World's most dangerous countries in 2024

In 2024, severe conflicts, political instability, and humanitarian crises persist worldwide, making some regions extremely dangerous. Nations such as Yemen, Afghanistan, and Sudan are particularly troubling, as their ongoing conflicts have caused extensive devastation to both their populations and infrastructure.

A Global Peace Index (GPI) report provides a critical measure of the safety and stability of nations, highlighting those most impacted by war, violence, and unrest.

This non-profit organization annually evaluates 163 countries across 23 indicators, including internal conflicts, societal safety, and levels of militarization, providing a comprehensive assessment of global peace and security. Here’s the list of the most dangerous countries in the world.


World’s most hazardous countries 2024

Yemen
With a GPI score of 3.397, Yemen remains among the world's most dangerous nations. Since the start of its civil conflict in 2015, the country has descended into turmoil, with rampant famine, disease, and infrastructure collapse worsening the crisis.

The conflict, which started as an internal struggle, has been prolonged and intensified by the involvement of neighbouring countries, each backing different factions. This has only deepened the suffering of the Yemeni people, who face unimaginable hardships daily.

Sudan
Sudan continues to be one of the most dangerous countries worldwide, largely due to persistent conflicts in areas such as Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile. In 2024, these clashes led to more than 3,000 deaths and displaced nearly 2 million people.

The humanitarian crisis is severe, with frequent attacks on civilians by government forces, opposition groups, and militias. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 14 million people in Sudan are in dire need of humanitarian aid.

South Sudan
South Sudan, with a GPI score of 3.324, remains one of the world's most perilous countries due to ongoing civil conflict, ethnic violence, and political instability. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has struggled to maintain peace and stability, with its citizens facing continuous threats from internal strife and external pressures.

Afghanistan
Afghanistan, with a 2024 GPI score of 3.294, continues to be one of the most dangerous countries worldwide. Decades of conflict, compounded by the Taliban's seizure of power in 2021, have left the nation in a state of constant instability.

The risks of terrorism, kidnappings, and widespread violence remain high, making Afghanistan a focal point of international concern.

Ukraine
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine has experienced a sharp decline in safety and stability. By 2024, the conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced millions both within the country and abroad.

The destruction of cities and critical infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals, has created a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions.

Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to suffer from one of the deadliest conflicts in African history. The ongoing violence, which has spanned more than four and a half years, has resulted in more lives lost than any other conflict since World War II, according to the International Rescue Committee. The DRC remains a highly dangerous place, with widespread violence and instability threatening the lives of millions.

Russia
In 2024, Russia's GPI score of 3.249 reflects the nation's increasing danger, exacerbated by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Internally, Russia faces significant challenges, including organized crime and corruption, which undermine law and order.

Additionally, environmental concerns, such as industrial accidents and pollution, pose substantial health risks to the population.

Syria
Since the onset of its civil war in 2011, Syria has been one of the world's most dangerous countries. The conflict has devastated infrastructure, leaving buildings, roads, hospitals, and schools in ruins.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with over 13 million Syrians in need of assistance, including 6.6 million internally displaced. Food insecurity is rampant, and the healthcare system is in disarray, with many hospitals destroyed or operating at minimal capacity.

Mali
Mali has been embroiled in armed conflict since January 2012, when Tuareg rebels seized control of the northern territory, declaring the independent nation of Azawad by April of that year. The situation escalated further with a military coup in March 2012, deepening the turmoil in the region. Today, Mali remains one of the most dangerous countries, with ongoing violence and instability threatening the safety of its citizens.


(With TOI inputs)