The most dangerous cities and regions in the world -

Crime

Crime and violence remain pressing global issues, with some cities and regions experiencing alarmingly high homicide rates. According to Mexico's Citizen's Council for Public Safety and Justice, the 2024 ranking of the world's most dangerous places is based on the number of homicides per 100,000 residents. Mexican cities dominate the list, highlighting the ongoing crisis fueled by drug cartels and organized crime. Other cities in Latin America, the US, and South Africa also feature due to extreme violence and instability.

Click on for the top 30. 

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30. Zacatecas, Mexico -

Zacatecas, a state capital in Mexico, is facing an increase in cartel violence as rival groups fight for control of drug routes. This violent conflict has made Zacatecas one of the country’s most dangerous cities.

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29. Cali, Colombia -

The Colombian city has struggled with violence stemming from drug trafficking and organized crime. Cali remains one of Colombia's most dangerous cities, with gang wars contributing to its high homicide rate and social unrest.

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28. Chilpancingo, Mexico -

The capital of Guerrero, Chilpancingo is a hotspot for gang violence, fueled by drug cartels and political corruption. The city sees a high level of homicides, making it one of the most dangerous.

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27. Chihuahua, Mexico -

Located on the US border, Chihuahua is notorious for cartel violence and organized crime. Rival cartels fighting for control of the region's lucrative drug trade contribute to a high murder rate.

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26. Santa Marta, Colombia -

Santa Marta faces severe gang violence linked to narcotics and organized crime. Its proximity to drug trafficking routes increases its vulnerability to violent crime and rising homicide rates.

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25. Memphis, Tennessee, US -

Memphis experiences high levels of violent crime, including gang violence and homicides. The city struggles with poverty, unemployment, and a lack of resources, which contribute to its position as one of the most dangerous US cities.

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24. Kingston, Jamaica -

Jamaica's capital struggles with gang violence, drug trafficking, and territorial conflicts. The city's high murder rate is driven by organized crime and social instability, contributing to its dangerous status in the Caribbean.

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23. Johannesburg, South Africa -

South Africa's largest city faces high rates of violent crime, particularly in poorer neighborhoods. Gang violence, armed robberies, and homicides are common, making it one of the most dangerous urban centers.

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22. Feira de Santana, Brazil -

A city in Brazil's Bahia state, Feira de Santana experiences high levels of violent crime, including murders and robberies. Poverty, drug trafficking, and gang violence contribute to its dangerous reputation.

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21. Irapuato, Mexico -

A city in Guanajuato state, Irapuato has seen escalating violence as rival cartels fight for control of drug routes. Gang-related killings have pushed the city's homicide rates to extreme levels.

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20. Durban, South Africa -

Durban faces high levels of violent crime, including gang-related murders and robberies. Its significant gang activity and high unemployment rate fuel a dangerous environment for residents.

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19. Uruapan, Mexico -

Uruapan, located in the state of Michoacán, is affected by the violent turf wars between rival cartels. Criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and extortion contribute to the high homicide rate in the city.

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18. Buffalo City, South Africa -

Buffalo City, a metropolitan municipality located in the Eastern Cape, is plagued by violent crimes like gang violence, murders, and robberies. Socioeconomic struggles contribute to the ongoing safety issues in the area.

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17. Culiacán, Mexico -

Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, Mexico, is notorious for its association with the powerful Sinaloa Cartel. The city has seen violent cartel clashes and extreme levels of violence, making it one of the most dangerous places in Mexico and the world.

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16. Cape Town, South Africa -

Cape Town, known for its stunning scenery, is plagued by gang violence, particularly in impoverished areas. High levels of violent crime, including homicides, make it one of the most dangerous cities in South Africa.

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15. Manabí, Ecuador -

Manabí, an Ecuadorian province, suffers from rising violence due to drug trafficking and organized crime. Cities within the province, including Manta, have seen sharp increases in homicides and gang-related activities.

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14. Mandela Bay, South Africa -

Mandela Bay, a metropolitan area in South Africa, faces high levels of violent crime, including gang violence, robberies, and homicides. Poverty, unemployment, and social issues contribute to its dangerous environment.

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13. Ciudad Juárez, Mexico -

Ciudad Juárez, a border city in Mexico located across from El Paso, Texas, is infamous for its violent crime rate, primarily fueled by drug cartels and organized crime. The city has a history of violent conflicts and high homicide rates.

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12. Guayaquil, Ecuador -

Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, struggles with gang violence and criminal activity tied to drug trafficking. With organized crime on the rise, the city has seen a marked increase in homicides and violent crimes.

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11. Cuernavaca, Mexico -

Cuernavaca has become a battleground for cartel violence, despite its reputation as a tourist destination. The ongoing conflict between criminal organizations has resulted in escalating murders.

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10. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago -

The capital of Trinidad and Tobago faces significant gang violence, often related to drug trafficking and territorial disputes. This urban area has one of the highest homicide rates in the Caribbean.

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9. Zamora, Mexico -

Zamora, a city in Michoacán, Mexico, is plagued by violence due to cartel turf wars and gang activity. The city has become a hotspot for violent crime, leading to a high murder rate.

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8. Celaya, Mexico -

Celaya, in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, has experienced increasing violence from cartel-related disputes. The high homicide rates have made it notorious, as criminals battle for control of lucrative drug trafficking routes.

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7. Machala, Ecuador -

Machala, a port city in Ecuador, has seen an alarming rise in violence linked to drug trafficking and organized crime. The city's role in the smuggling of narcotics fuels its dangerous reputation.

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6. Ciudad Obregón, Mexico -

Located in Sonora, Ciudad Obregón, has witnessed a rise in violence due to turf wars between rival drug cartels. These conflicts result in numerous homicides, making it one of the world's most dangerous cities.

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5. Tijuana, Mexico -

Situated on the US-Mexico border, Tijuana experiences high levels of drug cartel activity, human trafficking, and violent crime. Its location makes it a key hub for drug smuggling, increasing the city's danger.

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4. Manzanillo, Mexico -

Manzanillo, a port city in Mexico, is heavily affected by cartel violence and organized crime. The city's strategic location for drug trafficking has led to dangerous levels of violence.

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3. Acapulco, Mexico -

Once a popular tourist destination, Acapulco in Mexico has seen a dramatic increase in violence in recent years. Drug cartels and organized crime dominate the region, leading to a high homicide rate.

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2. Colima, Mexico -

Colima, a city in Mexico, has become infamous for cartel violence. Despite its small size, it faces one of the highest murder rates in the country, impacting residents' safety daily.

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1. Port-au-Prince, Haiti -

Haiti's capital struggles with widespread poverty, political instability, and gang violence. These factors have made it one of the most dangerous cities globally, with high rates of violent crime and homicides.

Sources: (CBS 42) (Border Report)

See also: Ranked: countries with the lowest crime rates

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