The ranking is based on the 2025 Political Violence and Conflict Index compiled by ACLED.
Forbes has published a list of countries considered the highest-risk globally in 2025 due to conflict and political violence, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).
Forbes has released a 2025 ranking highlighting countries facing the highest levels of conflict and political violence worldwide. The list is based on the Political Violence and Conflict Index compiled by ACLED, a widely used conflict data research organization.
According to the ranking, Palestine, Myanmar (Burma), and Syria occupy the top three positions, reflecting ongoing armed conflict, instability, and humanitarian crises. The index evaluates factors such as frequency of violent events, fatalities, and political unrest.
Mexico ranked fourth on the list, driven primarily by sustained criminal violence linked to organized crime, according to the ACLED data cited by Forbes. Nigeria followed in fifth place, reflecting continued security challenges related to insurgency and armed groups.
Ecuador showed one of the largest upward shifts in the ranking, rising 36 positions compared to previous assessments, as violence associated with criminal organizations intensified. Haiti, Sudan, Pakistan, Brazil, and Ecuador also appear within the top ten.
Forbes emphasized that the ranking measures national-level security risk, not the personal safety of individual travelers or residents. Analysts note that conditions can vary widely within countries and over time.
The index is intended to provide a macro-level view of global instability and is often used by governments, researchers, and businesses to assess geopolitical risk rather than make travel advisories.
