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