ACLED Index Highlights Global Conflict Data
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) has once again placed Mexico among the world’s most dangerous countries for 2025, reinforcing that this nation is violent without a regular internal war.
Background on ACLED and its Relevance
ACLED is a global initiative that evaluates and maps out the varying conflicts in every country and territory worldwide. In 2024, ACLED stated that the Mexican government holds “power but not control” over its entire territory.
Top Dangerous Countries in 2025
- Palestine remains the most dangerous and violent country globally, with high levels of violence in nearly 70% of Gaza and the West Bank.
- Myanmar holds the most fragmented conflict in the world, involving over 1,200 distinct armed groups in at least one violent event.
- Syria ranks third, facing internal armed conflicts.
- Mexico follows closely, positioned as one of the most violent countries without a regular internal war.
Violence in America: Mexico and Neighboring Nations
Besides Mexico, ACLED reported that Haiti has become more lethal and dangerous for civilians, with over 4,500 Haitians killed due to political violence. Additionally, selective violence against civilians has increased.
Ecuador also became more deadly, with over 1,000 more people killed due to political violence compared to 2024.
Gang Violence Fuels Conflict in Several Nations
Gang violence continues to drive conflict in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, and Mexico, which are among the top 10 most violent countries globally.
- Ecuador: More than 50 armed groups actively participated in violent acts over the past year, including nearly 40 gangs. More than half of these gangs were involved in over 2,500 attacks against civilians.
- Haiti: Nearly doubling the death toll and an increase in attacks against civilians led to Haiti’s rise from position 11 in 2024 to position 8 this year.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is ACLED? The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is a global initiative that collects and analyzes data on political violence and protest events in over 200 countries.
- Why is Mexico considered dangerous without a regular internal war? Despite the absence of a conventional war, Mexico experiences high levels of violence driven by organized crime, gang activity, and political instability.
- Which other countries are among the most dangerous in 2025? Palestine, Myanmar, and Syria are ranked as the most dangerous countries, followed closely by Mexico.
- What factors contributed to the increased violence in Ecuador and Haiti? In Ecuador, over 1,000 additional civilian deaths due to political violence led to its rise in rankings. In Haiti, nearly doubling the death toll and increased attacks against civilians resulted in its significant improvement from position 11 to 8.
