Most dangerous countries in the world in 2023: data from the Global Peace Index rating
Table of contents
Safety is a significant indicator that plays an important role when planning a trip or relocation. Find out more about which countries are the most dangerous in 2023
by Plata Bohdan • ongoing writer in VisitWorld
The degree of security is an important indicator that plays a very important role when planning a trip or moving. Military conflicts, violence and political instability create difficult conditions for the lives of citizens and foreign guests of certain countries of the world. Unfortunately, there are quite a few dangerous countries in the world.
What are the most dangerous countries in the world in 2023?
Read how to learn a new language before moving abroad here.
Treatment abroad: Find the 8 best countries for medical tourism here.
European Health Insurance Card. Read here how to get preferential medical care in the EU countries.
Global Peace Index rating
The Global Peace Index (GPI) is an annual report published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The GPI ranks 163 countries on the level of peacefulness and ranks them from the safest to the most dangerous. 24 factors are taken into account, the main ones being the number of violent deaths, the impact of terrorism, nuclear potential, peace conditions, social security, internal conflicts and international relations.
The GPI is considered a reliable and accurate measure of a country's security. It is used by governments, international organizations and businesses to make informed decisions about travel, investment and other activities.
The most dangerous countries in the world in 2023
Afghanistan is the most dangerous country in the world due to ongoing conflict and instability. The war in the country continues for more than 20 years, as a result, Afghanistan has the lowest human development index in the world. The country's population is vulnerable, because Afghanistan has a high level of violence. The country's government is corrupt, it is quite difficult to get basic services, and the country also has a poor level of infrastructure development.
The second most dangerous country in the world is Yemen. Since 2015, a civil war has been going on here. Tens of thousands of people were killed during the conflict, and more than 2 million Yemeni citizens were forcibly displaced. Famine is common in the country. The education and health care systems are almost non-existent. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS have gained a foothold in the country. Yemen is a rather dangerous country for the civilian population.
Since 2011, a devastating civil war has been going on in Syria. The death toll has exceeded 250,000 and the number of internally displaced people is over 7.6 million.
The infrastructure in the country is destroyed, and the health and education system is almost in ruins. Also, as a result of the conflict, many terrorist groups have appeared in the country, which carry out brutal attacks on the civilian population.
The high level of murders and the increase in political instability - these two factors have contributed to the high degree of danger in Russia. The country has a high homicide rate compared to other countries: about 9.5 murders per 100,000 people. The main reasons for this are the high level of poverty, social inequality in Russia, lack of rule of law and widespread corruption.
Russia also faces growing political instability, protests and opposition movements, which may lead to increased violence and civil unrest in the future.
Find out which countries are the most dangerous in Europe here
The fifth most dangerous country in the world is South Sudan. The country gained independence from Sudan in 2011, and since then there has been a civil war, with a high level of violence.
During the conflict, 400,000 people died, and more than 2 million people became refugees. There are also many armed groups here. The country's infrastructure is neglected, and basic social services are not provided.
When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of health insurance, because a policy is a guarantee of your safety even in the most dangerous countries of the world.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
For many years, the armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues and every year the situation only worsens. The political situation is extremely unstable, and terrorist groups are spread throughout the country. The DRC is a dangerous place to live and will likely remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for many years to come.
The aftermath of the Iraq War, as well as the ongoing conflict, displaced millions of people, killed thousands of civilians and caused enormous human suffering. In addition, the Iraqi government is recognized as one of the most corrupt in the world, further contributing to the country's instability.
In recent years, Somalia has faced political instability, insecurity and poverty. The country has a difficult humanitarian situation, more than 6 million people need help. Terrorist groups carry out regular attacks on the civilian population.
It is positive that the country's government is actively working to improve the security situation in the country and has achieved some positive results in recent years. However, much work needs to be done to make Somalia safe for civilians.
The country has been plagued by violence and instability for years, with an ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. The lack of security means that people cannot go about their daily lives without fearing for their safety, and those who have sought refuge in other countries face an uncertain future.
The civil war in Sudan has been going on since 1983 and has already claimed the lives of more than 2 million people. The country's government is also accused of committing genocide in the Darfur region, which led to the displacement of millions of people.
The reason that Ukraine was ranked among the most dangerous countries in the world is the Russian invasion that took place in February 2022. It led to mass violence and human rights violations. This is a huge drop, because before the war Ukraine was ranked 33rd in the ranking of the most peaceful countries, there was a low level of crime and citizens felt quite safe. The Russian military is involved in numerous human rights violations in Ukraine, including torture, rape, and murder.
The most violent country in the world is Nigeria, because it has a high rate of intentional killings, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC).
The safest region in the world is Europe. Many countries in the region (in particular, Ireland, Austria and Portugal) occupy high positions in world security ratings. In fact, most European countries are extremely safe to visit and attract thousands of tourists every year.
The most dangerous countries in Europe are Turkey, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Bradford in Great Britain was recently named the most violent city in Europe.
Read more about the security situation in France during the protests here.
Photo: GETTY
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Medical insurance all over the world;
Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues (to receive the service, select the country of interest and citizenship).
Recommended articles
1 min
EventsWe Make Future (WMF): participation of the Visit World project in an international exhibition
Visit World took part in the We Make Future festival of technology and digital innovation held in Rimini. This event is a global platform aimed at shaping the future. It is here that people and businesses meet with advanced technologies, digital developments to create the future
24 Jun. 2023
More details3 min
TravelsVisa-free countries for Russians 2023: where to go without a visa or passport
Some countries accept Russian citizens without a passport and visa requirements. Find out more about the places you can travel to and what documents you need
25 Jun. 2023
More details2 min
EducationHow to choose the right country to study abroad: guide to choosing
Studying abroad offers many perspectives. Connecting with people, experiencing another country's university system, and truly immersing yourself in another culture will make your study abroad experience memorable forever. Here's how to choose a country to study in
26 Jun. 2023
More details2 min
TreatmentSpain Health Insurance for Expats: Guide to Healthcare System
The World Health Organization ranks Spain's healthcare system seventh in the world. We talk about the pros and cons of the system, who can get free medical care and the benefits of private health insurance in Spain
27 Jun. 2023
More details