Marco Crisciotti Discovering the least safe countries in the world. According to Numbeo, Venezuela is the most dangerous, while the United States and the United Kingdom occupy less reassuring positions. Let's discover the complete ranking and the reasons behind these ratings.
Travel has never been more accessible, thanks to deals, discounts, and promotions on both flights and accommodations. But safety remains a central concern for those venturing abroad. Not all countries offer the same level of peace of mind, and the newly released 2025 Safety Index from Serbian platform Numbeo sheds light on the riskiest places in the world. One of the biggest shocks? The United States ranks far lower than many might expect, while Venezuela once again tops the list—for all the wrong reasons.
Methodology: perception over raw data
Numbeo uses crowdsourced data—collected from large groups of users online rather than official institutions—to gauge public perceptions of safety in 146 countries. The criteria include how safe people feel during the day and night, risk of physical assault or theft, and whether discrimination based on gender, race, or religion is common. While it reflects perception more than hard statistics, this approach still offers a valuable look into how both locals and visitors feel about a country’s safety.
The least safe countries: where crime dominates
At the very bottom of the list, Venezuela scores a dismal 19.3 out of 100. The country has long been mired in political and economic chaos, leading to a surge in armed robberies, kidnappings, and murders. The U.S. State Department currently advises against all travel to Venezuela, citing “violent crime, civil unrest, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”
Just above Venezuela are Papua New Guinea (19.7) and Haiti (21.1). Haiti in particular has seen escalating violence, with armed gangs taking over entire neighborhoods, rendering local law enforcement virtually powerless. Afghanistan (24.9) remains plagued by terrorism and human rights violations, continuing its place as one of the most dangerous countries globally.
South Africa (25.3) is another alarming entry, with a high rate of violent crime, including carjackings, home invasions, and sexual assault. Even popular tourist destinations like Johannesburg and Cape Town are frequently cited as unsafe for both residents and visitors.
The 10 most dangerous countries in 2025
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Venezuela (19.3)
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Papua New Guinea (19.7)
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Haiti (21.1)
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Afghanistan (24.9)
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South Africa (25.3)
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Honduras (28.0)
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Trinidad and Tobago (29.1)
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Syria (31.9)
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Jamaica (32.6)
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Peru (32.9)
U.S. and U.K.: an unexpected reality check
Many travelers might be shocked to see the United States ranking 89th, with a perceived safety score of just 50.8. While actual violent crime has decreased slightly in recent years, mass shootings, social tensions, and economic disparities keep Americans feeling unsafe.
The United Kingdom fares only slightly better, coming in 87th with a score of 51.7. Despite relatively moderate crime rates, the rise of knife attacks and petty urban crime has made many citizens feel increasingly uneasy.
The safest countries in 2025: peace of mind lives here
At the top of the list, Andorra is officially the safest country in the world, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Taiwan—all with scores above 80. These nations are known for low crime rates, efficient policing, and strong public safety policies. Also in the top ten are the Isle of Man, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.
The 10 safest countries in 2025
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Andorra (84.7)
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United Arab Emirates (84.5)
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Qatar (84.2)
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Taiwan (82.9)
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Oman (81.7)
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Isle of Man (79.0)
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Hong Kong (78.5)
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Armenia (77.9)
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Singapore (77.4)
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Japan (77.1)
Smart travel in risky places
Traveling to a high-risk country doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker—but it requires serious planning. Understanding which areas to avoid, following local authorities’ advice, and taking basic precautions can be the difference between a memorable trip and a dangerous one.
“Statistics can guide you, but your safety also depends on your behavior and awareness of your surroundings.” Make sure you research your destination thoroughly and act wisely once you’re there.
