10 Countries with the Highest Crime Rates in the World 2021

Social issues that affect a country's security include the crime rate. The World Population Review (WPR) reports that there are 10 countries with the highest crime rates in the world. Latin American countries dominate this list.

Venezuela has a crime index of 84.36, the highest of any country in the world. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Venezuela, indicating that the country is unsafe as a travel destination. The World Population Review explains that Venezuela's high crime rate has been linked to corruption among Venezuelan authorities, a flawed justice system, and poor gun control. Due to the country's recent economic difficulties, murders, armed assaults, and kidnappings have increased.

(read: Which Province Has the Highest Number of Crime Victims?)

Papua New Guinea has a crime index of 80.04, placing it second as the country with the second-highest crime rate in the world. In Papua New Guinea, crime, especially violent crime, is mainly triggered by rapid social, economic, and political changes. South Africa has the third-highest crime rate in the world with a crime index of 77.29. South Africa has extremely high rates of assault, rape, murder, and other violent crimes.

Other countries on the list of countries with the highest crime rates in the world include Afghanistan (76.97), Honduras (76.65), Trinidad and Tobago (72.43), Brazil (68.31), Guyana (68.15), El Salvador (67.84), and Syria (67.42).

According to the WPR, high crime rates are seen in countries or regions with high poverty rates and low job availability. Strict law enforcement and harsh punishments tend to reduce crime rates. There is a strong correlation between age and crime, with most crimes, especially violent crimes, committed by those aged 20-30.