Asia is a beautiful continent with a rich history and beautiful landscapes. While there are plenty of fantastic countries that people love to visit, Asia also has its fair share of dangerous countries.
Some countries in Asia stand above the rest when it comes to crime, and these countries are the most dangerous, according to the report Global Peace Index.
Global Peace Index world map
Suggested: The most dangerous countries in the world
8. Burma – 145
Myanmar has been a relatively safe destination for the past decade, but the democratically elected government was deposed in a military coup in 2021.
In 2023, Myanmar is still under military rule and the political situation is unstable and violent. Tourists are now being urged to avoid all non-essential travel. Foreign embassies remain in the country but cannot promise security or assistance if current stability fails.
According to the British government, “if you decide that your presence in Myanmar is essential, you must maintain a low profile and keep abreast of developments. This means being aware of and adhering to any curfews and restrictions around local customs. Breaking rules will come with consequences under martial law, and it is likely that you will not be able to contact an embassy or next of kin.”
The common dangers for Myanmar are theft, unmarked landmines, monsoons, dangerous road trips and piracy. Overall, the country is certainly one of the most dangerous in Asia.
: US reissue ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ warning for Myanmar (Burma)
7. Pakistan – 146
Pakistan shares a long border with India and is known for its incredible salt mines. Much of the famous pink Himalayan salt comes from Pakistan, but Pakistan is also known for its high crime rates.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Pakistan had a murder rate of 3.8 last year, meaning that 3.8 people per 100,000 were murdered in Pakistan. The high rate of violent crimes, the presence of terrorist groups and the high poverty rate make Pakistan one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.
6. Iran – 147
The U.S. Department of State advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to the risk of kidnapping and arbitrary arrest and detention, and to exercise extra caution due to unlawful detention. Other countries such as Australia and Canada are doing the same.
This is especially true and risky for those who hold dual nationalities of Iran and the United States, and has a disproportionate impact on several professions, such as journalism.
It is also more difficult to obtain consular services and assistance in Iran because there is no functioning U.S. embassy there.
If you need to travel to Iran, consider signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (or STEP) so that you can stay informed about events there and, if necessary, leave quickly and safely.
LATEST NEWS FROM PAKISTAN:
January 17, 2024: Pakistan convicts deadly Iranian rocket attack on its territory as tensions rise across the region.
5. North Korea – 149
Since the rift between North Korea and South Korea at the start of the Cold War, the two countries have moved in completely opposite directions. South Korea is one of the most developed countries in the world, while North Korea is one of the poorest countries.
North Korea is also one of the most dangerous countries in Asia. The opaque country is known for its oppressive regime, unprecedented human rights violations and lack of social support. Because North Korea does not share much information with the outside world, homicide figures are not available from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
4. Iraq – 154
Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Iraq and Mesopotamia were once the cradle of civilization. Now Iraq is a country that has become synonymous with terrorism, war and poverty.
The United States has fought two wars in Iraq in the past four decades, but the country remains a hotbed of terrorism and violent crime. The latest set of statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime from 2014 gives Iraq an intentional homicide rate of more than 10 per 100,000 people.
3. Russia – 158
Russia is currently fighting the largest land war in Europe since World War II and is another incredibly dangerous country in Asia. Russia is a country with a huge history, but it is also known for its arbitrary detention of tourists and citizens alike.
In 2020, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that Russia had a murder rate of 7.3 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.
2. Yemen – 162
Located on the coast of the Middle East, Yemen is one of the most dangerous countries in Asia. The country is known for widespread disease, hunger and terrorism. The humanitarian crisis is one of the worst in the world, making Yemen a dangerous place to live and visit.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that Yemen has a homicide rate of about 6.8. Given the terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking in Yemen, it is one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.
LATEST NEWS FROM YEMEN:
January 24, 2024: The US Navy escorts cargo ships to safety after Houthi missile attack from Yemen.
1. Afghanistan – 163
Afghanistan has been in a near-constant state of war for forty years. Afghanistan is fighting wars with Russia and the United States, as well as several bouts of civil war, and remains the most dangerous country in Asia, and one of the most dangerous in the world.
Afghanistan is a hotbed of terrorism and violent crime and is not a safe country for anyone. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that Afghanistan had an intentional homicide rate of 6.7 in 2018, but the actual death toll is likely much higher.
