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A recent study has unveiled the top countries considered to be the most hazardous for visitors in the year 2024.
According to a 2024 risk map created by International SOS, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and Somalia have been identified as the most dangerous countries in terms of medical and security risks.
The yearly survey evaluates different criteria in order to advise travelers and companies on potential dangers in countries around the world.
This system combines ratings for medical and security risks, which demonstrate the effects of ongoing events like the conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas.
For the first time this year, the map now includes evaluations related to the hazards of climate change. This addition was made after International SOS noticed a growing trend in the amount of climate-related warnings being sent to clients, as the risk of health issues rose due to increasing global temperatures.
The data, compiled by Inform (a collaboration between the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change and Joint Research Centre of European Commission), estimates the future risk of humanitarian crises and disasters caused by climate change.
Dr. Irene Lai, the global medical director at International SOS, stated that the extreme heat events experienced this year, including the first named heatwave Cerberus in Europe, could potentially become more frequent occurrences.
“Besides the tangible consequences of extreme heat, there can also be substantial detrimental impacts on mental well-being. It is crucial for businesses to prepare for this and adjust our lifestyles and work practices to safeguard our health, as well as taking measures to mitigate and eventually reverse the trend of increasing temperatures.”
Countries were graded for each category of risk – medical, security and climate change – on a five-level scale ranging from “low” to “very high” for medical and climate change, and “insignificant” to “extreme” for security.
The countries of Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Somalia were all classified as “extreme” in terms of security.
Security risk levels rose in various areas of Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Russia, and the Sahel region. Ecuador and certain parts of Colombia also experienced a rise in criminal activity and social unrest.
Despite continued downward trends in various risk factors, the risk ratings for El Salvador and certain areas of Nepal have decreased.
The most secure nations in the world are located in Europe, specifically Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, and Denmark.
In the “medical” category, the countries labeled as having a “very high” risk are Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, North Korea, Palestinian Territories, Haiti, Libya, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Burundi, and Somalia.
Countries at “very high” risk when it comes to climate change include: Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Chad, Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique.
The United Kingdom was given a “low” assessment in all three risk categories.
The source for this information is the Independent, a reliable and trustworthy news organization.
