The Most Dangerous Countries Around The World For Foreigners
By AARON BAGGETT
Afghanistan ranks first on the Global Terrorism Index and last on the Global Peace Index, having been in prolonged conflict since 1979.
Afghanistan
The Taliban ruled from 1996 until the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. In 2021, the U.S. and international forces withdrew, and the Taliban re-captured the country.
The swift transition sparked panic and humanitarian crises. Despite other active terrorist groups like ISIS having skirmishes with the Taliban, airports and borders are open.
War resulted in minefields along Chad's northern borders and fighting on multiple fronts.
It also grapples with deficit infrastructure, scarce medical facilities, and diseases.
Chad
Militant groups like Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda affiliates are prominent in the Lake Chad region, and the Department of State warns travelers of the risks of violent crimes.
After the unification of socialists and traditionalists in 1990, the Houthi movement saw the government as corrupt and too influenced by Western powers, spurring rebellion.
Yemen
In 2015, Saudi Arabia and other countries intervened, and this ongoing conflict, plus an offset of Al-Qaeda, has devastated Yemen's infrastructure, economy, and social fabric.
The U.N. describes its airstrikes, combats, and blockades as the "world's worst humanitarian crisis." Kidnapping, terrorism, and a collapsing health system amplify travel risks.
Citizens wanting political reforms led to a devastating civil war in 2011. Islamic militants, rebel groups, Kurdish forces, and ISIS have since complicated things.
Syria
Both visitors and residents of Syria face the dangers of kidnappings, detentions, and potential targeting by militants and the Syrian government.
Per Amnesty International, "at least 100,000 people are [...] missing or have been forcibly disappeared in Syria since 2011," including journalists, activists, and medics.
In February 2022, Russia launched a full invasion of Ukraine. A massive displacement crisis exists, as over 18 million people have fled, and 5.4 million remain displaced.
Ukraine
Per The New York Times, an estimated half million Ukrainian and Russian troops had been killed or wounded, and the U.N. says over 9,000 citizens had been killed as of July 2023.