In this article, we will be covering 30 countries with most kidnappings. If you want to explore similar countries, you can go to 5 Countries with Most Kidnappings.

Crime and Kidnapping: A Threat to Business

The tourism industry contributes greatly to the global economy. However, tourists are often deterred from visiting destinations where there is an increased risk of kidnapping or crime. This can lead to reduced travel and tourism activities, which can have a negative impact on the tourism industry.

On August 9, Forbes reported that an American nurse, Alix Dorsainvil, and her daughter have been safely released following their kidnapping in Haiti last month, according to a statement by El Roi Haiti, the Christian aid organization founded by the woman’s husband. The report also mentions that as gang violence on the island of Hispaniola grows worse, kidnappings in Haiti are becoming increasingly common. Time and again, the State Department has warned against Americans traveling to Haiti because of a “greater likelihood of threatening risks.”

Previously, on March 12, BBC had reported that Authorities in the US state of Texas have advised citizens to avoid traveling to Mexico during the spring break holidays for security reasons. The report mentions that drug cartel violence presents a significant threat for anyone going to Mexico. It comes after four American citizens were kidnapped shortly after crossing into Mexico. Two were released unharmed, while two of them were killed.

The tourism industry generates billions of dollars in revenue for many countries but when crime and kidnapping rates are high, this revenue can be lost. When a country is known for crime and kidnappings, it can damage its reputation as a tourist destination. High crime rates in any country can have a negative impact on the economy and the livelihood of people who depend on the tourism industry.

Travel and Tourism Industry on the Rise, Despite Challenges

Previously, the global tourism market dealt a near-fatal blow during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic because of lockdowns imposed all around the world and the suspension of transportation options. Unfortunately, outbreaks of diseases, combined with geopolitical tensions, continue to negatively influence the global tourism market in some regions. However, the travel and tourism industry is now recovering after the lifting of the lockdowns, and is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in the coming years.

According to a report by Future Market Insights, the global tourism market was valued at $10.5 trillion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% during 2022-2032, pushing the market to reach a value of around $17.1 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. According to travel market reports, countries like the US, France, and other European countries have an established tourism market. However, recent trends have shown that lesser-known African and Asian countries have come forward as appealing destinations for tourism. Cultural and pilgrimage tourism is also expected to help market growth in Asia, Africa, and South America. Moreover, emergence of new trends like art tourism, adventure tourism, and heritage tourism is expected to further augment global tourism market growth.

On September 7, Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) announced that new data shows Airbnb’s Historical Homes category is helping to spread tourism away from high density urban areas. The vacation rental company, Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB), launched the historical homes category just over one year ago to support its commitment to heritage tourism and making it easier for people to enjoy Europe’s rich heritage. Heritage tourism through Airbnb’s historical homes category has successfully diverted bookings away from Europe’s most saturated tourist hotspots, reducing pressure on those destinations during peak travel periods and allowing travelers to explore further afield.

In one of our previous articles about the most luxurious hotels, we mentioned that even with the fear of recession and high inflation rate, the hotel industry’s trends are only seen going upwards and there is no stopping tourism anymore. On June 27, Reuters reported that the city of Madrid in Spain has undergone a makeover to the surprise of foreign tourists. The facelift was part of the city’s plan to attract high-end tourism as it pushes for a piece of the luxury tourism sector, which has long been dominated in Europe by London, Milan, and Paris. The report mentions that Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) reopened the Santo Mauro Palace after renovation work during the pandemic and also began to revamp the Westin Palace, adding 400 rooms. Richard Brekelmans, Marriott International Inc.’s (NYSE:MAR) vice president for Southern Europe, said that Madrid has been underrepresented in the luxury segment for years while referring to the city’s abundance of theaters, restaurants, and art museums.

Companies offering lodging and hotel services like Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) are expected to benefit from the rising consumer demand for vacations and tourism. On August 1, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) reported strong earnings for the fiscal second quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $2.26, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.09. The company reported a revenue of $6.08 billion and outperformed revenue estimates by $104.2 million.

Social media platforms are being used to promote tourism destinations and experiences, and this has led to a travel boom post-pandemic. Additionally, the growing use of tourism websites and apps is playing a major role in the management and monetization of all types of tourism. Traveling apps and websites allow consumers to look up travel destinations, book hotels, activities, and flights, among other things. This makes it easier, more convenient, and more personalized to plan and book trips. As a consequence, these websites and apps are helping to drive the growth of the tourism market.

On April 4, Reuters reported that Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) launched an in-app feature powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT that will allow users to start conversations and receive destination, flight, and hotel recommendations. As the industry looks for new ways to make travel planning easier, the online travel booking company, Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE), is among the first travel companies to integrate generative artificial intelligence with travel search. Here are some comments from Expedia Group Inc.’s (NASDAQ:EXPE) Q2 2023 earnings call:

“Our single-tech strategy is designed to give all of our brands the benefit of our entire suite of product features, including our latest advancements in AI and machine learning, to personalize and enhance the customer experience. On the topic of AI, earlier this year, we launched conversational trip planning, powered by ChatGPT and the Expedia iOS app. And last month, we launched it on the Expedia Android app. We have been learning from consumer interactions and are adding a number of new features to help consumers on their journey of discovery. Travelers can now start a new conversation by choosing from suggested prompts, and soon they will be able to return to a conversation at any time and even respond throughout a conversation by simply choosing a suggested response, all of which is designed to bring them one step closer to booking their desired trip.”

Now that we have discussed some of the recent trends in the global tourism market and discussed how crime rate and kidnappings can negatively influence the market, let’s take a look at the 30 countries with most kidnappings.

Methodology

In this article, we have ranked the 30 countries with most kidnappings. To rank the countries with most kidnappings, we consulted the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This database provided us with information on the counts and rates of kidnappings per 100,000 population at country level. We used data available for the latest year in their dataset for each country, and narrowed down our selection to rank the top 30 countries with most kidnappings based on the rate of kidnappings per 100,000 people. The 30 countries with most kidnappings are listed below in ascending order.

30 Countries with Most Kidnappings

30. Guatemala

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 2.473

First up on our list of 30 countries with most kidnappings is Guatemala with a kidnapping rate of 2.473 kidnappings per 100,000 population. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America, and a large majority of serious crimes in the country involve local gangs.

29. Cape Verde

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 2.575

Cape Verde is a country in Africa where organized crime is primarily perpetrated by street gangs. According to most recently reported data on Cape Verde by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the country has a kidnapping rate of 2.575 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

28. Monaco

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 2.627

Monaco is a tiny country in Europe, and has a very small population. According to the most recently reported data, Monaco has a kidnapping rate of 2.627 kidnappings per 100,000 population and the country ranks at the number 28 spot in our list of countries with most kidnappings.

27. Portugal

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 2.662

Portugal is generally considered to be a safe country with a low crime rate. However, there are a number of foreign criminal groups in Portugal and the country has a kidnapping rate of 2.66 kidnappings per 100,000 population.

26. Turkmenistan

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 2.7

Violent crime and unrest is rare in Turkmenistan, due to the government’s tight control and the high presence of police in major cities. According to recent reported data, Turkmenistan has a kidnapping rate of 2.7 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

25. Lesotho

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 3.115

With high levels of corruption and corrupt law enforcement employees, Lesotho ranks among the top 25 countries with most kidnappings. According to the most recently reported data on Lesotho by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the country has a kidnapping rate of 3.115 kidnappings per 100,000 population.

24. Barbados

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 3.494

Crime rate in Barbados is relatively low, and the country is the wealthiest and one of the most developed countries in the Eastern Caribbean. According to the most recent reported data, Barbados has a kidnapping rate of 3.494 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

23. Cameroon

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 3.497

High unemployment rates and widespread poverty in Cameroon have caused an increase in violent crimes. Cameroon has a kidnapping rate of 3.497 kidnappings per 100,000 people, and with that it ranks at the number 23 spot in our list of 30 countries with most kidnappings.

22. Israel

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 3.539

The crime rate in Israel has been on the rise, and the rise in violence is fueled by organized crime. According to the most recently reported data on Israel by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the country has a kidnapping rate of 3.539 kidnappings per 100,000 population.

21. Iraq

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 3.724

When a US-led coalition invaded Iraq in 2003, and then again at the height of the civil war Iraq in 2006 and 2007, gang violence surged and so did kidnappings. The chaos led to the birth of organized crime and many prominent abduction groups. According to the most recent data, Iraq has a kidnapping rate of 3.724 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

20. Mauritius

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 3.997

Mauritius is a popular tourist destination and the country is generally considered to be a safe destination, with a low crime rate. However, with a kidnapping rate of 3.997 kidnappings per 100,000 population, Mauritius ranks among the top 20 countries with most kidnappings.

19. Ecuador

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 4.408

Gang violence has caused a surge in Ecuador’s crime rate. According to the most recent reported data for Ecuador, the country has a kidnapping rate of 4.408 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

18. Benin

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 4.743

Benin is a country in West Africa. High levels of corruption in Benin create an environment where crime can flourish. According to the latest reported data by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Benin has a kidnapping rate of 4.743 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

17. India

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 5.111

India ranks among the most populated nations and millions of people are living in poverty. With the number of child abduction cases in the country on the rise, India ranks at the number 17 spot in our list of 30 countries with most kidnappings. According to the most recent reported data, India has a kidnapping rate of 5.111 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

16. Germany

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 5.489

Germany is generally considered to be a safe country, and the country has relatively low crime rates. However, according to the latest reported data by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Germany has a kidnapping rate of 5.489 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

15. France

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 5.904

France ranks among the world’s leading tourist destinations. With a kidnapping rate of 5.904 cases per 100,000 population, France also ranks among the top 15 countries with most kidnappings in our list.

14. Luxembourg

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 5.958

Luxembourg is a small European country, mostly rural, surrounded by France, Germany, and Belgium. According to the most recent reported data, Luxembourg has a kidnapping rate of 5.958 kidnappings per 100,000 population.

13. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 6.068

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island country in the Caribbean and ranks among the smallest countries in the world, both in area and population. Most recent reported data for Saint Kitts and Nevis shows that the country has a kidnapping rate of 6.068 kidnappings per 100,000 population.

12. Maldives

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 6.849

Maldives is an archipelagic country, and tourism is its largest economic industry. According to the latest reported data by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Maldives has a kidnapping rate of 6.849 kidnappings per 100,000 population.

11. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 8.222

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a nation in the Caribbean with a small population of just over 100,000. The kidnapping rate in the country is 8.222 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

10. United Kingdom

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 8.835

Kidnapping has increased in the United Kingdom over the  years, and the country has also witnessed a surge in overall crime. With a kidnapping rate of 8.835 kidnappings per 100,000 population, the United Kingdom ranks among the top 10 countries with most kidnappings.

9. Eswatini

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 9.354

High crime rates in Eswatini can be attributed to a number of factors, including poverty, high rate of unemployment, and lack of education. Eswatini has a high kidnapping rate of 9.354 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

8. Pakistan

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 9.452

Crime rate in Pakistan is on the rise because of high unemployment, extreme inflation, and rising poverty. With a kidnapping rate of 9.452 kidnappings per 100,000 people, Pakistan ranks at the number 8 spot in our list of 30 countries with most kidnappings.

7. New Zealand

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 9.508

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, New Zealand’s kidnapping rate has fluctuated substantially in the past. The latest reported data for New Zealand shows that the country has a kidnapping rate of 9.508 kidnappings per 100,000 population.

6. South Africa

Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population: 9.569

Recent crime statistics in South Africa point to underlying social tensions as well as wealth inequality. With a kidnapping rate of 9.569 kidnappings per 100,000 people, South Africa ranks high among the countries with most kidnappings.

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Disclosure: None. 30 Countries with Most Kidnappings is originally published on Insider Monkey.