18. Venezuela
Venezuela is a country located in South America with many incredible landscapes and natural attractions including the Andes Mountains, Sierra Nevada National Park and the Caribbean coastline. Venezuela has one of the world’s highest crime rates, including one of the highest homicide rates and its political and security situation is currently one of the most unstable in the world. Hyperinflation has led to a dramatic drop in living standards and many countries have warned their citizens against travelling to Venezuela due to violent crime, social unrest, and pervasive food and medicine shortages. Security forces in Venezuela have detained individuals, including U.S. citizens, for long periods of time with little or no evidence of a crime. Journalists traveling to the country must possess the appropriate accreditation and work visa before arriving and be prepared to be closely scrutinized by police forces as many of them have been expelled and/or detained for “participation” in what could be seen as any anti-government activity, including observing and reporting on public health facilities.
