In this article, we will take a look at the 30 most dangerous cities in the world. If you want to see more cities in this selection, go to the 5 Most Dangerous Cities in the World.
According to the Global Peace Index report, the overall level of global peacefulness declined by 0.3% in 2022. This marks the eleventh time peacefulness has deteriorated in the past fourteen years. Out of 163 countries analyzed, 90 have shown improvement, while 71 have experienced a decline in the peace index. Only two have remained stable in their levels of peacefulness. For the fifth year in a row, Afghanistan remains the least peaceful country in the world, with Yemen, Syria, Russia, and South Sudan following closely. These five countries have consistently ranked among the least peaceful nations for the past three years. Notably, Russia and Ukraine were among the five countries with the largest deterioration in peacefulness, along with Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Haiti, which can be attributed to the ongoing conflicts in these areas.
Over the past 25 years, the rate of intentional homicide as a cause of violent death has been decreasing worldwide. In 1993, the homicide rate was 7.4 per 100,000 population, but it decreased to 6.1 in 2017. However, this decline in the homicide rate is not necessarily indicative of a reduction in the actual number of homicides that occur globally. Instead, the global population has increased at a faster rate than the increase in the number of homicide victims. Between 1990 and 2017, the overall number of people who were killed due to homicide increased from 362,000 to 464,000, even as the homicide rate decreased. According to data released by the FBI, the United States also experienced a significant rise in violent crime in 2020. In comparison to the previous year, murders increased by almost 30%, representing the most substantial one-year increase in killings ever recorded by the agency. If you want to read more about the crime levels in the US, you can check out the 25 Most Dangerous Cities In The US.
The Economic Cost of Violence
There are numerous cities throughout the world that experience extreme levels of crime, violence, and insecurity. Characterized by high homicide rates, gang violence, and organized crime activities, some of the most perilous cities in the world are Caracas in Venezuela, Acapulco in Mexico, and Cape Town in South Africa. These cities are notorious for being some of the most challenging places to live or visit due to their reputation for violence and crime. Beyond the individuals who are directly impacted, the effects of violence and crime also have a strong negative influence on businesses and tourists. In 2021, the economic impact of violence worldwide was $16.5 trillion, which accounts for 10.9% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or $2,117 per individual.
Reports reveal there is a strong correlation between poverty and violent crime, both on an individual and national level. Individuals facing poverty may resort to crime as a means of survival, while a struggling economy may lead to lower investment in law enforcement systems, resulting in an environment of lawlessness where people are more susceptible to violent crime. This creates a vicious cycle where high levels of violence can hinder business growth, further exacerbating poverty and leading to more violence.
To determine the 30 most dangerous cities in the world, we utilized a multi-faceted approach. Our analysis considered a range of factors, including homicide rates, drug trafficking, gang activity, and political instability. We collected data from diverse sources, such as government agencies, international organizations, and news reports. The Organized Crime Index Report 2022 was also used to assess the level of organized crime in different countries. To gather information on the latest homicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants in various cities, we referred to the Citizens’ Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. Our ranking is based on the ascending order of homicide rates, with the cities having the highest homicide rates ranked as the most dangerous.
30 Most Dangerous Cities in the World
30. Macapá, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 47.20
Macapá is a city located in the northern part of Brazil, in the state of Amapá. It is situated near the equator and is known for its unique geographical location and natural beauty. The city is located near the Brazilian Amazon, which is used as a route for drug trafficking and illegal gold and copper mining activities. Timber shipments are used to hide and transport contraband in the region.
29. Salvador, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 47.23
Salvador is a city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the state of Bahia and is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful beaches. Despite the high rate of homicides, the city attracts millions of visitors every year for its renowned Carnival celebrations.
28. Maturin, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 47.24
Maturin is a city located in the northeastern part of Venezuela. It is situated in the Orinoco River basin and is the capital of the Monagas state. Maturin is a relatively large city with a population of around 500,000 people. The reign of a socialist government for the last two decades has adversely impacted the country economically and socially.
27. Palmira, Colombia
Homicides per 100,000: 47.97
Palmira is a city in southwestern Colombia, located in the Valle del Cauca department. It has a population of around 300,000 people and is the third largest city in the department after Cali and Buenaventura. The city has implemented a program aimed at providing resources to youth as a means of preventing their involvement in gang violence.
26. Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 48.35
Coatzacoalcos is situated in a region infamous for drug trafficking, with drug-related violence being a significant issue in the city. Various gangs operate within Coatzacoalcos, engaging in diverse criminal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping. The local police force in the city has been subject to criticism, as it is understaffed, underfunded, and insufficiently trained, which can impede its ability to combat crime effectively.
25. Aracaju, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 48.77
Aracaju is a city located in the northeastern state of Sergipe, Brazil. The city faces issues associated with corruption and inadequate law enforcement, which makes it difficult to combat crime effectively.
24. San Salvador, El Salvador
Homicides per 100,000: 50.32
San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, has been known for its high rates of violent crime, including murder. Various factors contribute to the high levels of violence in El Salvador, including poverty, inequality, gang activity, drug trafficking, and a weak justice system. Gangs, such as MS-13 and Barrio 18, have a strong presence in the country and are responsible for much of the violence.
23. Baltimore, USA
Homicides per 100,000: 50.52
Baltimore is located in the state of Maryland in the US. There have been longstanding tensions between the police and the community in Baltimore, particularly in neighbourhoods with high rates of crime. This can make it difficult for the police to effectively investigate and prevent homicides, as witnesses may be hesitant to come forward or cooperate with law enforcement.
22. Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 50.75
Vitória da Conquista is a city located in the southwestern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. The city is known for its cultural diversity, as it is home to many different ethnic groups, including indigenous peoples and immigrants from Europe and Asia. Despite its multiculturalism, the city has been plagued by violent crime due to the conflict between criminal organizations and law enforcement agencies.
21. Maceió, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 51.46
Maceió is a city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, specifically in the state of Alagoas. It is the capital and largest city in the state, with a population of around 1 million people. The city's current rate of homicides per 100,000 reflects a significant decline from 110 murders per 100,000 people back in 2011.
20. Ciudad Obregón, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 52.09
Ciudad Obregón is a city located in the state of Sonora in northwest Mexico. It is the second-largest city in the state and is named after Álvaro Obregón, a general and president of Mexico. The town is six hours away from the US-Mexico neighbourhood. In March 2022, following an anonymous tip, a mass grave with 21 bodies was found in the city.
19. Kingston, Jamaica
Homicides per 100,000: 54.12
Kingston, Jamaica, has had a reputation for high crime rates and homicides. The city has struggled with issues related to gang violence, drug trafficking, and poverty for many years, which have contributed to the high levels of crime. In December 2022, the government announced a state of emergency to control the rising level of violence, as the island of Jamaica saw 1,421 murders during 2022.
18. Uruapan, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 54.52
Uruapan is a city located in the state of Michoacán in western Mexico. It is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. In April 2022, the city saw the murder of prominent lawyer and notary public Ricardo Alberto Esparza in front of his office by unknown gunmen.
17. Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 56.67
Barquisimeto is a city located in northwestern Venezuela. It is the capital of the Lara state and is one of the largest cities in Venezuela, with a population of around 1.23 million people. The city has a bustling commercial district with many shops, restaurants, and businesses. Despite being a hub for economic activity, Barquisimeto has experienced high crime levels in recent years.
16. Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 60.09
Ciudad Bolívar is a city located in southeastern Venezuela, in the state of Bolivar. The city has faced challenges in the last several years due to Venezuela's economic crisis. Many of the city's residents have struggled to access necessities, such as food and medicine, and there have been reports of crime and violence in certain parts of the city.
15. Culiacán, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 60.52
Culiacán is a city located in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. It is the largest city in the state and serves as its capital. Culiacán has been plagued by drug-related violence and organized crime in recent years, as the city is located in a region that is a major producer of illegal drugs such as marijuana and heroin.
14. St. Louis, USA
Homicides per 100,000: 60.59
St. Louis, Missouri, has historically had a higher homicide rate than many other cities in the US. The city recorded 196 murders in 2022. The root causes of violent crime in St. Louis and other cities are complex and multi-faceted. Factors such as poverty, inequality, drug addiction, and lack of access to education and job opportunities can all contribute to the high crime rate.
13. Feira De Santana, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 63.29
Feira de Santana is a city located in the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. It is the second-largest city in the state and is known for its historic architecture and cultural festivals. Like many urban areas in Brazil, Feira de Santana has a relatively high crime rate. The neighbourhoods of Queimadinha and Sobradinho are known for being dangerous in the city.
12. Cancún, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 64.47
Cancún is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural history. Like many popular tourist spots, Cancún experiences a significant level of criminal activities, including homicides. To overcome the rampant homicide rate, the government deployed 3,000 soldiers in the city in September 2022.
11. Belém, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 65.31
Belém, Brazil, is a large city located in the northern state of Para. Guamá and Terra Firme are some of the most dangerous neighbourhoods of the city. Some of the common crimes taking place in the city are pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft of valuables from cars. There are also frequent reports of more serious crimes, such as robberies, assaults, and kidnappings.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Homicides per 100,000: 66.36
Cape Town, located in South Africa, is notorious for its high crime rate, which includes a significant number of homicides. Official statistics reveal that the city has one of the highest murder rates in the country, with certain areas, such as the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha, being notorious for their dangerous reputation.
9. Fortaleza, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 69.15
Fortaleza is a coastal city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, in the state of Ceará. It is the fifth-largest city in Brazil, with a population of around 2.7 million people, and covers an area of approximately 313 square kilometres. The city has a large number of slums, or "favelas," which are often controlled by drug gangs who engage in violent turf wars. These turf wars contribute to the high homicide rate in Fortaleza.
8. Natal, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 74.67
Natal is a city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. It is known for its beautiful beaches, dunes, and warm climate. The city has a population of around 900,000 people. Earlier in March 2023, 14 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, including Natal, experienced coordinated attacks on public property. This reflects the strength of the criminal element in the state and its capital.
7. Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 78.3
Ciudad Guayana is situated in the southeastern region of Venezuela, near the Orinoco River, with a population of over 964,000 people. It is renowned for its robust industrial sector, mainly iron and steel production. However, the city has been grappling with high levels of crime and violence for the last few years. Carjacking, robberies, and homicides are all prevalent issues in Ciudad Guayana.
6. Irapuato, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 81.44
Irapuato, Mexico, is a city situated in the state of Guanajuato. The city has a population of approximately 468,000 people and is known for being a hub for the automotive industry. In October 2022, the city experienced a violent incident where 12 people were killed by unidentified gunmen in a bar located in the southern part of the city. This event highlights the high levels of crime and violence that are prevalent in Irapuato and the state of Guanajuato as a whole.
In addition to Irapuato, Acapulco, Ciudad Victoria, and Tijuana are some other cities in Mexico that are considered the most dangerous cities in the world.
