Dangerous countries

Unsafe countries
Hazardous travel
High risk countries

Nature

A number of countries are dangerous to travel to for a variety of reasons. Some pose immediate threats to life and liberty. Others are dangerous because of high crime rates in cities, risky legal systems, potential terrorist activity, few health facilities, and extremely different customs and practices that may endanger the unwary traveller.

Background

The global significance of dangerous countries emerged prominently in the late 20th century, as international organizations and media began systematically tracking conflict zones, political instability, and high crime rates. The proliferation of travel advisories and risk assessment indices, such as those by the Global Peace Index and the U.S. Department of State, further highlighted the persistent and evolving risks. This recognition has since shaped humanitarian, diplomatic, and economic strategies worldwide.

Incidence

In 1993, a cycling couple were captured by Kurdish rebels whilst exploring a lake in eastern Turkey. There had been several other incidents of kidnapped tourists who were used to gain publicity for the rebel cause and released unharmed. Other countries advised at that time as very dangerous for travellers were war zones: Iraq, Libya, Bosnia, Nigeria and Somalia. Caution was recommended for safety or health reasons in many other countries, for example Burundi in central Africa was experiencing an outbreak of meningitis and Florida a spate of muggings. The USA State Department in 1989 listed nine countries as extremely dangerous and 25 as potentially dangerous. In 1992, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported the following countries were especially hazardous to the press: Turkey (executions), Bosnia-Herzegovina (civil war), India (riots and separatist conflicts), China (arbitrary imprisonment), Haiti (military dictatorship), Sri Lanka (political factionalism), Peru and Venezuela (coups), Cameroon and Zaire (repressive political autocracy), and Algeria (repressive secular regime).

Claim

The existence of dangerous countries is a critical global crisis that demands urgent attention. Innocent lives are lost daily to violence, corruption, and instability, while millions are forced to flee their homes. Ignoring this issue perpetuates suffering and threatens international security. The world cannot turn a blind eye—addressing the root causes of danger in these countries is not just a moral obligation, but essential for global peace and progress.

Counter-claim

The notion that "dangerous countries" are a major global problem is vastly overstated. Most people live peaceful lives, and sensationalized media reports distort reality. Focusing on so-called dangerous countries distracts from more pressing issues like poverty, climate change, and global health. Labeling entire nations as dangerous is simplistic and unfair, fueling stereotypes rather than solutions. In truth, the world is safer than ever, and this topic is not a significant concern.