The list, led by San Salvador, El Salvador, underscores the persistent dangers in Latin American cities while highlighting the global issue of urban insecurity. Only two African cities, Cape Town and Johannesburg, ranked among the top 10, highlighting South Africa’s ongoing struggle with crime in specific regions. This reflects broader security concerns that continue to affect perceptions of safety and investment in the country.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in 2025
| City | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
San Salvador |
El Salvador |
-0.76 |
|
San Pedro Sula |
Honduras |
-0.65 |
|
Caracas |
Venezuela |
-0.57 |
|
Tegucigalpa |
Honduras |
-0.33 |
|
Damascus |
Syria |
-0.29 |
|
Guatemala City |
Guatemala |
-0.17 |
|
Port of Spain |
Trinidad & Tobago |
-0.14 |
|
Cape Town |
South Africa |
-0.10 |
|
Belo Horizonte |
Brazil |
0.10 |
|
Johannesburg |
South Africa |
0.11 |
African Cities in the Top 10: A Closer Look
- Cape Town, South Africa: Positioned at number 8, Cape Town continues to battle high crime rates, particularly in gang-related violence and homicides. The city, despite its renowned natural beauty and tourist appeal, has areas plagued by poverty, drug trade, and organised crime. Efforts by South African law enforcement have shown mixed results, with frequent police operations in high-crime neighbourhoods like Mitchells Plain and Manenberg.
- Johannesburg, South Africa: At number 10, Johannesburg, often referred to as the “City of Gold,” grapples with high crime levels, including armed robbery, assault, and vehicle hijacking. While the city remains a bustling economic hub, safety concerns have impacted both locals and expatriates. The disparities between affluent suburbs and impoverished townships contribute to social tensions and crime rates.
Analysis of Global Trends
The dominance of Latin American cities in the top rankings highlights the region’s persistent challenges with gang violence, drug trafficking, and political instability.
San Salvador, San Pedro Sula, and Caracas have long been notorious for violent crime, with homicide rates among the highest globally. These cities often face systemic issues such as corruption, inadequate law enforcement, and economic hardship.
The inclusion of Damascus, Syria, in fifth place, is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on urban safety. War-torn areas often experience lawlessness, violence, and a lack of effective governance, contributing to dangerous living conditions for residents.
The 2025 list of the Most Dangerous Cities highlights global security challenges, with a focus on Latin America and specific African regions.
While South Africa’s Cape Town and Johannesburg represent the continent in this unfortunate ranking, the broader context shows the need for enhanced security measures, socio-economic reforms, and international cooperation to improve urban safety and reduce crime worldwide.
