Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and Timbuktu are among the most dangerous countries in the world, according to a new map designed to alert travellers to the level of risk they face when visiting destinations worldwide.
Beyond these volatile, war-torn destinations, hot spots favoured by tourists such as Mexico, Colombia, Pakistan and Egypt have also ranked as 'high risk' in the new findings.
The safest countries in the world are Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland, according to the research.

HOW TO READ THE TRAVEL RISK MAP
The key to the map is a colour-coded chart showing the current issues within each country - and their severity.
GREEN
Insignificant risk
Rates of violent crime are very low. There is no significant political violence or civil unrest and no sectarian, communal, racial or targeted violence against foreigners. Security and emergency services are effective and infrastructure is sound. Transport services are of a high standard with good safety records and only occasional travel disruption. Industrial action affecting essential services is rare.
YELLOW
Low risk
Violent crime rates are low and racial, sectarian or political violence or civil unrest is uncommon. If terrorism is a threat, groups have limited operational capabilities, and acts of terrorism are rare. Security and emergency services are adequate and infrastructure is sound. Industrial action and transport disruption are infrequent.
ORANGE
Medium risk
Periodic political unrest, violent protests, insurgency and/or sporadic acts of terrorism occur. Travellers and expatriates may face risk from communal, sectarian or racial violence and violent crime. Capacity of security and emergency services and infrastructure varies. Industrial action can disrupt travel.
RED
High risk
Protests are frequently violent and may target or disrupt foreigners; they may be exacerbated by governance issues, including security or law and order capacity. Violent crime or terrorism pose significant direct or incidental risks to travellers and expatriates. Communal, sectarian or racial violence is common and foreigners may be directly targeted. Certain parts of the country are inaccessible or off-limits to the traveller.
DARK RED
Extreme risk
Government control and law and order may be minimal or non-existent across large areas. Serious threat of violent attacks by armed groups targeting travellers and expatriates. Government and transport services are barely functional. Large parts of the country are inaccessible to foreigners.
In a year when terrorism and the Zika virus have blighted travel, 72 per cent of people believe travel risks have increased over the past year and 57 per cent expect it to become even more dangerous next year.
The Travel Risk Map for 2017 launched by medical and security specialists International SOS and Control Risks is designed to help businesses mitigate their travel risks.
It is released alongside the Ipsos Mori survey which provides an insight into the different attitudes and experience of travellers around the world.
The research found that potential terror attacks dominate travellers' concerns (51 per cent), followed by civil unrest (36 per cent).
However, in reality the biggest risk for travellers continues to be petty crime and road safety threats, with terrorism being a secondary risk.
Almost a quarter of businesses have changed their travel plans due to Zika despite stomach bugs and pre-medical issues having a greater impact on travellers.
According to the annual travel risk map the most dangerous countries in the world where government control is non-existent and there is a threat of violence to travellers are - Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, Darfur, Somalia, South Sudan, Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal regions.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3937272/The-world-s-dangerous-countries-mapped-Syria-Afghanistan-Yemen-riskiest-places-visit-Norway-Sweden-Iceland-ranked-safest.html#ixzz4Q9rxmvVx
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