Top 5 most dangerous countries

So you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie? You like to travel to those unknown and exciting places that are literally ‘off the grid?’ unknown or forgotten by society? Like the idea of being shot at or making a drug deal? Well here are the top five countries in the world the above is most likely to happen. They are arguably the most dangerous countries for travellers . . .and residents for that matter.

Drugs, murders, human trafficking, and terrorism are all key indicators of violence in our world. In fairness the records between these countries vary hugely with some countries outright lying or denying facts, so a few assumptions have been made. However it’s safe to say that all people living in these countries live in fear, that criminals have no value of human life, and do what they want. More often than not are often the wealthiest people in the country and the most corrupt and dangerous having huge sway over everything including politics. Death is a common element for everyone in their daily lives. In fact you would have to do well to defy death in these countries because statistically you would be an anomaly. Incredibly none of these countries are even at war. This list outlines the most dangerous tourist destinations not the stupidest. The following countries are living in ‘peace’. Locals know they can sleep safe with the knowledge the army wont bomb their house or turn the area into an artillery range, phew what a relief that is for them.

5. Russia. In this crime-ridden, ex-Soviet state, the government no longer has control of the country, a combination of a large population, poor and extreme cold in winter, I’ve been told its like Florida over summer has provided the catalyst for the infamous Russian Mafia to take over. The Russian mafia is well and truly in charge, unofficially there are more gangsters than police, and a Russian is assassinated every 18 minutes. The usual culprits raise their heads here - Prostitution, drug trafficking and turf wars play their part. Pay attention because foreigners are kidnapped frequently due to the higher ransom they can demand. A world superpower with the ability to destroy us all and the corruption to ensure that someone with enough desire could make it happen – Think Columbine on a world scale! That’s terrifying and exactly why Russia is number five on the list.

4. Venezuela. Ongoing political tension ensures Venezuela is a dangerous place. However it’s the nonexistent middle class widening gap between the upper and lower classes that you can blame for this country's ridiculously high crime rates. Homicide has reached a new record under Hugo Chavez office with an estimated increase of 67% since 1999. Venezuela also proudly boasts one of the highest gun-related deaths in the world (leading you to believe that gun control is not high on the government’s agenda). Corrupt law enforcement does little to keep civil order, policemen are often criminals in uniform. This in turn causes the locals to take measures into their own hands. It’s reputed that you can have someone ‘disappear’ for as little as $20.00USD. And it happens on a regular basis; people are shot and killed for reasons such as dirty looks or insults. Murders in Venezuela average 5 per day in a nation of 25.6 million.

3. Jamaica. This island nation always had their problems but previous to tourism they where just that - their problems. Since the growth of tourism and Jamaica’s introduction to the international stage its bad reputation has increased exponentially. Jamaica’s capital, Kingston is reputed to be overrun with poverty, gangs and politics are the cause for most out breaks which often escalate to shootings. An average of 5 murders per day in a nation of only 2.6 million is almost as incredible as the Jamaican track team in the Olympics. Crimes usually occur in the poorer sectors of big cities, but of course don’t be fooled, there are plenty who like to ‘buck this habit’ and try to exploit richer areas. Corruption and wide-spread drug trafficking contribute to the increasing numbers of assaults, robberies, and murders. The Jamaican law enforcement is weak and ineffective. The lower class, underpaid, overworked policemen often tied to family units, have to compensate their inadequate government wage crossing the line (which they promised to uphold) which combines to create more violence and theft. To make matters worse its nearest neighbouring country is Haiti which only just missed out on the top five by a 4 shotguns, 3 corrupt officials, a drug lord and a partridge in a pear tree. Therefore Jamaica is proudly representing the area at number three.

2. South Africa. The rich class in South Africa, (those that haven’t already left) has moved into gated communities, literally creating a line in the sand between classes – in the past it was called apartied, but that’s now illegal. It is ranked first in rapes per capita amongst the entire world and has an unbelievable record for car hijacking. No where else in the world is it openly acceptable to speed through red lights to avoid being car hijacked . . . or worse. One of its capitals, Johannesburg, is the most dangerous, with almost all middle-class and high-class families carrying weapons simply for protection. They have gun lockers in night clubs and it is acceptable to shoot at people (on your property) if you fire a warning shot first. Therefore it’s not surprising that last year South Africa had almost 32,000 murders with a national population of 47 million. If that’s not bad enough they have an aids epidemic that is estimated to have already infected some 25% of the population.

Colombia. The situation here is simple; ‘drugs and those that control the drugs rule this sandbox’. Colombia is infamous for its guerrillas, multibillion dollar cocaine industry, and corrupt government. It’s not hard to understand why Colombia ranks as "The Most Dangerous Country in the World". Bombings targeting civilians are common and terrorism is a way of life for most citizens. Local Colombian residents have grown accustomed to the chaos. Darwin’s theory of fight or flight comes to mind here – it is Colombia’s motto. It has a high rating for kidnappings, with businesspeople, tourists, journalists, and scientists being popular targets. Those who try to resist robberies usually get shot and killed. Bogota, Baranquilla, Cartagena, and Medellin are statistically categorized as the most dangerous cities, with Medellin holding the title of the Drug Capital. Its murder rates is quintupled that of New York City. In recent years, murders rates in Colombia have dropped, but not enough to pass the title to South Africa. What is behind all the heinous crimes in Colombia you ask? The one thing you can guarantee all these countries have in common an expanding drug market and drug lords eager to increase market share. Two things took Colombia to the top first of all, it’s recognised as a breading ground of terrorist groups (just like jail is a school for criminals). You don’t believe me? Why not ask Ingrid Betancourt. In Colombia’s defence it’s reported to have fewer murders on average than South Africa. Secondly these statistics however are believed to be incorrect. This means it’s safe to assume if government officials are happy to lie to the international community bribery and corruption is rampant within the country of Colombia. The total disregard for human life, incredible rate of self destruction, open corruption by officials and numerous terrorist organisations ensures that Colombia can proudly be crowned the most dangerous tourist destination in the world today.