10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World in 2011

1. Bogota, Colombia

While security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas as well as the capital city, Bogota. {snip} Some criminal organizations continue to kidnap and hold civilians for ransom or as political bargaining chips. {snip}

2. Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

Ciudad Juárez is one of the world’s fastest growing cities in spite of the fact that it has been called “the most violent zone in the world outside of declared war zones.” Unfortunately, it seems that crime is growing along with the city. There were around 1,400 murders in the city in 2008 and over 2,500 drug-related deaths over the same period in 2010. Public life is almost paralyzed out of fear of being hit by a stray bullet or kidnapped. Over the past 10 years Ciudad Juárez has seen more than 400 women fall victims to sexual homicides.

3. St. Louis, Missouri

According to a latest study analyzing cities based on their FBI statistics for murder, rape, robbery, and assault, St. Louis top the list of the most dangerous city in America, beating Camden, Detroit and New Orleans, last year’s most dangerous cities. {snip}

4. Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Despite the governmental changes that occurred in 2004, Port-au-Prince, the capital and largest city of Haiti, still regularly sees violent outbreaks and demonstrations. There is no real police force that keeps the violence under control in the city and the entire country and many towns in Haiti are controlled by criminals. Furthermore, while a U.N. force has provided assistance to police in the country since 2004, their presence does not guarantee absolute security for visitors or residents. {snip}

5. Mogadishu, Somalia

In August and September of 2010, terrorists launched a military offensive attack against the Transitional Federal Government and African Union. In August, a roadside bomb exploded and damaged three civilian minibuses killing nine people and wounding 25, and in September, two suicide bombers killed themselves in an attack on Mogadishu airport. {snip} Unpredictable armed conflicts among rival militias are prevalent in and around the city. Terrorist attacks, cross-border warring and brutal, violent street crime wrack the country on a daily basis.

6. Caracas, Venezuela

{snip} The murder rate in the capital of Venezuela is said to be among the highest in the world, with much of that violence being related to drug trafficking and resulting from the fact that the country is located between the U.S. and Columbia. {snip}

7. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Crime is a serious concern throughout Port Moresby, capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea. {snip} Visiting unguarded public sites such as golf courses, beaches, parks or cemeteries can be dangerous for visitors. Even public transportation is dangerous, making car rental the safest way to get around the country. {snip}

8. Grozny, Chechnya, Russia

In 2003 the UN called Grozny the ‘Most Destroyed City on Earth.’ The city has undergone very destructive warfare since the 1990s, when the Russian army demolished much of the city. {snip} Organized Crime is rampant. Political and criminal murder, as well as rape rates, are very high and kidnappings are a serious issue. {snip} Many Chechens have fled to places like Dagestan or Azerbaijan, as their native country is not safe.

9. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic this year, you should strongly consider leaving valuable property at home. Crime continues to be a big problem throughout the Dominican Republic. While mugging and pick pocketing are the most common crimes against tourists, reports of violence against both locals and foreigners are growing and reports of car theft have increased. {snip}

10. Muzaffarabad, Kashmir, Pakistan

Although it is considered a “paradise on earth,” primarily known for its captivating beauty, serene lakes, dazzling rivers, and splendid gardens, Kashmir is thought  by many academics to be the place where the next nuclear holocaust will occur. The region is divided among 3 countries (India, Pakistan and China) in a territorial dispute. These 3 countries are Nuclear armed states, and the tension in Kashmir has resulted in nuclear brinkmanship between Pakistan and India on several occasions. Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice. Organized crime in Pakistan include drug trafficking, forged Indian currency printing, extortion, murder for hire and fraud. {snip}