Crime rate by country 2025: 10 countries with the highest crime index

Travel involves taking into consideration a lot of things, one being the safety aspect. It’s always better to assess before-hand, rather than facing issues later on. In this context, understanding global crime trends might help one to make informed decisions for sure. This index involves looking at multiple indicators rather than a single number. Crime Index and Safety Index scores, are compiled semi-annually by statistics platform Numbeo, with range from 0 to 100, where lower Crime Index scores and higher Safety Index scores are preferable. Another major tool is the Global Organised Crime Index (GOCI), which uses data across three subcategories: Criminal Markets, Criminal Actors, and Resilience. These include everything from financial and cyber crimes to trafficking networks and the strength of a country’s judiciary and policing systems. (Data sourced from: Worldpopulationreview)
Before labeling any country with numbers, it’s pertinent to understand that crime levels around the world are shaped by a multitude of factors like poverty, unemployment, political instability, and law-enforcement efficiency. Countries like Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa thereby show high crime rates for varied reasons like corruption, economic pressures, and deep social challenges.
Meanwhile, nations such as Switzerland and Japan maintain very low crime rates thanks to strong policing, social cohesion, and, in some cases, strict gun laws.
Globally, crime rates are typically calculated by dividing the total number of reported crimes by the population and multiplying the result by 100,000. Young adults between 20–30 years old are statistically more likely to be involved in violent crime. In the United States, the overall crime rate stands at 49.2, though states vary widely, with Alaska and New Mexico reporting significantly higher crime than Maine or Vermont. Some of the world’s lowest crime rates are recorded in Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Japan, and New Zealand.
So, here are 10 countries with the highest crime rates in 2025, based on Crime Index data by Numbo.

An estimated 150–200 gangs control 60–100% of Port-au-Prince due to political unrest. Haiti recorded 2,490 kidnappings and 4,789 homicides in 2023, almost twice as many as the year before. The nation has become a key hub for the trafficking of cocaine and cannabis due to lax border security and lax enforcement.

At a Crime Index of 80.7, Papua New Guinea records consistently high levels of petty and violent crime. Accelerated social and economic transitions have pushed many young people towards street gangs, and systemic corruption—combined with its strategic geography—has facilitated the spread of drug and human-trafficking routes.

With a Crime Index score of 80.5, Venezuela ranks as the most unsafe destination on the list. The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 advisory, urging travellers to avoid visiting the country altogether. Widespread corruption, a fragile judicial system and the erosion of the Rule of Law have all contributed to persistently high crime levels. Incidents such as armed robberies, kidnappings and other violent crimes remain frequent.

Afghanistan continues to grapple with a range of entrenched problems, including weak governance, targeted killings, widespread narcotics networks, abductions, and financial crimes. In 2020, the country was responsible for producing about 85% of the illegal opium circulating globally. Although the Taliban has announced efforts to scale back poppy cultivation, the drug trade remains deeply intertwined with the nation’s unstable economic landscape. Limited job opportunities further fuel offences such as theft and violent attacks.

With high rates of assault, homicide, and sexual violence, South Africa is ranked fifth in the world. These numbers are a result of pervasive inequality, unemployment, and the normalisation of violence.

Honduras, with a Crime Index of 71.9, has long battled gang violence from various groups. The country also serves as a major transit route for drugs, whereas weak law enforcement systems have prompted travel advisory from the US State Department.

This Caribbean nation records a Crime Index of 71.0, reflecting persistent challenges linked to gang activity, drug trafficking, bureaucratic hurdles, and economic strain. Visitors may encounter risks such as pickpocketing, assault, and fraud, and the country currently carries a Level 3 travel advisory, urging travellers to exercise increased caution.

Syria’s long civil war has intensified organized crime, especially the production and trafficking of Captagon, a lucrative amphetamine. Human trafficking, arms smuggling, extortion, and counterfeit goods flow across its porous borders. Militia-controlled regions operate complex criminal networks.

Jamaica ranked tenth in 2020 among countries with the highest crime rates, and the nation continues to grapple with long-standing security issues. Enduring government corruption, entrenched gang networks, and high levels of violent crime, including incidents of sexual violence, pose ongoing challenges. According to the US Overseas Security Advisory Council, the Jamaican police force faces constraints in both manpower and resources. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid Spanish Town and certain areas within Kingston and Montego Bay due to safety concerns.

Peru is among the world’s largest cocaine producers. Organized crime thrives in coca-growing regions such as the VRAEM, where drug-trafficking groups operate heavily. Urban areas, including Lima, which recorded more than 700 homicides in 2022, also face violence linked to various gangs.