Skip to Content

Most Dangerous Places in the World According to the Stats

Most Dangerous Places in the World According to the Stats

Planning your next adventure? While the world is full of amazing destinations, some places are best approached with caution. According to various global safety and crime indexes, here are the most dangerous places in the world based on verifiable statistics.

1. Caracas, Venezuela

Image Credit: Shutterstock / yordanka caridad almaguer

Caracas consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. According to the World Population Review, the city had a homicide rate of 111.2 per 100,000 residents in 2021. Political instability, economic crisis, and widespread crime contribute to the high levels of violence.

2. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Manuel Chinchilla

San Pedro Sula has been notorious for its high crime rates, particularly homicides. The city’s homicide rate was 47.6 per 100,000 residents in 2020, according to Statista. Gang violence and drug trafficking are significant issues in this area.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrea Willmore

Cape Town, despite its tourist appeal, faces high crime rates, including homicides and robberies. The South African Police Service reported a murder rate of 68.3 per 100,000 residents in the 2019/2020 period. The city is also known for carjackings and burglaries.

4. Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

Image Credit: Shutterstock / SANDRA ARTEMISA PHOTO ART

Ciudad Juárez is one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities, with a homicide rate of 85.6 per 100,000 residents in 2020, as per Statista. Drug cartel violence is a major issue, contributing to the high crime rates.

5. Acapulco, Mexico

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Anton_Ivanov

Once a glamorous resort destination, Acapulco now struggles with severe violence. In 2020, the city had a homicide rate of 111.0 per 100,000 residents, according to the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. Drug-related violence and organized crime are rampant.

6. Kabul, Afghanistan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mushtaq B

Kabul remains highly dangerous due to ongoing conflict and terrorism. The Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Afghanistan as the least peaceful country, largely due to high levels of violence and political instability.

7. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Image Credit: Shutterstock / jappasta

Port Moresby faces significant challenges with violent crime, including armed robbery and sexual assault. According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), crime rates in Port Moresby are among the highest in the world.

8. San Salvador, El Salvador

Image Credit: Shutterstock / HMEDIA

San Salvador struggles with gang violence and crime. The city had a homicide rate of 50.3 per 100,000 residents in 2020, according to the World Population Review. Efforts to combat gang activity are ongoing, but the city remains dangerous.

9. Fortaleza, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sputnik 360

Fortaleza is one of Brazil’s most dangerous cities, with a high homicide rate. In 2020, the city recorded 62.3 homicides per 100,000 residents, according to the Atlas of Violence. Organized crime and drug trafficking contribute to the violence.

10. St. Louis, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

St. Louis has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. The city had a homicide rate of 64.6 per 100,000 residents in 2020, as reported by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Violent crime, including gun violence, is a significant problem.

11. Kingston, Jamaica

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ievgenii Bakhvalov

Kingston faces high levels of violent crime, including homicides and armed robberies. The Jamaica Constabulary Force reported a homicide rate of 47.4 per 100,000 residents in 2020. Gang violence and economic hardships exacerbate the situation.

12. Tijuana, Mexico

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sherry V Smith

Tijuana has a high crime rate, with a homicide rate of 134.2 per 100,000 residents in 2020, according to the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. Drug cartel activity and violent crime are pervasive issues.

13. Detroit, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo

Detroit remains one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. The FBI reported a violent crime rate of 2,007 per 100,000 residents in 2020, with high rates of homicides, robberies, and assaults.

14. Recife, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brastock

Recife has a high crime rate, particularly violent crime. In 2020, the city recorded a homicide rate of 53.1 per 100,000 residents, according to the Brazilian Public Safety Forum. Poverty and organized crime contribute to the violence.

15. Baltimore, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Baltimore faces significant challenges with violent crime. The city had a homicide rate of 58.6 per 100,000 residents in 2020, according to the Baltimore Police Department. Gun violence and drug-related crimes are prevalent.

16. Lagos, Nigeria

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ba55ey

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, struggles with high crime rates, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and assaults. The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) highlights that crime in Lagos is a major concern for both residents and visitors.

Exercise Caution

Image Credit: Shutterstock / leolintang

Traveling to these destinations requires extra caution and thorough preparation. While these cities have their share of dangers, they also possess unique cultures and attractions. If you plan to visit, stay informed, avoid risky areas, and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Safe travels!

Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024

6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go

Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sherry V Smith.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip

Related posts:

A City Guide to Lima, Peru - For Foodies
Discovering 10 Indigenous Cultures - A Journey of Respect and Immersion 2024
Studying Abroad and Gap Year Guidance 2024
Walking the Camino de Santiago - A Modern Pilgrim’s Guide 2024
One Day in…Charleston, USA
5 Culinary Journeys 2024 – Truffle Hunting and Wine Tasting in Tuscany
Medieval Magic - 6 Luxury Experiences in Scotland's Historic Highlands 2024
10 Visa and Passport Tips for Hassle-Free Travel 2024
Learn How to Bargain in Local Markets 2024
15 Top Loyalty Programs 2024 - Maximizing Your Rewards
Top 10 Largest Countries in the World 2024
Travel Latin America - A Guide to 15 Responsible Holidays 2024
A Country Guide to Papua New Guinea
Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know About Visiting Jamaica
The 12 Best City Parks in the World 2024 - Urban Oases for Relaxation and Recreation
Seven of the Best Franklin NC Campgrounds 2024
20 Green Getaways - Exploring National Parks and Protected Areas 2024
The World’s 12 Most Haunted Places - Ghostly Getaways 2024
10 Survival Skills Retreats for the Ultimate Adventure 2024 - An Insider’s Guide
Voluntourism Done Right 2024 - How to Help Without Harming
6 Luxury Train Dining Experiences in Europe 2024
The Ultimate Guide to 10 Pottery and Ceramics Workshops - Crafting with Clay in Various Cultures
10 Hot Spots in Playa Del Carmen 2024 - Mexico Adventures
One Day in…Ayutthaya, Thailand
One Day in…Siem Reap, Cambodia
A City Guide to Stockholm, Sweden
Dangerous Cities You Don’t Need to Avoid, Just Be Wiser
Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024 - Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyon...
The 12 Best Places for Wildlife Watching in the World – Where to See the Most Spectacular Wildlife 2...
The Nile’s Best Luxury Stays 2024