Top Ten Most Dangerous Cities In The World

The Most Dangerous Cities Worldwide

When it comes to vacationing or even relocating one of the biggest concerns can be the safety of the city in question. In this article we will cover the top ten most dangerous cities and why they are so dangerous. These cities include: Sana’s in Yemen, Karachi in Pakistan and Baghdad in Iraq.

What Makes a City so Dangerous?

When it comes to determining the top ten most dangerous cities around the world there are a number of factors to take in to consideration. Certainly the level of crime is one to consider since it could be something that you will experience firsthand living or vacationing in the city. Another important consideration is the current status of affairs between your native country and the country you intent to visit. At any given time as a result of current affairs you may find that travel is ill advised by your government to a specific location due to current relations. Another, more obvious situation to take in to consideration is the state of affairs in the country where the city is located. In countries that are experiencing civil war, terrorist threats or other political uprisings it is generally advised to avoid travel whether you are destined for that location or simply passing through on your way to your destination.

Where are the Top Ten Most Dangerous Cities?

The top ten most dangerous cities actually change on a fairly regular basis depending upon the global state of affairs. Each year however there are ten cities that have been listed as the most dangerous cities for that year. In 2011 the top ten most dangerous cities were located in: the Guinea Republic, Kenya, Yemen, Georgia, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, the Cote d’Ivoire, Chad and Iraq. Many of these areas are not areas that you would particularly consider for vacation spots; however, if you work for a company that is interested in relocating you to any of these areas you should be aware.

#10: Conakry in the Guinea Republic

Conakry is a peninsula that can be found on the west coast of Guinea and amazingly contains twenty percent of the population of the Guinea Republic. The peninsula wasn’t always so large and the incredible rate of growth that has taken place over the past twenty years has caused quite a problem. As the population has steadily increased the infrastructure of the area has steadily become worse. The current adult mortality rate for this area per 1,000 people is 331 and around seventy percent of the population lives on less than one US dollar per day. It is estimated that less than thirty percent of the people in this area are able to read and the gross domestic product of this area ranks as the fourteenth lowest at $448.48 USD. The biggest concern for travelers to Conakry piqued around the 2010 elections, when citizens of Guinea clashed with military forces violently. While this election is past there remains a potential for uprisings and violence. Of most concern to Americans visiting Conakry is the potential of being targeted by thieves who even go so far as to set up fake check points with “military personal” who demand pay offs and take any items of value.

#9: Nairobi in Kenya

Kenya is known by many for having the highest rate of unemployment than anywhere else in the world but this isn’t particularly a turn off for those looking to visit the area. What should be a turn off is the incredibly high rate of crime that runs rampant through Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, its capital city. Violent crime in particular is of major concern to those looking to visit or relocate to Nairobi because not only do these crimes occur very frequently but when they do occur they very often result in fatalities. Among the most popularly committed violent crimes in Nairobi are: kidnapping, carjacking and home invasions. It is estimated that currently around ten vehicle hijackings occur per day in Nairobi. In addition to the violent crimes taking place in this area, Nairobi is also known for frequent tourist scams which are designed to target tourists and strip them of their money and valuables. The gross domestic product per capita of Nairobi is the 32^nd lowest globally at $807.50 USD and around twenty percent of the population survives on less than $1 per day. The adult mortality rate per 1,000 for this area is 387 and the adult literacy rate is around 74%.

#8: Sana’s in Yemen

Yemen is an area that has frequently made government warnings as the U.S. department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the area. Constant political turmoil puts Sana’s the capital city of Yemen at the top of the list for areas within Yemen that should not be frequented. As protestors and government forces frequently clash many confrontations escalate out of control within minutes. As confrontations over politics continue the U.S. government has not only warned for citizens to avoid travel to the area but they have also advised those currently in Yemen to flee the country immediately while they are still able. The current gross domestic product per capita of Sana’s in Yemen is the forty seventh lowest globally at $1,283 USD and just over seventeen percent of the population lives on less than $1 per day. The adult mortality rate per 1,000 for Sana’s is 357. The adult literacy rate is just over thirty seven percent.

#7: Tbilisi in Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of the nation of Georgia is one that is affected by incredible rates of unemployment. So high are these unemployment rates that Georgia is seen as one of the poorest countries in Europe. The gross domestic product per capita is the sixty sith lowest in the world at $2,629.44 USD and around thirteen percent of the population lives on less than $1 per day. Unemployment rates for the entirety of Georgia sit at around 16.4 percent. When tourists or what are seen as “wealthier Americans” visit the city they frequently become targets for tourist scams, theft, pick pocketing and other crimes. Unfortunately firearms are also readily available in this area which means that any assailant may be armed at any time. With such high rates of crime targeted at tourists and foreigners it is generally recommended that Tbilisi be avoided as a destination point. The adult mortality rate per 1,000 in Tbilisi is 150.

#6: Karachi in Pakistan

As the largest city in Pakistan, Karachi has found itself at the center of a number of threats from terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida. Being a target for terrorist organizations, Karachi is often belayed with violent attacks including suicide bombings and kidnappings. Commonly with these attacks there is no distinguishing between who is affected and that means that civilians and tourists are just as likely as governmental officials to be affected. In addition to this type of activity Karachi has been noted for occurrences of kidnappings. Currently the adult mortality rate in Karachi, Pakistan is around 204 per 1,000 and the adult literacy rate is just over forty percent. The gross domestic product per capita for this area is $1,029.93 USD and just over twenty two percent of individuals are living on less than $1 per day.

#5: Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

When it comes to violent locations, the Democratic Republic of the Congo tends to make the list every time. With constant warring between bordering nations raging in the area the country is always in a state of unrest. Individuals visiting Kinshasa are warned that frequent crime occurs particularly against tourists and these crimes are often serious including armed robbery. Many of these violent or serious crimes occur after nightfall. In addition to the threat of violence, many tourists to this area face the threat of arrest by police officials if caught taking photographs of official government buildings or patrolled areas. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the fourth lowest gross domestic product per capita at $185.96. The adult mortality rate is 357 per 1,000. Approximately sixty percent of the population survives on less than $1 per day and just over sixty seven percent of the adult population is literate.

#4: Bangui in the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic holds the twelfth worst recorded mortality rate of any other country in the world with some 46% of residents who survive to the age of 15 dying before they reach age 60. In addition to the poor mortality rate the capital city of the Central African Republic also suffers from incredible rates of crime and exceptionally low income. Petty and violent crime in Bangui is rampant and target tourists and foreigners particularly. Most frequently visitors are robbed or conned out of money by individuals in uniform or pretending to be such officials request bribes in order to allow tourists to pass through checkpoints. The gross domestic product per capita for the Central African Republic is the eleventh lowest in the world at $429 USD and some sixty five percent of the population survive on less than $1 per day! The adult mortality rate per 1,000 is estimated at 456 and the adult literacy rate is around 49%.

#3: Abidjan in the Cote d’Ivoire

The warnings against Abidjan, the largest city on the Cote d’Ivoire are centered on political upheaval. Originally political unrest began when the former president of the Cote d’Ivoire refused to give up power despite losing to his opponent in October of 2010. This refusal eventually resulted in former president Laurent Gbagbo being arrested and set to be tried however, political unrest still continues. The majority of the country’s unrest lies in areas of the city of Abidjan and some more provincial areas and as such it is recommended that these areas be avoided by foreigners completely. Abidjan currently ranks as the 41^st lowest country globally in terms of gross domestic product per capita at $1,042.52. Currently just over 20% of the population is surviving on less than $1 per day. The adult mortality rate for this region is 390 per 1,000 and the adult literacy rate is just under 49%.

#2: N’Djamena in Chad

Chad is a country known for having a low gross domestic product per capita of just $837.01 – that’s the 34^th lowest around the world. It is estimates that 447 out of every 1000 citizens of Chad who make it past the age of 15 will not make it to age 60. Ironically N’Djamena is notes as being the safest city in Chad; however, this is little consolation when it still frequently appears on most of the “most dangerous city in the world” lists. Just how dangerous is Chad? In June of 2011 the Bureau of Consular affairs prohibited any government employees from traveling outside of the city of N’Djamena. Approximately fifty nine percent of the population of N’Djamena lives on less than $1 per day and the adult literacy rate stands at just over twelve percent!

#1: Baghdad in Iraq

Iraq has long been on the do not travel list for Americans. Nine years after the United States began the war in Iraq violence still runs rampant. Despite the fact that U.S. troops still remain in the area the level of violence remains as random gunfire, roadside bombs, suicide bombings and other violent attacks take place in Baghdad and surrounding areas. Even in areas that troops have been able to successfully secure questions remain as to whether these areas will remain secure are the departing of troops. All in all the level of violence and the ill feelings harbored towards many foreigners by the Iraqi people make Baghdad the number one most dangerous city in the world. Currently in Baghdad, Iraq the gross domestic product is the sixty sixth lowest in the world at $2,531.15. The adult mortality rate in Baghdad is currently 291 out of every 1,000 civilians.

So What Does It All Mean?

Deciphering the information provided above can be a little overwhelming but when it comes down to it these cities are not safe places to be at the moment. Of course as time progresses the top ten most dangerous cities around the world will change. With that said, however, many of the cities and countries on the list above have been on that list for such a significant period of time that there are no signs of change. The bottom line is that if you are looking for a place to vacation or a location for relocation with your current job then all of the ten cities listed above are not suitable options.

What is the Most Dangerous Country Currently?

To pick one particular country as being the most dangerous is a little difficult to do since what it is that makes each country dangerous differs. It is not only factors regarding the country that make somewhere dangerous to live but it is also personal factors such as religious affiliations and nationality. It is easier however to look through the previous lists of the world’s most dangerous cities and notice a trend in the world’s most dangerous continent. When it comes to pinning one continent down as being the most dangerous country both for foreigners and for natives to the area, the culprit is most definitely Africa. That is not to say that no one should ever consider putting Africa on their list of possible vacation spots, rather that they should always conduct enough research to be familiar with the area that they are considering visiting.

What If I Have to Visit a Dangerous City?

Saying that someone should avoid visiting a city on the top ten most dangerous cities list is all well and good but sometimes we do not have a choice. In many instances individuals may have family in one of these areas or they may have to visit one of these cities for a work related assignment. If you find yourself having to visit one of these locations there are a few tips that can help you to lessen your chance of becoming a target.

• The most important thing that you can do is to always try to find another way to perform the task at hand without having to visit a dangerous city. This can mean having family visit you or requesting that a work assignment take place in a more secure location.
• If you are unable to get out of visiting a city on the top ten most dangerous cities list you should conduct a lot of research on the area and the customs of the area before visiting. Try to do everything you can to avoid specifically listed “dangerous” locations.
• It is also important that you try to fit in with the locals of the area – do not dress to stand out from the crowd.
• Make an effort to learn the language or at least enough of the language to get by before your visit.
• Avoid being showy with flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash and credit cards. All of these things make you easy to spot as a target for thieves.
• Always tell someone where you are headed and what your plans are. Make friends with your hotel concierge or front desk receptionist and make sure to tell one of these trusted individuals your plans for the day. This may seem strange but if something were to happen to you at least someone would know where you were headed and what your plans were.
• Keep emergency contact information on you at ALL times. Carry a small card with your name, your emergency contact name, your emergency contact number with a country code, the relationship of your emergency contact to you, your blood type, allergies and any current medications or illnesses you have. This card can be useful in any number of emergency situations.
• Never allow yourself to become unaware of your surroundings – this means do not over do it with the alcohol.
• Only ever use authorized travel services such as large taxi companies, busses or trains to travel within the city.
• Finally, always pay heed to travel warnings, if your country advises you against travel to a specific area then do NOT travel to that area.