The world can be a scary place. It’s hard to think about when you’re living in your own state or city, where you have the comfort and security of all that you’re used to, but the truth is there are dangerous people and places in this world. As political turmoil continues to divide us and terrorist attacks across the globe continue to increase in frequency, one has to wonder if one day there’s no place considered “safe.”
And that’s just human-driven violence and terror. The world is also home to places that are tormented by natural disasters, have suffered from environmental crises and continue to be deadly in terms of animal life and human life. It’s crazy to think about but these places really do exist.
Here at Funnyand, we wanted to uncover some of the heart-stopping truths about these places and have identified 40 of the most dangerous places on the planet. We have a feeling some of these facts may be too much for you to handle…
40. The Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is caught in a war between the Congolese armed forces, militias, and armed bandits. The country is known for its excessive violence with the population constantly living in fear.
While people may travel to the country, you’ll likely be unnerved by the constant sights of armed troops, armored vehicles, and helicopters circling overhead.
39. Sahel, North Africa
A region bordering the Sahara Desert in Africa, this area is known for its famine and drought due to the exploitation of the area’s natural resources.
For 12 years between 1972 and 1984, over 100,000 people died in the Shael due to drought. To this day, it’s a barren landscape that’s dangerous to humans and wildlife alike.
38. Thailand
Southern Thailand is home to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla, which are some of the most dangerous places in the country and the world.
Over the last 13 years, there have been 6,500 deaths due to extreme violence and the martial law remains in constant effect. If you’re vacationing in Thailand, these are not places you want to accidentally wander to.
37. Snake Island Brazil
If you’re afraid of snakes, you’ll definitely want to stay far away from Snake Island. Known as the Ilha de Queimada Grande, this island is located off of the coast of Brazil and is known for an extremely high population of venomous snakes.
It is the ONLY location on the planet where the Golden Lancehead Viper lives, whose venom is so potent it can melt human flesh. Thankfully, the island is quarantined and the government has banned all visitors.
36. Jamaica
While cruises and tourists constantly frequent Jamaica, most of the places visited are designed to keep the violence and danger at bay. In some areas of the country, violent crimes and shootings occur on a regular basis.
Some of this violence has spilled over into the tourist areas at times, and while there’s no travel warning for the country, it’s best to know what you are getting into.
35. Danakil Desert, East Africa
Considered to be one of the most hostile places in the world, the Danakil Desert located in Ethiopia is known for its volcanoes and geysers that shoot heated toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The daily temperatures can get as high as 122 degrees, and even worse, conflict in the local area has increased the risk of kidnappings when it comes to locals and outsiders. Overall, it’s not a great place to be.
34. South Africa
South Africa has descended into a place of high crime with rapes and murders occuring on a regular basis.
The crime has gotten so bad, that many locals living there have hired their own private security teams, with the remote settlements and townships being targeted the most. While it’s a beautiful country filled with culture and wonderful vistas, it is also very dangerous beneath the surface.
33. Oymyakon, Russia
A frozen village in the heart of Siberia, Oymyakon has the lowest temperatures ever recorded in the world. Over 500 people live in the small village, which can get as low as -96.2 degrees. Yes, you read that right.
Due to the extreme cold, mobile phones can’t work in the village and there’s no way to grow food locally. Honestly, it’s not our first choice to settle down in that’s for sure.
32. Guatemala
Known for its high crime rates and questionable topography, Guatemala is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, and deadly mudslides.
Back in 1976, a 7.5 earthquake killed 23,000 people in the country. Today, due to government upheaval and violence, many are fleeing the country and seeking asylum in the United States.
31. Syria
The conflict in Syria has transformed the country into one of the most violent places in the world.
The people trapped in the war-torn country continue to experience bombings, food shortages, lack of medical care and chemical weapons attack. It’s one of the most dangerous places to be at the moment with no resolution in sight.
30. Chad
Unfortunately, Chad has become an underbelly for terrorism in the last decade, with ISIS, Boko Haram, and al-Qaeda all active within the country.
Not only have extremist groups targeted the local population, but foreigners and security forces are also at risk. The instability in the country has made it a place where traveling is not recommended.
29. Mount Sinabung, Indonesia
This active stratovolcano on the island of Sumatra is frequently active and continues to erupt, leaving thousands of people living in the area are impacted on a regular basis.
The towns continue to be rebuilt, only to be covered in ash and lava soon after. The mountain has erupted in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016! You’d think people would just move, but they love their land and homes so much they will not abandon them.
28. Bangladesh
Extreme weather and terrorist attack threats have placed Bangladesh on our list. The country is constantly at risk for natural disasters, with the nation experiencing flooding, earthquakes and tropical cyclones on a regular basis.
Political unrest has also taken hold within the country, triggering violence between the local government and civilians.
27. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Known for being deadly and completely inhospitable, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia is known for the whale and seal skeletons that dot the beaches.
There are also numerous shipwrecks lodged in the sand, where sailors crashed and then died due to the extremely harsh environment. It’s not a place you would want to visit even on your worst day.
26. Mali
Over the years, Mali has become a target for terrorist attacks, especially in the capital and to the north.
Hotels and restaurants seem to be the main targets, making it not a safe place for travel. In 2015, a group of people were taken hostage at a Radisson Hotel and brutally murdered. The area is just unsafe, period.
25. Lake Natron, Tanzania
Lake Natron is located at the base of Tanzania’s Gregory Rift and is considered to be one of the deadliest bodies of water on the planet. The water can reach temperatures of 140 degrees due to its over-saturation with salt and the pH levels are so high and corrosive, the water can calcify the dead bodies of animals.
For those animals and humans not adapted to the area, the water can burn the skin and eyes if submerged for too long. It’s honestly, a place to avoid at all costs, though it is a popular breeding ground for flamingos.
24. Lebanon
Extremist groups are very active in Lebanon, making it a hotbed for terrorist activity. Bombings occur frequently and civilian protests are constantly being conducted, and they often turn very violent.
Due to economic woes and civil unrest, the country has devolved into a very dangerous place in the world.
23. Sanaa, Yemen
Sanaa is the capital of Yemen and is known for being one of the oldest cities in the world.
Sadly, it’s also considered to be one of the most dangerous due to bombings, assassination attempts, and terrorism. For being a beautiful and historical city, it certainly is deadly.
22. Philippines
If you’re a tourist looking to visit the Philippines you may want to rethink your plans. Kidnappings are very common in the country, especially throughout the Sulu Archipelago and the Sulu Sea.
Most of the targets are foreigners, making it a very dangerous place to visit. We would avoid this country and try another destination in Asia.
21. Mailuu Suu, Kyrgyzstan
Roughly 23,000 people live in Mailuu Suu, a small uranium mining town that processed over 10,000 tons of uranium for the Soviet nuclear programs.
It is considered to be one of the most radioactive places in the world. It is also prone to natural disasters, such as landslides, earthquakes, and flooding, which continues to increase the risk of radioactive contamination. We’re not sure it is one our must-see vacation spots that’s for sure.
20. Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine between the armed forces and the Russian-backed armed separatists has spread throughout the eastern and southern regions of the country.
Most impacted are Donetsk oblast and Crimea with civilians being caught in the crossfire. The area has transformed into quite a dangerous place for both locals and foreigners, and there doesn’t seem to be an end to the conflict any time soon.
19. Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, AK just recently broke into the running when it comes to violent crime and property crime.
We’re wondering if it’s due to the cold location and the city being as isolated as it is. While it may be a cool place to visit and hunt, we suggest avoiding settling down in the area.
18. Honduras
If you value your life, it’s best to avoid Honduras. The country has one of the world’s highest murder rates and throughout the country crime and drug trafficking is rampant.
There is also a severe lack of military and police presence in most areas, making it a very dangerous place for foreigners and civilians. U.S. citizens are highly advised NOT to visit the country.
17. Baltimore, MD
The city of Baltimore is beautiful and is known for its quirky neighborhoods and unique museums. Oh, and everyone loves to call you “hon.” However, it also packs quite a punch when it comes to violent crime.
The city actually ranks third when it comes to violent crime rates, making it place to watch your back when you’re on vacation.
16. Kenya
If you’re a fan of grenades, shootings, and stabbings, then you might want to visit Kenya.
Considered to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world, frequent terrorist attacks occur outside of the city of Nairobi. It’s a country where the civilians are constantly in a place of unrest and fear.
15. Pueblo, CO
Pueblo, CO is a small city in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean it’s the picture perfect place to be.
It ranks as the 8th worst city for property crime, with its main problem being burglaries. You might want extra locks on all of your doors if you decide to settle down in Pueblo.
14. Egypt
Egypt may have the Great Pyramids of Giza, but the country is under constant threat from extremist groups, such as ISIS.
Many targets have been public venues and tourist sites, making it a very risky place to travel. Some extremist groups also solely target transportation shuttles, therefore it’s best to avoid visiting for now.
13. Chattanooga, TN
Tennessee is looking like a state to really avoid at this point. Chattanooga may be less famous than both Nashville and Memphis, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a high violent crime rate.
Its property crime also ranks the 10th highest in the country, making it a place you might not want to park your car in the street.
12. Venezuela
The country of Venezuela has become a place of high crime and social unrest. With shortages of basic necessities, such as water, food, and medicine, the country now has one of the highest crime rates in the world.
It’s known for murder, kidnapping and armed robbery of not just tourists but its citizens as well. The US has issued a travel warning for the country as the conditions continue to deteriorate.
11. Oakland, CA
Oakland may have lower property taxes and rent than most cities in California, you pay for it with high violent crime rates with the property crimes following close behind.
In fact, it’s 30 spots higher in the national ranking than San Francisco. It’s a dangerous place to be, so be sure the lower prices are worth the trade-off.
10. Nigeria
Nigeria is in a state of civil unrest and the constant threat of terrorist attacks.
With two extremist groups, ISIS and Boko Harem leading the charge, churches, schools and even hotels have become targets for violence.
9. Albuquerque, NM
Keep a close eye on your car, house and personal belongings because when it comes to property crime, this city is the third most dangerous.
While violent crimes due occur frequently, its vandalism of personal posessions that seems to be the most problematic. It’s unfortunate too, because Albuquerque has some stunning locales and vistas.
8. Pakistan
It should come as no surprise that Pakistan is on our list. Due to the religious conflicts and violence that have plagued the country for years, the area has become a cesspool for illegal activities, political unrest, and violence.
The government has also contributed to these conditions by limiting free speech and forbidding travelers from accessing certain areas in the country.
7. Springfield, MO
The problem with Springfield, MO is its high rate of property crime. It currently ranks as the first most dangerous for property crim per capita, though on the brightside its violent crime per capita rating is not in the top ten.
So while you’re car may be stolen, at least you don’t have to worry about being murdered.
6. El Salvador
El Salvador is home to the world’s highest rate of homicide. Plagued by gangs, drug trafficking, and extortion, the civilians and foreigners alike are all at risk.
It’s one of the Latin American countries where the population is fleeing to the United States hoping to be granted asylum.
5. Little Rock, AR
When it comes to crime, Little Rock tends to rock the boat. It is within the top ten cities in the country for property and violent crime per capita.
Not the greatest combination that’s for sure. We suggest passing through Little Rock or telling your relatives you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year.
4. Yemen
Yemen has become the home to many rebel groups that target US citizens, usually ending in death or extortion.
With extremist groups running rampant and the country plagued by air strikes and landmines, most of the population finds itself without basic needs such as medical assistance and food. Like other areas in the Middle East, it has become a very dangerous place for its people and foreigners.
3. Memphis, TN
Memphis may be home to the best of the south, but it’s also got the third highest crime rate in America.
There are roughly 2,000 violent crimes per 100,000 people with property crimes leading the pack with 6,200 per 100,000. If you want to keep your property safe, we suggest not moving here…like at all.
2. Colombia
US citizens and other foreign travelers may find themselves as prime targets for kidnapping and extortion in Colombia, but the country isn’t as dangerous as it once was.
The city of Medellin was named one of the best places to visit last year, but there is still a high risk when it comes to travel. We suggest Brazil instead.
1. St. Louis, MO
Living in a dangerous city is not something most people want to think about, but sadly there are just bad places in this world and St. Louis, MO is one of them.
Even though it has iconic architecture and beautiful sights, it also has the distinction of having the second highest violent crime rank out of all the big cities in the United States. Aggravated assault and murder are on the top of the list for most frequent. You might want to change your vacation plans.