The world is full of dangerous people, and oftentimes, they congregate in specific cities. These places can be found all over the world and they are areas that travelers should do their best to avoid. You don't want to be the next missing person on the nightly news or experiencing a traumatizing event during what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation.
We have compiled a list of the most dangerous cities in the world so you can protect yourself based on data given by the World Population Review. If you do desire to travel to these areas, then it might be in your best interest to bring a few friends. Keep reading to learn about the ten most dangerous cities in the world!
10 Belem, Brazil
This is at the bottom of our list, but that doesn't mean you should disregard proper safety precautions. There are about 71.4 deaths per 100,000 people and there are also a lot of armed robberies reported in this area.
The level of crime has also been steadily increasing and the severity of them is only growing worse as well. There are also several local militias that have decided to take matters into their own hands and create their own rules, which has only led to more uncontrolled chaos in this dangerous city.
9 Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela
This city suffers from crime brought about by gang violence as it has become apparent over the last couple of years that anarchy has taken hold. It has about 80.3 deaths per 100,000 people which doesn't give travelers very good odds when they decide to visit this region.
There is also a road that starts here that leads to an illegal gold mine where people hope to find riches to bring their family out of poverty. Several violent crimes occur every day in this city, and tourists tend to be a priority target due to their naivety.
8 Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
The chance of you being the victim of a crime is very high in several cities in Mexico, but this is one of the worst places you can go. There are around 83.3 deaths per 100,000 people and there are several concerns about armed robberies and attacks.
There is a lot of corruption in this city that ties back to the drug trade and your safety virtually diminishes if you happen to wander the streets at night. The rival drug cartels inflict damage on one another and by staying in this city you are putting yourself in the crosshairs.
7 Fortaleza, Brazil
Fortaleza, Brazil is only slightly worse with a murder rate of 83.5 deaths per 100,000 people. Drug cartels dominate the countryside and the police have little control over what happens due to the declining governmental power in the region.
It is rare to meet someone who hasn't been robbed in this area and it can happen at any time during the day. The crime grows worse every year as the citizens become less afraid of pulling stunts in broad daylight and in public places.
6 La Paz, Mexico
This destination is often advertised as a tropical paradise, but don't believe everything you read because they have a murder rate of 84.8 deaths per 100,000 people. There have been several murders of human rights defenders and journalists in this area as cartels have advanced on this tourist-heavy location. The police in the area lack the resources to deal with these vigilantes that are ruining the scene, and it is only expected to become worse as the years pass by.
5 Tijuana, Mexico
The murder rate for this city is 100.8 deaths per 100,000 people, which isn't surprising seeing as this is one of the major drug cartel capitols of the world. Crime seems to happen in waves, but it ends with the deaths of several people.
This city has drive-by shootings and muggings that usually relate back to some form of drug activity. There has recently been a huge cartel war going on as different groups fight for power in this city, and tourists end up dead as an innocent casualty of the trade.
4 Natal, Brazil
This city might have a beautiful beach and five-star resorts, but the area it is in will have you making other travel plans. It used to be one of the safest places to stay in Brazil, but like many cities in the region the drug cartels have overrun it, hence the murder rate of 102.6 deaths per 100,000 people.
There are some areas that are safer than others, although, if you truly value your life then you might want to make some other travel arrangements. People here are not afraid to mug you in broad daylight, and travelers are often told to stay inside once nightfall hits or they are asking for trouble.
3 Acapulco, Mexico
This is still a heavily trafficked tourist destination, and we are not sure why when it has a murder rate of 107 deaths per 100,000 people. Police walk the streets armed to the teeth and that should be your first clue that not all is safe in Acapulco.
It is basically a warzone as the government competes with the cartels to keep a consistent flow of visitors who fund the local economy. You will feel protected in the tourist sectors by the presence of police and the lack of vigilantes, but the moment that violence happens to spread into your sector you will realize what a terrible mistake you made.
2 Caracas, Venezuela
The reason for the high crime rate in this area is due to the fact that the economy is struggling. There are murders and robberies happening around every corner as the citizens here struggle to buy food and other basic necessities.
They have a murder rate of 111.2 deaths per 100,000 people and vigilantes will grab anything they can get their hands on, even if it comes to death. The country itself is on several travel advisories as they warn tourists that putting themselves in these situations is dangerous. Kidnappings are popular with foreigners and you don't want to be the next on their list.
1 Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos, Mexico is at the top of our list and it is someplace you should never travel to unless your life depends on it. The murder rate is 111.3 deaths per 100,000 people and criminal activity happens on every street corner.
Criminal groups rule the area with brute force that they are willing to use on innocent foreigners. The resorts in the area have increased security, but incidents still happen all the time, and yet, people keep deciding to travel here.