MADISON, Wis. — While everybody desires safety, many of the world’s biggest tourist destinations are hot spots for crime. The common denominator among these cities is poverty. Poverty is a catalyst for crime; the poor governing that accompanies poverty allows for civil unrest and large income inequalities.
Read below for a the list of the 10 unsafest cities in the world for travelers:
10. Caracas, Venezuela
Poverty is high in Caracas and with it comes high rates of street muggings and thefts. The city is also facing a crisis involving drug gangs.
Photo: Wikimedia
Source: Escape Here
9. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Ciudad Juarez is Mexico’s most violent city, with one of the highest rates of femicide in the world. Drug trafficking is prevalent and violence goes unpunished because the police are employed or paid off by the cartels.
Photo: Globe Rove
Source: Escape Here
8. Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa has one of the largest income inequality gaps in the world, and therefore civil unrest is high. When traveling, tourists should stay in the safe sections and avoid going out at night.
Photo: Tohota
Source: Escape Here
7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio is actually becoming much safer than it was in the past decade, probably due to the high profile events being held there (i.e. The World Cup and Summer Olympics.) When visiting Rio, stay in the tourist locations and do not wander off in the ghettos, or favelas, as they are called in Portuguese.
Photo: Sport Klub
Source: Escape Here
6. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala City is plagued with crimes that stem from the drug trade, including street robberies, carjackings, bus hold ups and murder.
Photo: Top News
Source: Escape Here
5. Acalpulco, Mexico
Once a huge tourist destination for travelers, Acapulco is now riddled with crime. The murder rate is 142 per every 100,000 people. Visitors are advised to stay on the resort properties.
Photo: Air Transat
Source: Escape Here
4. Baghdad, Iraq
Continually on the U.S.’s do not travel list, Baghdad is experiencing extreme upheaval as American troops withdraw and the country begins to mend. Outbreaks of terrorism and violence are common and unpredictable.
Photo: Dokan Air
Source: Escape Here
3. Kabul, Afghanistan
Much like Baghdad, Kabul is experiencing a withdrawal of American troops and is now looking to mend from years of war and violence. At the moment, the future of Kabul is uncertain and the city is currently experiencing high waves of terrorism.
Photo: Wikimedia
Source: Escape Here
2. Karachi, Pakistan
Pakistan is experiencing a great deal of political unrest. Citizens are voicing concerns about the prevalence of terrorism and gang warfare in the city, both of which pose huge threats to travelers.
Photo: Go Pakistan
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1. San Pedro Sula, Honduras
According to many sources, San Pedro Sula has the highest rate of murder in the world, at 169 homicides per every 100,000 people. Arms trafficking and the drug trade are huge problems and make San Pedro Sula unwelcoming to travelers.
Photo: Wikimedia
Sources: Escape Here
– Sarah Dalgleish
Featured Photo: Telegraph
Article Source: Escape Here