World’s most dangerous countries in 2025

As conflicts rage across multiple nations, the latest Emergency Watchlist highlights the most vulnerable countries facing escalating humanitarian crises in 2025. From Sudan’s devastating civil war to Myanmar’s worsening violence and Syria’s government collapse, the report underscores the urgent need for international attention to prevent further suffering and displacement in these regions.

Sudan

For the second consecutive year, Sudan ranks first on the Emergency Watchlist due to its ongoing brutal civil war. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the largest and fastest-growing humanitarian and displacement crisis, with widespread violations of international law, including sexual violence, child soldier recruitment, and attacks on civilians, health care, and aid services.

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Myanmar

Violence has worsened in Myanmar since the military took control in 2021. Long-standing insurgencies have spread and merged into a wider conflict, leading to the displacement of over 3 million people, said the report. In addition, cyclones and floods continue to devastate communities. The country's water and health systems, which were already affected by war, are not prepared to handle the increasing needs.

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Syria

In late 2024, nonstate armed groups attacked Syria, causing a rapid government collapse. Damascus is now controlled by these groups, and President Assad has reportedly fled to Moscow. As the conflict escalates in its 14th year, 13.8 million Syrians have been displaced, and widespread poverty has deepened. It remains uncertain whether the situation will improve or worsen in 2025.

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South Sudan

For the second consecutive year, South Sudan ranks in the top five of the Emergency Watchlist. The country is grappling with conflict from Sudan, political instability, the climate crisis, and widespread violence. Severe flooding has damaged food production, contributing to an economic crisis. Additionally, South Sudan struggles to support 878,000 Sudanese refugees.

Lebanon

The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has pushed Lebanon into the top 10 of the Emergency Watchlist for the first time. Despite a ceasefire in November 2024, the conflict caused massive displacement, with 1.4 million people fleeing Lebanon and 60,000 displaced in northern Israel. Lebanon’s pre-existing economic crisis has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation.

Burkina Faso

Armed groups, like ISGS and JNIM, have displaced millions, the report says. “Their brutal campaigns have devastated communities across the country and the wider Sahel region. Armed groups have isolated nearly 40 towns, an increase from just one in 2021. This has cut off about 2 million people from the rest of the country and disrupted vital aid. Attacks on hospitals, schools and communities are putting civilians in greater danger,” as per the report.

Haiti

Haiti is in a state of crisis due to gang violence, government dysfunction, and the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Criminal gangs have become more organized, causing widespread chaos. Natural disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes, have worsened the situation, leaving nearly half the population in severe hunger and extreme poverty.

Mali

Hunger in Mali is worsening due to a 12-year escalating conflict. More cities are under siege as the Malian military and Russian Wagner Group battle factions like the Tuareg forces, ISGS, and JNIM. The withdrawal of UN and French military support has increased civilian casualties, while ISGS and JNIM have expanded blockades, cutting off vital food, water, and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands.

Somalia

In 2024, Al-Shabaab carried out over 120 attacks, and its influence may grow as the African Union’s ATMIS prepares to withdraw from Somalia. Inter-clan conflict has also heightened instability. Additionally, the country is struggling to recover from the severe drought of 2021-2023, which exacerbated hunger and childhood malnutrition. Climate shocks remain a significant threat to Somalia's stability.

Yemen

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.