Ranked: These Are the Countries with the Highest Kidnapping Rates, 2023
The global tourism industry, a major player in the worldwide economy, faces a tremendous hurdle due to criminal behavior and abductions in some tourist spots. Tourists tend to avoid places with greater security risks, leading to a decrease in travel and tourism operations, which ultimately inflicts damage on the industry.
Notable events in Haiti and Mexico demonstrate the severity of this problem, with kidnappings becoming more common in such regions. The adverse repercussions reach further than tourism, impacting a nation’s economy and the sources of income of those who depend upon the industry.
Despite the difficulties, the travel and tourism industry is making its way back from the effects of the coronavirus and is anticipated to be back to its former levels. A study by CEOWORLD magazine’s executive council conveys a hopeful forecast, with the international tourism sector being worth $10.5 trillion in 2022 and estimated to increase at a CAGR of 5 percent during 2022–2032, reaching close to $17.1 trillion after this time frame. It’s worth noting that lesser-known African and Asian countries have become attractive destinations, and distinct tourism categories like cultural, pilgrimage, art, adventure, and heritage tourism are adding to this growth.
Airbnb’s Historical Homes category, which diverts bookings away from overcrowded tourist hotspots in Europe, exemplifies the shift towards heritage tourism. Luxury tourism is also expanding, as seen in Madrid’s transformation to attract high-end travelers.
Considering the current developments in tourism, it is of the utmost importance to recognize the issues of crime and kidnapping. To better understand the gravity of the situation, we have gathered a list of the countries with the highest kidnapping rates, according to UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). This ranking is organized with countries in ascending order based on their kidnapping rates per 100,000 inhabitants, as reported by UNODC.
Countries with the Highest Kidnapping Rates, 2023
| Rank | Country | Kidnappings Per 100,000 Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Türkiye | 42.669 |
| 2 | Lebanon | 15.384 |
| 3 | Kuwait | 12.690 |
| 4 | Canada | 10.285 |
| 5 | Belgium | 10.245 |
| 6 | South Africa | 9.569 |
| 7 | New Zealand | 9.508 |
| 8 | Pakistan (Islamic Republic of) | 9.452 |
| 9 | Eswatini | 9.354 |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 8.835 |
The stark figures presented here demonstrate the far-reaching nature of the kidnapping dilemma, the effects of which are felt by both travelers and those who live in the affected countries. In some cases, poverty and other social issues are the basis of criminal activities, while in other countries, transnational criminal organizations take advantage of their strategic locations. The consequences of kidnappings are far-reaching and cannot be underestimated, reminding us of the necessity of safety precautions and international collaboration in tackling this critical problem.
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