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Top 40 Most Dangerous Cities to Watch in 2026
1. San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Ranked again as the most perilous city in 2026, San Pedro Sula struggles with high rates of kidnapping, gang violence, and economic instability. Despite efforts to improve security, persistent crime waves continue to make it a hotbed of danger for residents and visitors alike.
2. Caracas, Venezuela
The ongoing political crisis and economic collapse have plunged Caracas into chaos. Crime rates are astronomical, with frequent armed robberies, kidnappings, and shortages of basic necessities, making it one of the most risky cities in the world.
3. Tegucigalpa, Honduras
The capital city faces challenges similar to San Pedro Sula, including gang violence and political unrest. Its fragile infrastructure and limited law enforcement resources contribute to its dangerous reputation.
4. Damascus, Syria
Years after the conflict, Damascus remains volatile. Every day poses risks from unpredictable violence, unrest, and the lingering threat of insurgent activities, making it highly unsafe for both locals and travelers.
5. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Despite ongoing efforts to curb violence, Guatemala City continues to experience high homicide and kidnapping rates, fueled by organized crime and political corruption.
6. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Gun violence and drug trafficking significantly threaten safety in this Caribbean hub. The city’s nightlife and crowded districts often become hotspots for violent crime.
7. Cape Town, South Africa
While a popular tourist destination, Cape Town faces serious safety concerns rooted in inequality, gang violence, and high crime rates, especially in certain neighborhoods.
8. Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Organized crime presence and drug-related violence continue to threaten residents and visitors in Brazil’s vibrant yet perilous city.
9. Johannesburg, South Africa
Economic disparities fuel crime in Johannesburg, with both petty theft and violent assaults common in certain districts, impacting overall safety.
10. Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Although smaller, Basseterre grapples with petty crime and occasionally violent incidents, mostly linked to drug trafficking networks in the Caribbean region.
11. Medellín, Colombia
Once notorious for violence, Medellín shows some progress but still reports gang activity, kidnapping, and drug-related crimes that pose risks to outsiders.
12. Brasília, Brazil
As the political hub, Brasília requires vigilance due to street crimes, pickpocketing, and occasional violence endemic to large urban areas.
13. Nassau, Bahamas
While famed for its beaches, Nassau faces challenges with petty crime and theft, especially in tourist zones, impacting perceptions of safety.
14. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Crime rates remain high, with armed robberies and scams prevalent among areas frequented by tourists and locals.
15. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its iconic landscapes, Rio continues to struggle with gang violence, drug trafficking, and kidnapping in certain neighborhoods.
16. Castries, Saint Lucia
Although smaller, Castries has reported increases in petty crime and theft, particularly targeting visitors unfamiliar with local risks.
17. Cali, Colombia
Known for its salsa and vibrant culture, Cali is also marked by ongoing gang violence, drug conflicts, and occasional kidnappings.
18. Baghdad, Iraq
Despite improvements, Baghdad remains dangerous due to insurgent violence, roadside bombs, and political instability.
19. Bogotá, Colombia
While safer than years past, Bogotá still faces issues with pickpocketing, gang conflicts, and occasional violence in peripheral districts.
20. Chicago, USA
One of America’s most notorious cities for gun violence, Chicago grapples with high homicide rates, especially in certain neighborhoods.
21. São Paulo, Brazil
As a major economic hub, São Paulo faces high levels of street crime, gang violence, and organized crime activities.
22. Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Petty crimes and occasional violent incidents threaten safety, notably in less tourist-dependent areas.
23. Panama City, Panama
While generally safe, Panama City still experiences incidents of theft, drug-related violence, and political protests at times.
24. Roseau, Dominica
Mostly peaceful, but petty theft and minor crimes are common, especially in crowded tourist spots.
25. Luanda, Angola
Economic disparity fuels crime, with reports of armed robbery and protests that can turn violent.
26. Lagos, Nigeria
A sprawling megacity, Lagos faces threats from kidnapping, cybercrimes, and urban violence amid rapid growth and infrastructure strain.
27. Miami, USA
Although relatively safe, Miami faces sporadic gun violence, drug-related crimes, and petty theft, mainly in high-traffic areas.
28. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Petty crime and occasional scams are prevalent, particularly targeting tourists and newcomers.
29. Manila, Philippines
Crime rates, including theft and assault, remain concerns, particularly in certain districts with limited law enforcement presence.
30. Managua, Nicaragua
Political unrest and protests continue to destabilize safety in Managua, with violence sporadically erupting.
31. Road Town, British Virgin Islands
Tourists must watch out for petty theft and scams, especially in busy ports and tourist-heavy zones.
32. Mexico City, Mexico
High levels of organized crime, drug cartel influence, and violence have kept Mexico City on the list of dangerous cities.
33. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
While a lesser-known danger spot, petty crime and occasional unrest pose underground risks in this rapidly growing city.
34. George Town, Cayman Islands
With a small population, George Town’s main safety concerns involve petty theft, especially in tourist areas.
35. The Valley, Anguilla
Mostly peaceful, but petty crime and occasional disputes make it necessary for visitors to stay vigilant.
36. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Political protests and regional instability can lead to unpredictable violence, though overall crime remains manageable.
37. Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
Petty crime and theft are common, particularly in crowded tourist destinations and during night hours.
38. Montevideo, Uruguay
Relatively safe compared to other cities in Latin America, but crime such as pickpocketing and assaults still occur.
39. Karachi, Pakistan
Security concerns due to political instability, targeted violence, and terrorism continue to threaten overall safety.
40. Lima, Peru
While attracting millions of tourists, Lima faces issues with petty theft, scams, and occasional violent clashes in certain districts.
Note: This ranking is based on multiple risk factors including kidnapping, political instability, security threats, conflict-related violence, natural disaster impact, traffic casualties, and overall peace indicators, as compiled by the Global Residence Index 2025.
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