Whether you’re a nervous traveller or just curious, it’s no harm being aware of where you’ll find the most dangerous countries in the world. The Travel Risk Map. discovered the most dangerous countries around the world. Libya, Somalia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, all in Africa, are among the riskiest for travellers.
Their study looked at the current threat posed to travellers by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence). It also looked at violent and petty crime, as well as natural disasters.
As for where you’ll find the most dangerous countries in the world? Read on to see where you should weigh up the risk options for when planning your trip.
The map divides the risk levels into categories: extreme, high, medium and low. According to International SOS, an “extreme risk country” is defined as when “Government control and law and order may be minimal or non-existent across large areas.
Most Dangerous Countries In The World
1. Libya
Since the fall of Gaddafi, the country has been in turmoil. Daesh (IS), Al Qaida are active in the country with attacks highly likely, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel.
2. Somalia
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Somalia. There is a high threat of kidnap throughout the country. Monitor local and international media to avoid any demonstration or disturbance taking place.
3. South Sudan
The FOC advises against all travel to most parts of South Sudan, and all but essential travel to within 100km of the border with Egypt in areas west of the Nile Valley.
4. Central African Republic
Tensions are high in Bangui and across the country. There are armed patrols that have set up several roadblocks across the country. Reports of violence, reprisal killings, looting and human rights abuses continue across the country.
Since January 2015, there have been a number of kidnappings of government ministers and humanitarian and UN workers.
5. Mali
This African country – home to the city of Timbuktu – has been in an official state of emergency since November 2015.
6. Syria
High levels of violence persist throughout Syria, including full scale military operations involving the use of small arms, tanks, artillery and aircraft with a number of chemical weapons attacks have taken place across Syria.
7. Iraq
Large protests have been taking place in central Baghdad and across Iraq since October 2019. While many demonstrations have been peaceful, there have been frequent violent clashes between Iraqi security forces and protesters, resulting in significant casualties including loss of life.
Here’s What the Countries’ Ratings Mean…
You can see the score of every country in the world on the handy map here.
Check out the most dangerous cities in the world here. We also have the world’s most dangerous airports! But don’t worry – use common sense when travelling and you will be fine. For more information on each country, see the latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) here.