Most Dangerous Country in South America

[patrick123]

I saw a list in this forum, and boy was that completely off. Going off 2002 data (can't find newer data), I can identify the 3 safest, and the three more dangerous countries that correlate with Homicide rates only. All countries have issues with pit pocketers. I'm not going to put up the graph, but numbers were %, not amount as that would be unfair for the larger countries.

Top 3 safest in South America

1) Chile
2) Ecuador
3) Bolivia

Chile makes sense. HOwever, Bolivia and Ecuador does not. Both are actually the poorest countries in South America. However, there is an existing correlation that both have. Both are heavily indiginous. Respect for culture , tradition and for elders is more evident in these two countries then any other country in South America. Most countries indiginous populations in South America were practically wiped out by the Spaniards; destroying culture, tradition and a race. Bolivia and Ecuador were more successful in ridding the spaniards, and somewhat successful in saving a very old culture. Most countries in Latin America are more Europeaned influenced. This is wierd since poor normally correlates with crime.

Most of the crime in Bolivia happen ironically in a town called Santa Cruz, where indigenous population is the minority. I was unable to find a regression model to correlate indigenous populations, Poor, Crime (homicide), European decent population, language. This would make an excellent study. The more dangerous country has a HEAVY European influence, but so does Chile. Chile however has one of the best models for education in South America.


Most dangerous in South America:

Brazil
Colombia
Venezuela
Peru (Southern Peru is significantly safer then Northern)

[supervaca]

In the safes for sure you must include Uruguay, that in many senses will be even better than Chile...and for the most dangerous take Peru out and include Argentina.
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[KathleenO]

Ecuador is definitely NOT safe. I always felt worried for my safety when I lived there. A French girl was murdered in Quito a few months ago. My husband was robbed by several armed men when he was in Quito. Not a safe place to live!!! Chile and Argentina are both relatively safe (outside of seedy areas in the big cities). Your observations about indigenous people and low crime rates is interesting. Incidentally, I have felt very safe around indigenous people in S.A.. They are very shy and tranquil, in general. The large cities are unsafe, while the indigenous villages are pretty safe, for the most part. In many of these countries, law enforcement is worthless, so villagers take it upon themselves to bring justice to their commmunities. For example, in a town near Quito, I saw a sign stating that they would burn you alive if they caught you stealing in their neighborhood.
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[pezzhull]

I found Quito unsafe especially at night. LOcal relatives always said take a cab no matter how far you have to walk.

[pgonzalez]

Why are always trying to categorize countries?
you just have to be responsible and have a little care, and you will enjoy all your trips...
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[GuX]

I don’t think so that Brazil is most dangerous country in South America even Brazil is one of those countries where tourists visit in a huge number. My one of uncles visited there and he really enjoyed over there.
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[nancy.mathew3]

I don't think any one country is more dangerous than another. It is more down to areas within countries, usually big cities, and even areas within those cities, and the sort of crime varies. In one country night buses are not recommended, in another they are fine. You usually get good advice from other travelers you meet along the way. Also, a bit of research on individual countries helps.
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