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The 10 Most Dangerous Countries in the World, by Crime Rate

most dangerous countries in the world

Criminal activity and its frequency in different countries are measured through various parameters, among which the crime index holds significant weight. Derived from World Population Review‘s data, the following ten countries have the highest crime rates, calculated per 100,000 citizens.

Venezuela protests against the Nicolas Maduro government, Altamira Square. Wilfredor via Wikimedia Commons

Occupying the first position is Venezuela, with a staggering crime index of 83.76. This South American nation is burdened with an array of issues ranging from governmental corruption and judicial ineffectiveness to a collapse of the Rule of Law. The U.S. Department of State discourages travel to Venezuela by issuing a Level 4 travel advisory, owing to public safety concerns. Violations of human rights such as extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detention, and forced disappearances have been documented by Human Rights Watch under the Nicolás Maduro regime. A severe humanitarian crisis further compounds the nation’s problems.

Tribes of Papua New Guinea. Global Panorama via Flickr

Coming second is Papua New Guinea, exhibiting a crime index of 80.79. The crime rates here, particularly violent offenses, have escalated due to quick societal, economic, and political transformations. Organized crime groups known as Raskol gangs significantly contribute to the criminal activities. High corruption levels, coupled with the country’s geographical appeal for human and drug trafficking, further propel the crime rates.

Officers of the South African Police Service with Vektor R5 rifles on parade in Johannesburg, 2010. ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. via Wikimedia Commons

South Africa, third on the list, demonstrates a crime index of 76.86. High levels of poverty, inequality, unemployment, social exclusion, and a culture of violence have resulted in elevated rates of assault, rape, and homicides. The country is globally infamous for one of the highest reported rape rates.

Taliban Humvee in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 2021. Voice of America News, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

In the fourth position, Afghanistan’s crime index stands at 76.31. Continuous warfare, political instability, and economic difficulties over the decades have given rise to significant crime rates.

slum in honduras
Slum in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Carlos Adampol Galindo via Wikimedia Commons

Honduras, with a crime index of 74.54, is fifth on this list. This Central American country contends with one of the world’s highest homicide rates, predominantly stemming from gang violence and drug trafficking.

View of Government Campus Plaza from the Gulf of Paria. DizzyNN via Wikimedia Commons

Trinidad and Tobago rank sixth with a crime index of 71.63. Recurring issues of gang violence and drug trafficking continue to plague the nation.

The Supreme Court of Guyana. Dan Lundberg via Wikimedia Commons

Securing the seventh position, Guyana displays a crime index of 68.74. The major obstacles for this South American country are organized crime and drug trafficking.

San Miguel, El Salvador. House1090 via Wikimedia Commons

El Salvador is at the eighth spot, with a crime index of 67.79. The country’s high homicide rates are primarily driven by gang-related violence.

From the 2023 Brazilian Congress attack. TV BrasilGov via Wikimedia Commons

Ninth in line is Brazil, possessing a crime index of 67.49. Factors such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and widespread corruption contribute to the nation’s crime problem.

Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica. Gzzz via Wikimedia Commons

Concluding the top ten, Jamaica manifests a crime index of 67.42. Gang violence and drug trafficking remain persistent issues for this Caribbean nation.

Each of these nations faces distinct challenges in curbing crime rates, influenced by a multitude of socioeconomic, political, and geographic factors. These statistics highlight the pressing need for strategic, comprehensive, and adaptable solutions to combat crime effectively.

 

Written by Editorial Team

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