World's 10 Most Dangerous Countries In 2024

In 2024, severe conflicts and instability persist in various regions, with Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine identified as among the most hazardous countries. The Global Peace Index points to these nations for their high levels of violence, humanitarian crises, and extensive infrastructure damage.

Yemen is the least peaceful nation in the world, according to the IEP's 2024 GPI. This is the first year the index has ranked the Persian Gulf nation as being the least peaceful country. In the 18 years the IEP has compiled the index, the country has fallen 24 places.

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.

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, 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.

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 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is enduring one of Africa's deadliest conflicts, ongoing for over four and a half years. This violence has caused more deaths than any other conflict since World War II, according to the International Rescue Committee. The country remains highly dangerous, with widespread violence and instability endangering millions of lives.

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.

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.

Mali is the 10th most dangerous country in the world, having fallen two places between the 2023 and 2024 GPIs. It's also the third least peaceful country in sub-Saharan Africa out of the 44 nations the IEP analyzed.

With the ongoing conflict in Gaza being the primary source of strife, Israel had the fourth-largest deterioration among the 163 countries on the GPI, falling 11 places between 2023 and 2024 to enter the top 10 least peaceful countries.

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