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Afghanistan -

In the shadow of ongoing instability and years of war, gangs have carved out their niche. They're deeply involved in smuggling, extortion, and more, contributing significantly to the nation's extensive security challenges.

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Venezuela -

Powerful gangs are a part of daily life, deeply involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent territorial disputes. They drive up the nation's high crime rates.

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Papua New Guinea -

Here, tribal conflicts and urban gang violence are a constant, with gang disputes frequently turning deadly, posing significant risks to community safety and social harmony.

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South Africa -

Urban centers are often battlegrounds for gang wars, with drug trade, territorial disputes, and violence being commonplace, profoundly affecting community life and safety. Cities like Cape Town are significantly affected, seeing South Africa occupy the top 5 most dangerous cities in Africa.

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El Salvador -

One of the countries most heavily affected by gang violence, El Salvador is known for its notorious gangs. This country grapples with extortion rings, drug trafficking, and violent street gangs, significantly impacting both daily life and national security.

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Honduras -

Gangs are deeply entrenched in the way of life here, involved in drug trade, extortion, and brutal territorial wars, contributing to one of the world's highest homicide rates.

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Guatemala -

Gangs dominate many urban areas, involved in drug trafficking, extortion rackets, and often brutal violence, making it a place where law and order are constantly challenged.

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Colombia -

Colombia is famous for its battles with drug cartels. This problem persists today with violence and social disruption around gang territorial control being a major concern for authorities.

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Brazil -

With a thriving drug trade, gangs can take control of many urban areas. Extortion and violent conflict run rampant in certain areas.

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Mexico -

Powerful cartels and gangs dominate much of Mexico. They deal in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and violence, significantly disrupting law and order in the country. 

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Somalia -

With weak government control, gangs and militia groups thrive, engaging in piracy, trafficking, and violent conflicts.

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Nigeria -

Gangs and criminal networks are involved in kidnapping, oil theft, and communal violence, significantly impacting security and community life. Religiously motivated gang activity is a large factor in Nigeria.

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Angola -

Gang activity in the former Portuguese colony often involves the youth and contributes to street violence and crime. On multiple occasions, the nation's capital, Luanda, has seen itself in the top 10 of Africa's most dangerous cities.

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Namibia -

Gangs are involved in various criminal activities. With a large portion of youths being unemployed, it's often the only choice they have to make a life for themselves.

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Burundi -

Gangs take advantage of political unrest, engaging in violence and contributing to the overall instability of the nation.

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Argentina -

Many cities face challenges with gang violence, with groups involved in drug trade and territorial disputes often wreaking havoc on cities around the country.

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Haiti -

Gangs rule many areas of Haiti, often causing chaos. There are regular kidnappings, turf wars, and violent clashes in the streets, making daily life a high-stakes gamble for the locals.

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Mozambique -

Another country that is significantly impacted by the existence of religiously motivated gang activity, Mozambique suffers from severe cases of gang-related violence.

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Bangladesh -

Gangs and organized crime groups take part in all kinds of activities from counterfeiting to extortion in Bangladesh.

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Sudan -

In the middle of the ongoing conflicts, gangs exploit the chaos, engaging in looting, and armed violence, and contributing to the overall instability of this troubled nation.

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Bolivia -

Another Latin American country that suffers from gang-related activity around the trafficking of drugs, Bolivia has seen extreme challenges in dealing with gang violence.

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Puerto Rico -

Gang-related drug trade and territorial conflicts contribute to a complex security situation, impacting local communities.

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United States Virgin Islands -

Small, localized gangs contribute to crime and violence, affecting the community and overall public safety.

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Djibouti -

Gangs are involved in smuggling and human trafficking, adding to the growing list of the country's security challenges.

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China -

Urban areas face challenges with organized crime and gang activities taking place in the shadows. Illegal trade and trafficking are a major source of concern for Chinese authorities.

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Ecuador -

Organized crime centered around the trafficking of narcotics has seen Ecuador struggle in recent years.

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Zimbabwe -

Zimbabwe, notorious for its political and economic instability in recent years, has consistently been plagued by the growth of gangs and their extremely violent activity.

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Libya -

One of the most politically unstable countries in the world, Libya is struggling with the emergence of organized crime.

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Bahamas -

Gangs are involved in drug trafficking and violent crime, impacting tourism and community safety.

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Chad -

Gangs and armed groups contribute to violence and instability, particularly in urban areas, affecting community life and national security.

Sources: (AtOnce) (World Population Review) (MigrationPolicy)

See also: INTERPOL and its role in tracking down fugitives around the world

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