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Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in the World

From war-torn regions to nations grappling with political unrest and violence, the Global Peace Index (GPI) sheds light on places where safety remains a distant dream. This blog delves into the world’s most dangerous countries, exploring the factors behind their high GPI scores and the struggles they face.

In 2025, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, DR Congo, and Russia are considered dangerous because of various reasons like terrorism, crimes, conflicts, and others. If you want to know about these countries, then this article is for you.

List of 10 Most Dangerous Countries in the World

Here is the list of the top 10 most dangerous countries in the world. 

  1. Yemen
  2. Sudan
  3. South Sudan
  4. Afghanistan
  5. Ukraine
  6. DR Congo
  7. Russia
  8. Syria
  9. Israel
  10. Mali

1) Yemen

With a Global Peace Index (GPI) score of 3.397 in 2024, Yemen continues to rank among the most hazardous nations on earth. Since 2015, this Middle Eastern country has been plunged into a catastrophic civil conflict that has caused immense suffering and turmoil.

There are several parties involved in the battle in Yemen: the government that is recognized internationally, the Houthi rebels, and several extremist and tribal organizations. There have been several attempts at ceasefires and peace negotiations, but the nation is still plagued by violence. Over 250,000 conflict-related deaths and millions more household displacement were documented by the UN in 2024.

Yemen’s humanitarian catastrophe is one of the worst in the world. Nearly 80% of the population, or over 24 million people, need humanitarian relief, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Over 2 million children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition, putting many at risk of starving. The loss of infrastructure has made it extremely difficult to obtain necessities like clean water, sanitary facilities, and medical treatment.

The collapse of local marketplaces and the blockade of important ports have left Yemen’s economy in ruins. A great deal of unemployment and inflation have left millions of people in abject poverty. Millions of children miss school as a result of schools being demolished or converted into shelters, which has a significant impact on the education system as well.

Yemen is rife with human rights abuses. Amnesty International reports describe how all sides in the war have attacked civilians and arbitrarily detained and disappeared people. There are serious restrictions on the right to free speech, and activists and journalists frequently face violence and intimidation.

Yemen is on the verge of total collapse in 2024, which makes the urgent need for a comprehensive and long-lasting peace settlement even more pressing.

2) Sudan

Sudan, plagued by political instability, conflict, and humanitarian disasters, continues to rank among the world’s most hazardous countries, with a Global Peace Index (GPI) score of 3.327 in 2024. Although the long-standing tyrant Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019, there was still hope for reform, since the country still faces enduring problems.

Sudan’s instability is largely caused by the ongoing conflict in Darfur as well as unrest in the districts of South Kordofan and Blue Nile. According to UN estimates, these wars claimed over 3,000 lives and forced nearly 2 million people to flee their homes in 2024. The humanitarian situation is made worse by the regular targeting of civilians in armed conflicts by government troops, opposition organizations, and militias.

The state of humanitarianism is terrible. Approximately 14 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). A third of the world’s population suffers from food insecurity, with millions of people suffering from severe hunger as a result of war, unstable economies, and shocks linked to the climate. The healthcare system is overburdened and finds it difficult to deliver essential services due to a staffing and medical supply shortage.

The economy is in terrible shape, with many people living in poverty as a result of high unemployment and inflation rates. The value of the Sudanese pound has drastically declined, severely limiting the purchasing power of common people. Economic progress and recovery are nevertheless hampered by corruption and poor management.

3) South Sudan

South Sudan is still among the world’s most dangerous nations, with a 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI) score of 3.324. Significant humanitarian issues have been brought on by the nation’s civil conflict, ethnic violence, and political instability since it gained independence in 2011.

The government and opposition forces are the main parties to the conflict in South Sudan, however, there are also regular violent outbursts among other ethnic groups. According to UN estimates, the fighting has claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 people and forced millions more to flee. An estimated 1.6 million South Sudanese are internally displaced in 2024, while 2.2 million are refugees in neighboring countries.

The state of humanitarianism is terrible. Over half of the population, or 7.5 million people, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), need humanitarian aid. Due to violence, displacement, and economic collapse, almost 60% of the population experiences severe hunger, contributing to the widespread issue of food insecurity. 

With little access to healthcare and regular outbreaks of diseases like malaria and cholera, the health system is in complete disarray. Millions of youngsters are not attending school, and many schools have been destroyed or closed. This has seriously disrupted education.

There are several instances of sexual assault, arbitrary detentions, and attacks on civilians, among other human rights crimes. Amnesty International reports emphasize these violations, making the suffering of the populace worse.

4) Afghanistan

Afghanistan is among the world’s most hazardous nations, with a 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI) score of  3.294. This war-torn country has been at the center of international insecurity for more than 40 years due to ongoing violence.

The ongoing battle between the Taliban, the Afghan government, and numerous rebel organizations is the main cause of instability in Afghanistan. Violence has persisted despite the Taliban’s takeover in 2021 as a result of internal power conflicts and opposition from other factions. More than 10,000 people have died as a result of conflicts in 2024, including security personnel, combatants, and civilians, according to recent reports.

Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is extremely bad. Approximately 28 million people, or nearly two-thirds of the population, according to estimates from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), need immediate humanitarian assistance. Millions of people are severely hungry as a result of reduced agricultural production and economic collapse, leading to widespread food insecurity.

Afghanistan likewise faces pervasive violations of human rights. Human Rights Watch reports show that women’s rights are severely restricted, with many girls still not being allowed to attend secondary school. Furthermore, deliberate assaults on journalists and activists suppress free speech and foster an environment of fear and repression.

5) Ukraine

Because of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine maintains its ranking as one of the most hazardous countries in the world, with a 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI) score of 3.280. The conflict, which intensified in 2022, has resulted in several deaths, extensive displacement, and serious harm to the infrastructure.

As of 2024, over 150,000 people have died as a result of the fighting, both soldiers and civilians due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Over 8 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring nations, and an additional 7 million have been internally displaced, totaling millions of displacements. Cities have been destroyed or severely damaged by the war, and vital infrastructure like homes, schools, and hospitals has also been severely affected.

In Ukraine, the humanitarian situation is terrible. The UN estimates that more than 18 million people need immediate humanitarian aid. A considerable segment of the populace experiences food insecurity as a result of interrupted agricultural production and supply systems. The healthcare system is overburdened and finds it difficult to deliver care in the face of ongoing attacks and a lack of medical supplies.

Ukraine’s economy is in complete collapse. The economy has been severely damaged by the fighting, with industries shut down, unemployment rising, and the value of the national currency falling. According to World Bank estimates, the nation’s GDP has shrunk by more than 30%, plunging millions of people into poverty.

There are numerous reports of enforced disappearances, random attacks on civilians, and torture, among other human rights abuses. Amnesty International draws attention to the horrible circumstances facing POWs as well as the persecution of activists and journalists.

The scenario in Ukraine in 2024 emphasizes how urgently foreign action is required to maintain peace, deliver humanitarian help, and assist with reconstruction operations.

6) DR Congo

With a Global Peace Index (GPI) score of 3.264 in 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is still among the most hazardous nations in the world. Humanitarian problems, political unrest, and persistent conflict plague the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in its eastern provinces.

Violence is sustained by armed groups, such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and several militias, who frequently attack civilians. In 2024 alone, the UN reports that over 5,000 people died in conflicts and that continued violence has resulted in millions of people being displaced. In addition, one of the biggest humanitarian catastrophes in history is fueled by violence.

With 27 million people, nearly one-third of the population, in need of aid, the humanitarian situation is dire. Over 26 million people experience food insecurity, which is made worse by displacement and violence interfering with agricultural operations. Overburdened, the healthcare system finds it difficult to handle the recurrent epidemics of illnesses like cholera, measles, and Ebola.

The state of the economy is catastrophic, with widespread poverty and massive unemployment. Although the DRC has an abundance of natural resources, corruption and exploitation prevent the country’s economy from growing. Human rights violations are widespread and include child army recruitment, forced labor, and sexual assault. These grave breaches are documented in reports by Human Rights Watch and other organizations.

The DRC’s intricate and multidimensional issues in 2024 call for strong international backing for long-term development projects, humanitarian relief, and peacebuilding efforts.

7) Russia

Russia, which ranks among the most hazardous nations in the world with a Global Peace Index (GPI) score of 3.249 in 2024, has numerous difficulties. Geopolitical tensions have increased as a result of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, resulting in widespread instability and security concerns.

Both sides have suffered significant losses in the conflict in Ukraine. According to international sources, the conflict is expected to have resulted in over 100,000 deaths and millions of displacements by the year 2024. Western-imposed sanctions have had a serious negative effect on Russia’s economy, causing a recession and rising rates of poverty. The devaluation of the Russian ruble and the spike in inflation have made things more difficult financially for regular people.

Russia’s human rights situation has gotten worse. Press and speech freedom are severely curtailed; there are multiple accounts of political dissidents and journalists being imprisoned, harassed, or worse. Amnesty International claims that serious crackdowns on opposition groups and protestors have severely restricted political freedoms.

Russia also faces internal problems that compromise law and order, like organized crime and corruption. Environmental issues are becoming more and more pressing, as industrial accidents and pollution pose major health dangers to the general public.

Russia has both domestic and external difficulties in 2024, which emphasizes the necessity of diplomatic initiatives to reduce hostilities and advance human rights and financial stability.

8) Syria

With a 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI) score of 3.173, Syria remains one of the world’s most dangerous nations. The country is still mired in a bloody civil war that broke out in 2011 and has left many dead and extensive damage. 

The Syrian government, opposition forces, ISIS, Kurdish factions, and other international entities are all involved in the continuing conflict. Over 500,000 people are thought to have died since the start of the conflict, according to UN estimates, and millions more have been internally and externally displaced.

The state of humanitarian affairs is dire. Over 13 million Syrians, including 6.6 million internally displaced people, need humanitarian aid, according to the UN. Over 50% of the population experiences food insecurity, and the healthcare system is in shambles, with many hospitals either completely demolished or barely functioning.

The economy is in terrible shape, with the Syrian pound falling and unemployment rates skyrocketing. Due to resource scarcity and price increases, a large number of Syrians struggle to meet their necessities and live in poverty.

Human rights violations are widespread. Human Rights Watch reports show that extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, and widespread torture are all occurring. Due to the continued violence and damage to educational institutions, millions of students have been forced to miss school as a result of the conflict. The harsh reality in Syria in 2024 necessitates immediate international efforts for peace and rehabilitation.

9) Israel

With a Global Peace Index (GPI) of 3.115, Israel is often cited as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. While its vibrant cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem showcase cultural richness and technological innovation, the ongoing geopolitical tensions cast a shadow over the nation’s safety metrics.

The primary driver of Israel’s high GPI rating is its prolonged conflict with Palestine. Issues surrounding the Gaza Strip, West Bank settlements, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict lead to frequent violent escalations, missile strikes, and military operations. This instability often spills over into civilian life, disrupting daily activities and creating a heightened sense of vulnerability among residents.

Beyond its geopolitical challenges, Israel faces security threats from neighboring countries and extremist groups. The presence of one of the world’s most sophisticated military systems highlights its perpetual state of alert. Internally, protests and political divides add to the complexity of maintaining peace and stability.

Despite these concerns, Israel remains a destination of immense historical and religious significance, attracting millions of tourists yearly. While security measures are robust, the country’s GPI score reflects the undeniable tension that persists, making safety a pressing concern for both locals and visitors.

10) Mali

With a Global Peace Index (GPI) of 3.095, Mali faces significant challenges that contribute to its ranking among the world’s most dangerous countries. Once a symbol of cultural richness and historical significance, particularly as the home of the ancient city of Timbuktu, the nation has been marred by persistent conflict and instability.  

Mali’s struggles primarily stem from internal conflicts involving armed groups in the northern and central regions. Since the 2012 Tuareg rebellion and subsequent insurgency by Islamist extremists, the country has endured cycles of violence. Despite international intervention, including peacekeeping missions by the United Nations, these conflicts have displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed numerous lives.  

Terrorism remains a grave concern in Mali, with groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates conducting attacks on civilians, security forces, and international aid workers. Additionally, intercommunal violence exacerbates the situation, further straining an already fragile social fabric.  

Economic challenges and political instability, including recent military coups, have also hindered Mali’s ability to address these security threats effectively. While efforts for peace are ongoing, the road to stability remains uncertain. Mali’s high GPI score reflects these deep-seated challenges, underscoring the urgent need for sustained international support and internal reconciliation.

FAQs

Which is the Most Dangerous Country in the World?

At the moment, Yemen is the most dangerous country in the world with a GPI of 3.397.

Which is the Most Dangerous City in the World?

The city of Colima in Mexico is considered the most dangerous city in the world. The city has a homicide rate of 140 per 100,000 inhabitants.

What is the Safest Country in the World in 2024?

Iceland stands as the safest country in the world in 2024 with a Global Peace Index of 1.124.

Oleksandra Mamchii

Working as a academic lead at Best Diplomats.

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