Brazil Among Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries Worldwide in 2025 Due to Rising Gang Violence

In 2025, Brazil ranked as the seventh most dangerous country globally, reflecting a sharp increase in violence driven largely by gang conflicts, according to data from the Armed Conflict Event Location and Data Project (ACLED). This ranking places Brazil alongside other violence-stricken nations such as Mexico, Ecuador, and Haiti, which are also in the top ten due to high mortality rates, gang activity, and political instability.

ACLED’s report highlights that Brazil’s position as one of the world's deadliest countries is influenced by extensive gang violence and escalating crime, particularly connected to drug trafficking. The region's violence trend is exacerbated by the struggles within criminal organizations and their control over key territories, impacting public security and societal stability.

The report details notable increases in homicides and violence linked to criminal groups in Latin America, with Mexico and Ecuador also experiencing severe spikes. Mexico ranks fourth and Ecuador sixth, with the latter witnessing a dramatic 36-place rise propelled by gang rivalries and its crucial role in cocaine trafficking networks. Haiti, ranked eighth, continues to suffer from profound political instability and gang dominance since the assassination of its president in 2021.

Experts suggest that while interventions like military deployments may temporarily reduce violence, they risk further fragmenting criminal groups and increasing human rights abuses. This finding has prompted calls to reconsider anti-crime strategies amid external pressures for harsher law enforcement measures.

This grim ranking underscores the urgent challenges Brazil faces in tackling organized crime and protecting its citizens amidst a broader Latin American surge in violence. The situation demands coordinated efforts to address the underlying causes, improve governance, and restore public security across the region.