Somalia Ranked Most Dangerous Country in the World
Tuesday, April 14th, 2009
Recent reports have suggested that Somalia is the most dangerous country in the world for foreign travelers. Most mainstream travelers might not even consider the African nation, but adventure seeking travelers are always looking for the new and the unexpected. The list of most dangerous countries also included Iraq and Afghanistan which are involved in the war against terrorism. Somalia troubles include high crime rates, civil unrest, and even pirates. The recent conflicts between the United States military and Somalia pirates will likely increase the threats on foreign travelers (particularly those with U.S. citizenship).
The trouble off the coast of Somalia with pirates taking ships and demanding ransoms for the crews was escalated last week. An American ship was boarded but the crew and captain managed to hold off the pirates. The captain was taken hostage but the crew and ship made it safely to shore. The United States military quickly took action and after days of stand off between the pirates and the military, three of the pirates were killed, one was taken prisoner and the captain was freed. The pirates immediately retaliated by firing at a visiting United States Congressman.
The African continent offers some of the most incredible natural landscapes and attractions in the world. The dangers that the region contains keeps many mainstream travelers away. Some adventure travelers enjoy the challenges that are offered by the unstable regions.
Because of the recent reports of the dangers in Somalia and the addition of the promised escalation of violence by Somali pirates, even the adventure travelers would be wise to avoid the region for the near future. The pirates off the coast of Somalia have taken cargo ships, luxury cruise ships and even personal sailboats. The country of Somalia is considered equally unstable for travel especially for those travelers who are (or could be mistaken for) United States citizens.
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