The World Most Dangerous Countries in 2024: Check the Full List. In the world we live in today, safety and security are of the utmost importance for people who travel, those who live abroad, and even people who live in other nations. To give a complete assessment of the relative peacefulness of countries, the Global Peace Index (GPI) evaluates a variety of indicators, including political instability, crime rates, and current wars. This article goes into some of the nations that are considered to be among the most dangerous in the world, examining the factors that contribute to their rankings as well as the difficulties that they confront.
World Most Dangerous Countries In 2024
Here is the list of the top 10 most dangerous countries in the world. Here’s a table listing some of the world’s most dangerous countries based on the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2023:
| Rank | Country | GPI Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan | 3.448 |
| 2 | Yemen | 3.350 |
| 3 | Syria | 3.294 |
| 4 | South Sudan | 3.221 |
| 5 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 3.214 |
| 6 | Russia | 3.142 |
| 7 | Ukraine | 3.043 |
| 8 | Somalia | 3.036 |
| 9 | Sudan | 3.023 |
| 10 | Iraq | 3.006 |
| 11 | Mali | 2.963 |
| 12 | Central African Republic | 2.934 |
| 13 | Ethiopia | 2.872 |
| 14 | Burkina Faso | 2.868 |
| 15 | North Korea | 2.848 |
| 16 | Iran | 2.800 |
| 17 | Turkey | 2.800 |
| 18 | Pakistan | 2.745 |
| 19 | Myanmar | 2.741 |
| 20 | Nigeria | 2.713 |
Why are some countries so dangerous?
Countries can be considered dangerous for a variety of reasons, often stemming from a combination of political, social, economic, and environmental factors. Here are some key reasons why certain countries are deemed dangerous:
- Ongoing Conflicts and Wars
- Political Instability
- Terrorism and Insurgency
- Economic Hardships
- Ethnic and Sectarian Violence
- Humanitarian Crises
- Weak Governance and Corruption
- Environmental Factors
Afghanistan: World Most Dangerous Countries
Afghanistan has maintained its position as the most hazardous nation in the world. Decades of violence, beginning with the Soviet invasion in 1979 and continuing through civil conflicts, the establishment of the Taliban, and the invasion on the part of the United States in 2001, have left the nation in a state of constant turmoil. The departure of United States soldiers in 2021 and the subsequent seizure of power by the Taliban have both contributed to the worsening of the situation. Nationwide poverty, a lack of infrastructure, and persistent bloodshed from a variety of terrorist organizations are just some of the terrible issues that the nation is now facing.
World Most Dangerous Countries: Yemen
The Arab Spring happened in 2011, which resulted in the removal of President Ali Abdullah Saleh from office. This marked the beginning of Yemen’s spiral into turmoil. The subsequent power struggle between the Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized government, which has the support of a coalition under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, has contributed to the civil war’s catastrophic escalation. Millions of people are at risk of starvation and sickness as a result of the fighting, which has generated a serious humanitarian catastrophe. As a result of the ongoing blockades, ground warfare, and airstrikes, Yemen has become one of the most hazardous locations on the planet.
A Decade of Destruction in Syria
Since it started in 2011, the civil war in Syria has developed into one of the most complicated and bloody wars of the 21st century. Multiple parties are involved in the conflict, including the government of Syria, several rebel groups, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and international powers such as Russia and the United States. The war has resulted in a significant number of deaths, the relocation of millions of people, and vast damage to infrastructure. While certain regions have a somewhat stable status, the overall security situation is nevertheless quite precarious.
Conflict in South Sudan: The Struggle of a Young Nation
In 2011, South Sudan achieved its independence from Sudan; nevertheless, the happiness that came with this achievement was short-lived. Ethnic tensions and battles for political power had already erupted in a civil war by the year 2013. Despite the signing of a peace agreement in 2018, there is still widespread poverty, a lack of basic necessities, and food insecurity. Additionally, there is intermittent violence that continues to occur. South Sudan is one of the most hazardous nations in the world because of its uncertain peace and the constant conflict between different communities.
A History of Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict has been a persistent feature in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for a very long time, dating back to the time of colonial rule. The abundance of natural riches in the nation has provided a source of fuel for several armed factions that are competing for control. Particularly dangerous are the eastern territories, which are home to a large number of rebel organizations and militias that can carry out their activities without fear of repercussions. Among the key issues that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confronts are political instability, corruption, and a weak central government.
Conflict in the Modern Era Between Russia and Ukraine
Both nations have become more hazardous as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has intensified since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and the continuing war in Eastern Ukraine. There has been significant devastation, loss of life, and displacement of millions of people as a consequence of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the year 2022. Additionally, the battle has had worldwide implications, which have had an impact on both international relations and the economy internationally.
Somalia is a country that does not have a government.
Since Siad Barre’s overthrow in 1991, Somalia has been unable to establish a central administration that is both stable and effective. Regional governments, terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab, and the internationally recognized government are some of the different factions that have a stake in the country’s political landscape. Somalia is one of the most dangerous nations in the world because it does not have any kind of authority, there is continual conflict, and there are humanitarian problems.
Known as a Country Divided, Sudan
Several conflicts have occurred in Sudan over many decades, including two civil wars and the Darfur crisis. Although South Sudan declared its independence in 2011, it did not bring peace to the area. The nation is still dealing with several issues, including political instability, economic difficulties, and internal strife. With the recent military coup that took place in 2021, the country has become even more unstable, which has resulted in massive demonstrations and violent acts.
Iraq: The Aftermath of Its War
Iraq has served as a battlefield for several wars, notably the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the invasion directed by the United States in 2003. During the year 2014, the emergence of ISIS brought even further destruction. Even though ISIS has been vanquished to a considerable extent, the nation continues to confront severe security issues. These challenges include sectarian violence, political instability, and the existence of several other armed organizations.
Mali: A Struggle in the Sahel Region
For several years, the African nation of Mali, which is situated in the Sahel area, has been struggling against insurgencies and terrorist acts. The Tuareg uprising that occurred in 2012 and the ensuing coup d’état caused the nation to descend into anarchy. Several terrorist organizations operate in the area, including affiliates of Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which makes it a very hazardous place. The deployment of foreign peacekeeping troops has not been successful in completely stabilizing the situation for the time being.
An Unrecognized Crisis in the Central African Republic
Since the year 1960, when it gained its independence from France, the Central African Republic (CAR) has been dealing with a state of strife. There have been various coups, rebellions, and acts of sectarian bloodshed that have occurred in this nation. The violence that is now taking place, which started in 2013, comprises several different armed factions competing for power. CAR continues to be one of the most dangerous and unstable nations in the world, despite the efforts of international actors to bring about peace.
World Most Dangerous Countries: Ethiopia
Since the year 2020, Ethiopia has been engulfed in violence, even though it was formerly seen as a beacon of calm in the Horn of Africa. The conflict in the Tigray area has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe as well as widespread crimes and the displacement of thousands of people. Existing ethnic tensions and political rivalries continue to pose a threat to the stability of the nation, making it a perilous environment for the people who live there.
Terrorism in the Sahel Region: Burkina Faso Country
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has seen a significant increase in the number of terrorist strikes. Civilians, security personnel, and infrastructure are the targets of attacks carried out by several terrorist organizations operating in the area. These organizations include Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates. In addition to causing a grave humanitarian catastrophe, the violence has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. As a result of the government’s incapacity to exert authority over significant portions of the nation, Burkina Faso has become one of the most hazardous countries in the Sahel region.
World Most Dangerous Countries: North Korea
Under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, North Korea continues to be one of the most socially isolated and authoritarian nations in the world. The government poses a substantial danger to the world community as a result of its harsh rhetoric toward its neighbours and the international community, as well as its nuclear aspirations and violations of human rights. Unpredictability and a lack of openness inside the regime are two factors that contribute to the regime’s hazardous status.
Iran and the Struggle for Regional Power
As a result of Iran’s geopolitical aspirations and its participation in several regional wars, the Middle East has become the main focus of hostility between the two countries. The hazardous reputation of the nation is a result of several factors, including its backing of terrorist organizations, its nuclear program, and its clashes with the United States and members of its alliance. Internal political persecution and economic difficulties are also contributing factors that make the situation worse.
Turkey: A Country at a Crucial Crossroads
As a country that is located on both the European and Asian continents, Turkey confronts a multitude of security issues. The presence of Syrian refugees, the continuing fight with Kurdish terrorists, and the fragility of the governmental system have all contributed to the creation of a dangerous climate. Several factors have led to the perilous situation of the nation, including the government’s suppression of opposition and the weakening of democratic institutions.
Pakistan: A Complicated Situation Regarding Security
Multifaceted threats to Pakistan’s security include sectarian violence, terrorism, and political instability. Pakistan has several security concerns. Many terrorist organizations, including the Taliban, are active in the districts of the nation that border Afghanistan. These locations are considered to be hotspots for militant activity. Adding to the complexity of the security scene are the internal political upheaval and economic challenges.
Myanmar: Conflicts Between Ethnic Groups and Authorities in Charge
Since the military coup that took place in February 2021, Myanmar has been in a state of upheaval. The coup brought an end to a decade of governance that was essentially democratic and threw the nation into complete anarchy. There has been considerable violence and displacement as a consequence of ethnic disputes, notably in areas like Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan. A further destabilization of the country has occurred as a result of the military’s violent assault on the opposition.
Violence Against Ethnic Groups and Terrorism in Nigeria
Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and ethnic violence in different areas are some of the key security concerns that Nigeria is now facing. The incapacity of the government to adequately handle these concerns has resulted in widespread instability and displacement of various populations. Both the economic imbalance and the political corruption are contributing factors that make the issue even worse.
Conclusion
The nations that are considered to be the most hazardous in the world suffer through a wide range of difficulties, including persistent wars and political instability, as well as terrorism and economic difficulties. This group of countries need the international community to make efforts that are both comprehensive and ongoing to address the underlying factors that contribute to their instability and to provide assistance for their journey toward peace and development. To promote global peace and security, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of these nations.
