A recent report by Amormax, a leader in advanced armored passenger vehicles, reveals the most dangerous cities in the world. According to the report, Tijuana, Mexico topped the list as the most violent city in the world with 134 homicides per 100,000 residents. Other cities on the list include Acapulco, Mexico, and Caracas, Venezuela.
These disturbing numbers are the result of a number of factors, including poverty, which can force people to turn to crime for survival. The status of these cities is also a matter of struggling economies, which can lead to reduced investment in law enforcement systems.
Drug trafficking, gang activity, and political instability were just some of the factors researchers considered when ranking the 10 most dangerous cities around the world. Data was gathered from government agencies, international organizations, and news reports to assess the extent of organized crime in various countries. Supported by similar data from the World Population Review, the ranking of cities is based on ascending order of homicide rates, with those having the highest rates occupying the top spots as the most dangerous places to reside.
Here are the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, according to Armormax.
10. Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 69
Violence, narcotics, and gangs are all prevalent in this metropolis, which has earned its reputation as one of the world’s largest mega-slums. With a homicide rate of 69 per 100,000 people, Ciudad Bolivar faces active gangs, bad law and order circumstances, and a weak judicial system. All of these factors are major contributors to the region’s high murder rate.
9. Fortaleza, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 69
The city of Fortaleza, in the Brazilian state of Ceará, is situated on the coast in the country’s northeast region. With a population of approximately 3.9 million, it is the fifth-largest city in Brazil. The city has many slums, known as favelas, and drug gangs often use violence to settle territorial disputes among themselves. Such gang wars directly impact the high homicide rate in Fortaleza.
8. Natal, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 75
Because of its pleasant climate, stunning scenery, and outstanding beaches, Natal is one of the cities in Brazil that receives the highest number of tourists. Located in Brazil’s northeast, this city has a population of approximately 1.3 million. However, the high rate of criminal activity in this destination has caused concern not only among the locals but also among the visitors.
7. Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 78
Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela, is located in the country’s southeast, not far from the Orinoco River, and is home to a population of over 750,000 people. The city has a strong industrial sector, especially its production of iron and steel. However, Ciudad Guayana has been struggling with high crime and violence for a number of years, with a serious problem with carjackings, robberies, and homicides.
6. Irapuato, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 81
Irapuato, located in Guanajuato, is one of Mexico’s major urban centers. This city is home to approximately 866,000 people and is widely recognized as a key location in the global auto industry. In October 2022, twelve people were shot and killed in a bar in the city’s south, according to CNN. The perpetrators are still unknown. This incident exemplifies the extreme levels of violence and crime that characterize Irapuato and the entire state of Guanajuato.
5. Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 86
The city of Ciudad Juárez, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, is notorious for its high crime rate and violent crime, especially homicides. Drug trafficking, organized crime, and gang violence have all exacerbated the dangerous situation in the city. There were 810 homicides in the city between January and September of 2022.
4. Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 86
Homicides and other acts of violence have increased in recent years in Ciudad Victoria, the capital of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. This city has gained a bad reputation due to the kidnappings, extortion, and drug trafficking committed by criminal gangs. Locals and visitors alike must keep an eye on developments in Ciudad Victoria as safety concerns grow.
3. Caracas, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 100
Caracas, Venezuela’s capital city, has the world’s third-highest homicide rate, with violent crime a major issue. Gang violence, carjacking, and kidnapping are all common in the city. The country’s political and economic instability has contributed to an increase in crime in Caracas.
2. Acapulco, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 111
Homicides and other violent crimes have increased in frequency and severity in Acapulco, Mexico in recent years. Drug smuggling and gang warfare both contribute to the city’s bloody climate. Major gangs in Acapulco include the Independent Cartel of Acapulco (CIDA), Los Rojos, Los Ardillos, and the Gulf Cartel. These gangs and others like them are able to run wild in Acapulco.
1. Tijuana, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 138
Tijuana comes in at the top of the list of the most violent cities in the world. The violence in Tijuana is often linked to the drug trafficking routes that run through the city, as well as the high demand for drugs in the United States. Despite efforts by law enforcement and government officials, the situation in Tijuana remains a major concern for both residents and visitors. Six people are murdered in the city every day, reports the Citizens Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice.
