"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."
While this famous quote from St. Augustine is quite inspiring, not all pages of the world's book should be approached in the same manner. In some cases, including the countries included in this list, maybe the pages should be skipped over. While I am never a fan of skipping pages, with 195 countries in the world, I feel I could take up more than my lifetime with 190 of them.
Various methods could be employed to undertake the task of compiling a list of the World's Most Dangerous Countries. While many first look to murder rates, in this list I have incorporated total crime, or crime you are actually likely to encounter if you choose (unwisely) to visit any of the countries outlined below. You have been warned.
1) Afghanistan.
Why go there? Other than being part of military service, you would be hard pressed to find any draw to visit Afghanistan. The country is the focus of a war. A WAR. Landmines scatter the dusty desert which doubles as roads. The complete lack of infrastructure borders on embarrassing. Bombings are regular, especially around Embassies, another con for any would-be traveler. A statement by the US FBI summarizes the country well: "Travel in all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe due to military operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicular or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable." There is absolutely no reason to travel to this country willingly. Period.
2) Venezuela.
Can one person out of 28 million influence a country to the extent that they end up on this list? Yes they can, and Hugo Chavez does exactly that for Venezuela. This leader openly hates almost every country in the world, and makes sure you know it. The outspoken leader uses his countries oil wealth to influence weaker countries, and in the process, successfully makes an enemy of almost every other world power. Combined with the fact the country ranks #2 on the "List of countries by intentional homicide rate" produced by the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, the country is not one that you should take the kids for the summer. From personal experience, I have never felt more uncomfortable in a country in my life. My 2009 Venezuela visit made my previous month's visit to Colombia seem like a day in Fort Knox. As one local told me my first day in Venezuela, "Man, they will shoot you for your shoes here....hell, they'll shoot you just from being from the US."
3) Iraq.
As with Afghanistan, why? Insurgent groups remain active throughout Iraq, and the violence is often targeted against foreigners. Roadside attacks remain the most frequent act of violence, with shootings, mortars, and rockets remaining prevalent. Yes, you did read rockets.
4) Haiti.
Even before the recent deadly earthquake in Haiti, it was a disorderly, dangerous country. Violence is a persistent threat in Haiti. The occurrence of kidnappings is among the highest in the world. In recent cases, the kidnappers seem to take no preference to race, age, or gender. First come, first served. Coupled with the damage caused by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake Haiti experienced January 12, 2010, and you've got a sour mixture. Infrastructure suffered serious damage, leaving access to services severely limited. The country is suffering from water, food, shelter, and transportation shortages. Aftershocks from the quake are a real threat, even many months after an earthquake and falling debris could continue to pose a threat while the country rebuilds. The combination of persistent violence and the recent earthquake place Haiti on 2010's Most Dangerous Countries list.
5) Somalia.
A notoriously dangerous country, Somalia experienced a sharp increase in bombings and terrorist activity at the end of 2009 and carrying over into 2010. According to a Travel Warning from the US Department of State, dated December 31, 2009: "Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia have demonstrated their intent and capability to attack air operations at Mogadishu International Airport. Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and other violent incidents and threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur in many regions. Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting flares up with little or no warning. Unpredictable armed conflicts among rival militias are prevalent in southern Somalia, particularly in and around Mogadishu. This has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Somali nationals and the displacement of nearly one million people." And they have pirates. Real, live, very dangerous pirates, wielding rocket-propelled grenade launchers. True story. Although rocket-propelled grenade launchers do make a great video game weapon, they do not make for the best vacation.
Other countries to leave off the itinerary: Yemen, North Korea, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Iran, Congo, and any country ending with -stan.
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