9 Most Dangerous Countries in Asia – Should You Avoid In 2023?
Asia is a beautiful continent with a rich history and gorgeous scenery. While there are plenty of amazing countries that people like to visit, Asia also has its fair share of dangerous countries.
There are some countries in Asia that rise above the rest when it comes to crime, and these countries are the most dangerous, according to the Global Peace Index.
Global Peace Index World Map
Suggested: Most dangerous countries in the World
9. Israel – 143
The situation is characterized by ongoing demonstrations that may escalate and lead to disruptions in transportation and other essential services. A ceasefire was declared on May 13 after several days of fighting between Israeli forces and militant groups in the Gaza Strip.
However, it is important to note that the current situation remains unpredictable and the possibility of further rocket attacks exists. Tensions are also high in the West Bank, and there is a risk of sudden escalation without warning. It is important that you remain vigilant and follow media and public safety updates available through the National Emergency Portal (accessible only in Israel). Check with your tour operator for the latest information before traveling.
A high degree of caution is recommended when traveling to Israel and the Palestinian territories given the unrest there and the potential threat of terrorist attacks, rocket fire, and military confrontations.
8. Myanmar – 145
For the past decade, Myanmar has been a relatively safe destination, but the democratically elected government was deposed in a military coup in 2021.
Myanmar is still under military rule in 2023, and the political situation is volatile and violent. Tourists are now urged to avoid all non-essential travel. Foreign embassies remain in the country, but cannot promise security or assistance if the current stability fails.
According to the UK government, “if you decide your presence in Myanmar is essential, you should maintain a low profile and keep up to date with developments. This will involve being aware of and abiding by any curfews and restrictions around local customs. Breaching any rules will be met with consequences under Martial Law, and it is likely you won’t be able to contact an embassy or next of kin.”
The general hazards to Myanmar are thievery, unmarked landmines, monsoons, dangerous road trips, and piracy. Overall, the country is certainly one of the most dangerous in Asia.
7. Pakistan – 146
Pakistan shares a long border with India, and it is known for its incredible salt mines. Much of the famous pink Himalayan salt comes from Pakistan, but Pakistan is also known for its high crime rate.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Pakistan had a murder rate of 3.8 last year, meaning that 3.8 people in Pakistan were murdered out of every 100,000 people. The high rate of violent crime, presence of terrorist groups, and high poverty rate make Pakistan one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.
6. Iran – 147
The US State Department advice citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to the risk of kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest and detention and also exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions. Other countries such as Australia and Canada do the same.
This is especially true and risky for those who hold dual citizenship with Iran and the United States, and has a disproportionate impact on various professions such as journalism.
It is also more difficult to obtain consular services and assistance in Iran because there is no functioning U.S. Embassy there.
If you must travel to Iran, consider signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (or STEP) so that you can stay informed about events there and, if necessary, leave quickly and safely.
LATEST NEWS FROM PAKISTAN:
January 31, 2023: Death toll from Pakistan mosque bombing rises to 100
5. North Korea – 149
Since the split between North Korea and South Korea at the start of the Cold War, the two countries have gone in completely opposite directions. South Korea is one of the most developed countries in the world, while North Korea is one of the most impoverished.
North Korea is also one of the most dangerous countries in Asia. The opaque country is known for its oppressive regime, unparalleled human rights violations, and lack of social support. Because North Korea does not share a lot of information with the external world, the murder rate is not available from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
4. Iraq – 154
Situated between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, Iraq and Mesopotamia was once the cradle of civilization. Now, Iraq is a country that has become synonymous with terrorism, war, and poverty.
The United States has fought two wars in Iraq during the last 40 years, but the country remains a hotbed for terrorism and violent crime. The most recent set of statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in 2014, give Iraq an intentional homicide rate of more than 10 per 100,000 people.
3. Russia – 158
Currently waging the largest land war in Europe since World War II, Russia is another incredibly dangerous country in Asia. Russia is a country with a tremendous amount of history, but it is also known for the arbitrary detention of tourists and citizens alike.
In 2020, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that Russia had a murder rate of 7.3 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.
LATEST NEWS FROM RUSSIA:
January 29, 2023: Russian teen faces years in jail over social media post criticizing war in Ukraine
2. Yemen – 162
Situated on the coast of the Middle East, Yemen is one of the most dangerous countries in Asia. The country is known for its widespread disease, hunger, and terrorism. The humanitarian crisis is one of the worst in the world, and that makes Yemen a dangerous place to live and visit.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that Yemen has a murder rate of approximately 6.8. Given the terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking in Yemen, it is one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.
LATEST NEWS FROM YEMEN:
January 31, 2023: 3 al-Qaeda suspects killed in US drone attack in Yemen
1. Afghanistan – 163
Afghanistan has been in a state of almost continuous war for the past 40 years. Fighting wars with Russia and the United States, in addition to multiple periods of civil war, Afghanistan remains the most dangerous country in Asia, and one of the most dangerous in the entire world.
A hotbed for terrorism and violent crime, Afghanistan is not a country that is safe for anyone. Afghanistan was estimated to have an intentional homicide rate of 6.7 in 2018 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, but the actual death toll is likely far higher.
Other Dangerous Countries in Asia
Syria
Syria has been gripped by civil war for years, and it doesn’t show any signs of letting up soon. The tremendous amount of domestic violence also makes it a very dangerous place to visit, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that Syria had close to 150 homicides in 2018 alone.
Given the significant amount of terrorism in Syria, the actual number of violent deaths is likely far higher. The political instability, oppressive regime, terrorism, and violence in Syria make it one of the most dangerous countries in Asia.
