The political and economic conditions of a nation have an effect on the level of peace that exists there. Countries that have more political stability often see an increase in the number of visitors and international investors. We have included a list of the nations in South America that are considered to have the highest risk levels, as well as several films that you may view to have a better understanding of the issue.
The Global Peace Index is a ranking system that evaluates how peaceful various countries and areas are. It is published once a year and rates all 172 nations that are independent.
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Venezuela
Due to the political instability, high levels of violence, and rising crime rates in the nation, Venezuela has earned the reputation of being South America’s most dangerous country.
According to the GPI, it is positioned 152. There is a high rate of violent crime in the nation’s capital as well as in several interior areas. According to the available data, Venezuela has one of the top five highest murder rates on a per capita basis anywhere in the world.
Over the last few years, there has been a discernible rise in the number of reports of kidnappings, and armed robberies have also become more regular. Apartment complexes, hotels, airports, and taxis that aren’t licensed to operate are just few of the places that have a disproportionately high number of instances of abduction.
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country are also some of the most dangerous places to be. Therefore, before deciding where you want to go on vacation, you need conduct a lot of study. Danger lurks in the low-income districts that are scattered over the hills around the capital city.
Another significant threat to public safety in Venezuela is the practice of pickpocketing.
At Caracas, criminals tend to congregate in and around the terminals for the city’s buses and trains.
The vast majority of people who commit theft in the region go to great lengths to conceal their identities, particularly during rush hour.
The practice referred to as “express kidnapping” has been on the increase over the course of the last decade. Criminals kidnap victims for a brief period of time in order to get ransom payments from them. The victims are chosen at random almost all of the time.
When they have obtained the utmost amount of money possible from the victims, they then let them go. The majority of kidnappings take place during the course of one hour. It’s possible that some crooks in Venezuela may use questionnaires to request personal information from their victims.
When filling out surveys, use extreme care. Some of the individuals who have come forward with this information have reported receiving threatening phone calls and requests for cash in connection with kidnappings. You also need to be on the lookout for potential threats while you are driving, as you do not want to become a victim of a carjacking.
The occurrences might take place at any time of day or night. Typically, the most costly types of cars are the ones that thieves aim for. The majority of them either flag down their victims or smash their automobiles from behind in order to steal their stuff.
Brazil
The nation came in at number 116 on the GPI’s ranking. Keeping a low profile is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself when traveling across the nation. Diamond-encrusted or dazzling clothing should be avoided at all costs. The majority of thieves aim their attention towards those with a taste for expensive goods.
When you are out and about, limit the quantity of cash and bank cards you have with you to what is absolutely necessary. After you’re done shopping, bring your purchases back to your apartment to unpack before you go out to eat or enjoy some entertainment.
Thefts of technological devices have been on the rise over the last decade, according to the police in Brazil, who have noted this trend. Since of this, you should refrain from using your top-of-the-line phone or other technological equipment while you are in public locations because doing so may enhance the likelihood that they will be stolen.
It is highly recommended that some regions of the nation be avoided at all costs.
At certain points during the year, cities like as Rio, Sao Paulo, and Salvador see significant levels of violent and property crime. During a variety of holidays, there is an increase in the number of crimes that are recorded.
Staying on the well-trodden route won’t guarantee your personal safety in every situation. Thefts from vehicles and robberies on the street are two of the most prevalent types of crime in the country, particularly around popular tourist destinations. There is a possibility that some minors may utilize firearms during a heist or will collaborate with adults in planning a robbery.
Additionally, a significant problem in Brazil is the prevalence of pickpocketing. In order to divert their victims, criminals use a wide variety of devious and inventive strategies. Some of the methods that are used to divert the attention of unsuspecting victims include smearing them with mustard, daubing them with paint, and even disguising themselves as beggars while walking through public areas. After they have successfully diverted your attention, they will rob you in a matter of nanoseconds.
Another factor that contributes to Brazil’s status as one of the riskiest nations in South America is the region’s high rate of bank robberies and other types of financial crime. Over the course of the last ten years, those who commit crimes have refined the methods that they use to steal people of their ATMs.
If you do not use your credit card at trusted establishments like hotels and stores, you run the risk of being a victim of credit card theft. Consider paying for products and services using cash rather than a credit card if there have been a number of reported occurrences of credit card theft in the region.
Guyana
The nation, which may be found on the continent of northern South America, came in at position 101 on the GPI and was given the name Bolivia.
The fact that English is recognized as the nation’s official language is one of the elements that sets it apart from other countries in South America. Although the people of Guyana are recognized for their friendliness and hospitality, there are a lot of risks that you should be aware of.
There are a significant number of occurrences of violent crime in the country in addition to a high number of cases involving minor theft. It is essential that you always have your identity papers on you in order to prevent being detained and questioned by the authorities who are authorized to execute the law.
Guyana also has a significant problem with drug trafficking.
Because law enforcement responds harshly to any indication of illegal activity, it is important to avoid transporting any products that you did not buy or pack yourself. In addition, be sure to bring any prescriptions you may have for medications with you to demonstrate that you are legally allowed to possess them.
In Guyana, you’ll find a wide variety of different cons. Currency that has been tampered with is one of the most widespread problems. In most cases, crooks will pretend to convert foreign currency at advantageous rates, but the money that is handed over will be useless.
It is strongly suggested that visitors visiting Guyana use authorized exchange services, such as those offered by banks and hotels. You will not suffer a loss of your hard-earned money, despite the fact that you may be required to pay a higher rate. There are a lot of pickpockets in the nation, just as there are in most other countries that have a lot of tourist attractions.
Colombia
On the index, Colombia came in at position 144. This South American nation is known for its breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine, towering mountains, and vibrant salsa culture. The high rate of armed robberies, particularly inside hotels, is one of the factors that contributes to the country’s status as one of the most hazardous in the world. Before you reserve a stay at a hotel, you should enquire about the hotel’s security procedures and what the establishment has done to strengthen its level of protection since the beginning of the hotel assaults.
There is a very high potential for becoming a victim of crime in Bogota.
Assault, robbery, and theft of credit cards are three of the most typical forms of criminal activity in the United States. Knives and guns are two types of weapons that are often used by criminals.
As a result of victims fighting back during robberies, there have been stories of victims suffering major injuries and even being murdered. Buses have been known to be set ablaze by criminals, terrorists, and protestors in rural parts of Colombia, which are located a significant distance from popular tourist destinations.
Most crimes involving taxis have place when solitary individuals flag down cabs on the street.
As soon as the vehicle comes to a halt, the passenger and the perpetrators of the crime enter. The victims of the robbery are brought to many automated teller machines (ATMs) until the robbers have obtained as much money as they can.
Cyberattacks are another significant danger to national security in Columbia. Some of the online dangers have a political motivation behind them. For instance, the email account belonging to the president of the nation was hacked a few years ago. In the last ten years, there has been a parallel increase in the number of incidents of cybercrime driven by financial gain.
When they commit crimes against their victims, some criminals will take narcotics. Scopolamine has been identified as the most often used substance by criminals, according to the police in the area. A victim may remain unconscious for a period of at least twenty-four hours after the medications have been administered to them.
Peru
On the global prosperity index, the country came in at number 86.
In spite of the significant improvements that have been made, the safety situation in Peru is still somewhat precarious due to the prevalence of minor offenses.
Theft and pickpocketing occur most often in tourist areas and public transit, although violent crimes may also be seen on the streets.
The primary tactic that pickpockets use is to divert the attention of tourists. For instance, a pickpocket may have an old lady dump something over them, collapse in front of them, or drop something at their feet in order to get their attention.
Then someone will either come in and cut your bag open with a razor or simply rush in and steal your bag in its whole.
When traveling in Peru, there is a significant possibility that you may be misled. Steer clear of anybody who loiters around ATMs or makes an effort to divert your attention. Taxi drivers could attempt to con you into paying extra for your ride by using sneaky tactics.
Bolivia
Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake, and Bolivia is famous for its picturesque rural homes and colonial architecture. In the eastern portion of the Andes Range is where you’ll find the subtropical valleys that are home to a vast variety of flora, including the plants that the Incas believed to have magical properties.
Unfortunately, Bolivia is also well-known for the high rate of crime that exists there.
Travelers should use more caution here due to the region’s historical history as well as the ongoing civil strife.
It is not unusual for there to be thefts of property committed at marketplaces and households. Theft is not an option either. There have been reports of tourists and visitors falling victim to pickpocketing, having their purses stolen, and having their mobile phones taken. When traveling through Bolivia, it is very necessary to avoid going to any busy spots.
Additionally prevalent in Bolivia is the problem of violence inside the home. Women tourists from nations such as the United States are often taken aback by the frequency with which this kind of abuse occurs. There have also been reports of druggings occurring on occasion at pubs and clubs, along with the theft of handbags, money, and jewelry. It is important for tourists coming from wealthy nations to be aware that their credit cards might be stolen in restaurants.
Even while the majority of theft in Bolivia is considered to be of a minor nature, it is not unheard of for homeowners to come home to find their homes broken into. Both residences and flats may be easily entered via the unlocked doors and windows of either. Even homes that have locks on the doors and windows and domestic help who doesn’t lock the doors and windows might be broken into if the domestic help is careless. It depends on the person who committed the crime whether employees are duped or bribed.
The amount of danger that exists in La Paz is the greatest of any area. This is due to the fact that political violence is common and may have negative consequences. It is quite possible that Santa Cruz and Cochabamba will also be affected by the demonstrations, protests, and other forms of civil disturbance.
Even if some of these demonstrations are being kept under control, there have been extensive protests going on around the country over the last several weeks. In various areas around the country of Bolivia, electoral offices were destroyed by fire.
Bolivia is still experiencing a high level of political tension, and there is no sign that it will decrease anytime soon. The Overseas Security Advisory Council warns tourists to be aware of potential risks associated with participating in protests when visiting other nations. Bolivia is not an exception to this rule. Even if it starts off peacefully, a demonstration may soon devolve into violence.
Ecuador
On the Global Peace Index, the nation came in at position 88.
Women who go to Ecuador on their own often report that they feel comfortable enough to explore the whole of the nation due to the country’s generally low crime rate.
Because of the high rate of violent crime in northern Carchi, Sucumbos, and Esmereldas, the United States Department of State advises its citizens to avoid traveling there.
In the same way that it is a problem in many other nations, pickpocketing and other forms of petty crime are an issue in Ecuador, particularly in big cities like Quito and Guayaquil. You should carry your pouch on your front and keep your cash and phone in the pockets on the front of your shirt. There is a risk of being robbed when riding a night bus or in an unauthorized taxi. Because of this, trips should only be taken during the day and with reputable transportation providers.
According to the Global Peace Index, the following are some of the nations that are considered to be the most unsafe in South America. During your trip to the country, there are a number of precautions you may take to keep yourself and your belongings secure. Your first order of business should be to do considerable study about the nation that you want to visit.