Introduction to the ACLED Index and Mexico’s Position
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. In 2024, ACLED stated that the Mexican government has “power but not control” over its entire territory.
Global Conflict Data and Key Findings
According to the ACLED index, Palestine is currently the most dangerous and violent country globally. Myanmar and Syria follow, facing internal armed conflicts. Mexico ranks just behind these three nations in violence.
- Palestine: The country with the most geographically diffuse conflict, registering high levels of violence in nearly 70% of Gaza and the West Bank.
- Myanmar: The world’s most fragmented conflict, involving over 1,200 distinct armed groups in at least one violent event.
Pakistan has become more dangerous for civilians over the past year, with political violence-related deaths on the rise due to growing regional insurgencies and a brief but intense escalation in clashes with India.
Violence in America: Mexico and Neighboring Countries
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 has become more deadly, with over 1,000 more people killed due to political violence compared to 2024.
- Gang Violence: The driving force behind ongoing conflict in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, and Mexico, which are among the world’s top 10 most violent countries.
- Ecuador and Haiti: Gang violence led to a rise in their rankings. Ecuador climbed to position 6 due to more than 50 armed groups actively participating 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 a rise in its ranking from 11th in 2024 to 8th this year.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the ACLED Index? The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is a global data initiative that evaluates how and where conflicts vary in each country and territory worldwide.
- Why is Mexico considered one of the most dangerous countries? Despite not having a regular internal war, Mexico experiences high levels of violence driven by gang activity and political unrest.
- Which other American countries are among the world’s most violent? Haiti and Ecuador have also seen a rise in violence, with gang activity playing a significant role.
