probably why.
“Oh… *cough*… sorry… you were serious.”
Randall – dude, you stole my thunder. I was gonna go on about chasing Al Quaeda, WMD, etc. etc. All of which were, of course, a sham.
But – hats off to you – your response was spot on!
Kiwiboi: Yeah, you really can’t argue with Randall’s response, mine sounds kind of retarded after reading his.
Otay: My opinion stands. The list was created based on someones gathering of facts and opinions. Either you can respect it and appreciate it or not. I’m just basically saying it did’t and shouldn’t have been changed because others cant handle it. Point Blank.
I have yet to see Randall post a comment that he cannot back up with facts. I won’t mess with Randall either! lol
“mine sounds kind of retarded after reading his.”
Csimmons – forget about it!
It was unfair of me to respond to your genuine posting with a question that was waiting for (and expecting) the foolish response that Chesty-Puller eventually came through with.
And no, you are definitely *not* retarded
“Militias, hate groups and other right wing radicals all spread their message of violence and are known to throw around the odd pipe-bomb”
What a bunch of bologna.
“The list was created based on someones gathering of facts and opinions.” Putting the USA on that list was PURELY a biased opinion….NOT fact! Facts and statistics alone remove the US from that list. Point Blank.
“If Microsoft Word underlines something in Green, there’s a reason buddy.”
and
“I don’t think Jamie uses M Word to post these lists”
Jamie is old-skool. He uses Wordstar on his Commodore PET.
*Everything* is green on that puppy
And if people are going to get mad over a such an innocent website then maybe they need to log off and go outside and play.
Don’t like my opinion? “Say hello to my little friend!”
go outside and play? Maybe its too dangerous out there!
No, living in America isn’t that dangerous now, but soon our government will take full advantage of Bush’s slow-burning of the Constitution and the right-wing radicals will have a true opportunity to come to power. After Obama, the next president will finish Bush’s work in a way that is far more intelligent and far more ruthless than Dick Cheney’s most potent *****ual fantasies. It isn’t really the United States citizens that make the US dangerous. We just sit on our TVs we bought from Wal*Mart watching Bill O’Really on Faux Noose and wish that Jesus will take us away in our SUVs to Heaven every Sunday. It’s our government that is dangerous. We think all foreigners are terrorists and dissidents. Don’t come here unless you want an extended tour of Guantanamo Bay.
You can laugh it up, it doesnt bother me. No matter what anyone says, i know that this was a just war. And the thousands of thanks that i recieved from the Iraqi people cement that notion in my heart. Did we find WMD’s? No. Does that mean they weren’t there? As far as why the Government said we were their, i dont know. I only know what I was told by my commander before we crossed that berm.
The fact of the matter is that they had plenty of time to get rid of whatever they were hiding, and now those WMD’s are in another country, still in the hands of terrorists, and someday, all the people that despise the US, will come begging for our help, again… and i hope we tell them to go ***** off.
So kiwi, why did Britain help the US invade Iraq?