If you don’t want to live in fear, then be sure to stay away from the most lawless places in the world. These countries are safe havens for criminals, as the lack of authority imposed by the local government has created a vacuum where violence can flourish, almost without interference. Hence, gangs, drug cartels, insurgencies, terrorist organizations, and petty criminals are abundant, making life a living hell for law enforcement and civilians alike.
In the following article we will present you with the ten places on earth that have been hit the hardest by crime, corruption, and violence. Unlike the the 8 most corrupt countries in the world, which we presented in a previous list, the most lawless places on the planet not only suffer from a dysfunctional government, but also boast very high levels of crime. Political persecution and human rights abuses are also among the dangers of living in these nations.
Surviving in these societies means dealing with all this violence, as well as the fear that comes with the constant threat to one’s life. Hence, it is quite surprising to learn that some of these countries are actually quite popular tourist destinations. Apparently, visitors are kept isolated from the general population, in an attempt to shield them from the excessive crime and violence. Thus, most people who visit a country like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, will feel protected and probably enjoy a wonderful vacation on the beach, while local residents feel anything but safe in their day-to-day life elsewhere in the country.
In the most lawless places in the world, a person’s personal safety simply cannot be guaranteed. The government has failed to provide an adequate environment for its citizens to feel secure, and thus, the rule of law is practically non-existent in these states. Of course politicians are not the only ones to blame for this situation. Poverty, social inequality, drug trafficking, and other transnational issues, not only contribute to making things worse, but are sometimes the root of the problem. Whatever the reason behind the excess of violent crimes, we do not recommend moving to any of the ten most lawless places in the world. Check them out on the following pages.
10. Sudan
Apart from having to deal with extreme poverty, Sudan is plagued by a high degree of violence, ranging from simply robberies, to human rights abuses. The situation has become so stark, that rape and torture have become part of everyday life.
9. Mexico
Despite the fact that Mexico receives millions of tourists every year, who come to take in the beauty of its beaches and historical sites, it is also a very dangerous country. Drug cartels are mainly to blame for the thousands of murders, kidnappings, and clashes with police.
8. Honduras
With one of the highest murder rates in the world, Honduras is not the kind of place where tourists wander the streets freely. In fact, not even the police dare enter certain areas, allowing violent gangs to continue committing crimes.
7. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is famous for being an incredible vacation destination, yet outside the areas designed for tourism, drug trade and violence runs high.
6. Chad
You probably will never visit Chad for a reason: this failed state is so dangerous, that many international organizations refuse to even send aid workers. Not even the police can be trusted, as they are known for random arrests, torture, rape and murder.
5. South Africa
Despite being one of the richest African nations, South Africa is plagued by crime. Sexual violence is higher than anywhere else in the world, and around 50 people are murdered on a daily basis.
4. Central African Republic
Tourism is no longer an option for the Central African Republic, whose own government advises foreigners to stay away. The situation got out of hand after the civil war, and today, violent gangs dominate the streets.
3. Venezuela
Venezuela is definitely one of the most lawless places on earth, with a murder occurring every 21 minutes. As the situation in Venezuela fails to improve, the death toll is expected to continue growing.
2. Nigeria
Nigeria might be blessed by an abundance of oil and wealth, yet the government has failed to put the funds derived from its trade to good use. Organized criminal gangs are just as violent as official security forces, meaning nobody is safe.
1. Iraq
The war in Iraq may have ended, yet that does not mean the violence has stopped. The vacuum of power left behind by the removal of Saddam Hussein has allowed terrorist groups and organized crime to flourish, turning Iraq into the most lawless place in the world.
