It is that time of the year when you are packing your bags, creating an itinerary and browsing through glitzy travel brochures of the destinations you have zeroed in on. However, all that glitters is not gold. Especially when the gold bracelet you are wearing could get you mugged. Here is the list of top 10 most dangerous places in the world you should definitely stay alert, at least for the foreseeable future.
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Although Cape Town is a fairly popular tourist destination which boasts of national parks, wildlife reserves, and breathtaking beaches, it is also notorious for its high crime rate. Despite being nicknamed ‘most dangerous city in Africa’, thankfully, tourist areas are typically out of harm’s way. Still it is advisable not to venture alone at night.
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This Middle Eastern capital of Iraq is one of the oldest cities and is known for rich cultural heritage. At least that was the case until war happened and tore the country and the capital apart. With the withdrawal of US troops finally and failed government and subsequent control of the region by the extremist Islamic group ISIS, it seems Iraq just cannot catch a break. It is fair to say Baghdad will not be tourist-friendly anytime soon.
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A giant statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking this second-most populous metropolitan area in Brazil will instill a sense of security to the outsiders; however, the reality is far from it. Rapid increase in thefts, robberies, assaults and homicides have made Rio one of the most dangerous places in the world currently. It would be wise not to travel alone at night and stay away from the favelas and back alleys.
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Marred with drug-related crimes, violence and soaring murder rates, this Central American city of San Pedro Sula is one of the fiercest places in the world. Numerous organized gangs are active in the region and bloodsheds are frequently reported between rival gangs in this ‘murder capital of the world’. One should steer clear of San Pedro Sula if visiting Central America.
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Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia is a failed nation with lack of government, political unrest, anarchy, starvation being synonym with this African nation. The desperate people of Somalia resorted to piracy and kidnappings for ransoms, making the waters near the Horn of Africa out of bounds for everyone. If Somalia somehow intrigued you, hopefully you’d think twice before visiting this place.
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Gone are the days when this picture-postcard city of Acapulco used to attract tourists with its pristine beaches, pleasant weather and margaritas. The city has now fallen into the abyss of drug-related violence with intentional homicide rates going through the roof. Tourists are advised to remain inside the premises of the resorts. If I were you, I’d skip this place for now.
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Shattered first by the Soviet Army, then by ultraorthodox Islamic militant group Taliban followed by US invasion post 9/11; Afghanistan is a country in shambles. The Taliban, still active although not as prevailing as it was in the past, is still a threat to the citizens and the tourists alike. Suicide bombings and drug-related violence, and are a constant threat, especially in Kabul. It is one place even foreign offices warn their citizens to steer clear of.
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With political and economical unrest that has swallowed the country at present; the inept government has failed to put the nation back to its feet. Things have taken turn for the worse and Caracas has become a battleground where organized gangs fight for power and influence. Once with the highest intentional homicides in the world, the murder rates have subsided lately in Caracas. However, it is still considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for tourists and should be skipped if possible.
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Cradle to one of the most notorious and violent organized gang Mara Salvatrucha or ‘MS-13’, San Salvador is plagued with poverty, drug-related violence, robberies and murders. With organized gangs struggling to gain control over the drug trade, bloodsheds and turf wars are frequent. Unless you are reckless tourist, it is advisable to give this place a pass.
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If you follow news, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. Genesis of extremist Islamic militant group ISIS is credited to this place. The county has been bruised and battered by the ongoing Syrian Civil War, making it one of the least peaceful countries in the world. With majority of the region under ISIS, avoiding this country is a no-brainer. Hopefully, this civil unrest will subside before the ancient city of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is turned into rubble.
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