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Global risk assessment -

International SOS released its 2025 Risk Outlook report with the Risk Map 2025, offering insights into challenges for organizational resilience and workforce safety. The report highlights security, healthcare, and environmental risks, revealing regional safety disparities.

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Somalia -

Somalia ranks as one of the most dangerous countries due to extreme security risks from ongoing conflict, weak governance, and militant group threats. Travelers face high risks of violence, kidnapping, and terrorism.

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Venezuela -

The South American nation's economic collapse, Maduro's contested 2024 re-election, and violent protests have fueled crime, corruption, and unrest. Severe shortages and high crime rates make it unsafe.

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Ukraine -

The war in Ukraine has caused extensive damage, especially in cities like Mariupol and Kharkiv, with ongoing battles creating dangerous conditions and displacing millions of civilians.

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Sudan -

Sudan continues to face instability due to ongoing armed conflict, political turmoil, and severe humanitarian crises. The fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has led to widespread violence, displacement, and increased risks for civilians, making the country one of the most hazardous destinations. 

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South Sudan -

South Sudan faces ongoing challenges with fragile peace agreements, persistent interethnic violence, and widespread food insecurity. These factors create a highly unstable environment, putting both residents and visitors at serious risk.

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Syria -

Syria's civil war, coupled with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, has left the country in ruins, facing an uncertain future. Armed conflict and humanitarian crises continue to make it a dangerous place.

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Central African Republic -

The Central African Republic is plagued by ongoing conflict between armed groups and government forces. With poor infrastructure, high crime rates, and widespread insecurity, it remains an extremely dangerous place for both locals and travelers.

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Yemen -

War-torn Yemen faces devastating conflict, famine, and healthcare collapse. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, and risks of violence and disease outbreaks remain alarmingly high.

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Haiti -

Haiti faces severe gang violence, political instability, and economic challenges, with rampant crime displacing 700,000 people. International efforts aim to restore order amid a worsening humanitarian and security crisis.

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Libya -

Libya remains politically unstable, with ongoing clashes between rival factions. Crime, kidnappings, and attacks on foreigners make it highly dangerous.

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Iraq -

Iraq continues to face instability due to insurgent groups, including ISIS remnants, and internal political divisions. Violent attacks, bombings, and kidnappings remain frequent.

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Afghanistan -

Afghanistan's ongoing instability, worsened by militant activity and poverty, makes it one of the most dangerous countries. The Taliban's return to power in 2021 and their continuous violation of women's rights exacerbate the security risks.

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Mali -

Mali's conflict escalates as Islamist insurgents target civilians and military forces, especially in northern and central regions. Frequent attacks, such as the 2023 Gao assault, highlight the country's instability.

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Myanmar -

Myanmar's political turmoil and armed conflict following the military coup in 2021 have created widespread violence and instability. Civilians and travelers face significant security threats.

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Ethiopia -

Ethiopia's Tigray conflict has destabilized the region, causing violence, displacement, and a dire humanitarian situation. Travelers should avoid areas of conflict due to the volatile environment.

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Israel -

The ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened tensions in Israel have increased security risks. Travelers should exercise caution, especially in conflict-prone areas.

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Lebanon -

Lebanon faces political instability, economic collapse, and protests, exacerbated by Israel's recent airstrikes. Despite a new president, security risks remain high, especially in urban areas. 

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Honduras -

Honduras struggles with gang violence, extortion, and corruption, posing risks to travelers. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, deploying military forces.

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Nigeria -

Nigeria faces severe security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and separatist tensions in the southeast. Kidnappings, armed attacks, and crime remain widespread across the country.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo -

The DRC faces ongoing armed conflict, with frequent violence in rural areas. Political instability and health crises like Ebola outbreaks add to the challenges of travel safety.

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New Caledonia -

Rising crime and long-term social unrest in New Caledonia, fueled by economic decline and tensions over Indigenous rights, have increased security risks, making travel challenging in the region.

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Papua New Guinea -

Papua New Guinea faces widespread violent crime, including armed robberies and assaults, particularly in cities like Port Moresby. Tribal conflicts and weak law enforcement exacerbate instability, making travel highly risky.

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Burkina Faso -

Burkina Faso faces escalating violence from extremist groups, frequent attacks on civilians, and internal displacement. Armed conflict and insecurity have created a dire humanitarian crisis.

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Pakistan -

Pakistan faces persistent security challenges, including attacks by insurgent groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Political unrest, protests, and sectarian violence are common. Natural disasters, like the devastating 2022 floods, further exacerbate risks.

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Chad -

Chad faces political instability, ongoing conflicts, and economic challenges. Rebel groups and armed militias contribute to insecurity, while poverty and limited infrastructure exacerbate risks for both locals and travelers in the region.

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A stark contrast when it comes to the safest countries -

In contrast, countries like Canada, the UK, and Vietnam are rated among the safest due to their stable security environments and well-established healthcare systems.

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The importance of risk awareness -

With escalating geopolitical tensions, travelers must stay informed about security risks. International SOS provides crucial resources for people to navigate and understand complex global challenges.

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Data-driven risk management -

From conflict zones to healthcare challenges, data-driven tools are essential for understanding risks. Organizations, governments, and travelers can use these insights to ensure safety.

Sources: (International SOS) (International Rescue Committee) (Independent) 

See also: The history of the conflict between Palestine and Israel

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