Top 20 Most Dangerous Countries for Solo Female Travelers

Asher and Lyric Ferguson, a journalist couple, explored 50 popular tourist destinations and compiled a list of 20 countries dangerous for solo female travel and 10 countries safe for solo female travel based on 8 factors.

This danger index is based on 8 factors: women's safety on the street, intentional homicide, non-partner & partner sexual violence, legal discrimination, global gender gap, gender inequality index, and violence against women's attitudes.

Ukraine (20th)

Street safety: High crime rates, and women perceive they are not safe in public spaces.

Gender pay gap: Women tend to earn lower wages compared to men.

Gender inequality: Socioeconomic disparities against women still exist.

United States (19th)

Street safety: High crime rates and threats experienced by women in public spaces.

Sexual violence: Non-partner sexual violence remains a significant issue.

Gender inequality: Gender-based discrimination still exists, and there's an economic gap against women.

Tunisia (18th)

Street safety: High crime rates, and women perceive they are not safe in public spaces.

Legal discrimination: Legal discrimination against women exists.

Gender inequality: Women are more likely to be exposed to domestic violence, etc.

Bahrain (17th)

Sexual violence: Rapists are legally protected from prosecution if they marry the victim.

Legal discrimination: Legal discrimination against women exists, posing a greater risk to sexual assault victims.

Cambodia (16th)

Sexual violence: Violence against women is considered a serious issue.

Sexist attitudes: Most men are perceived to have violent attitudes toward women.

Chile (15th)

Street safety: Women experience a high rate of harassment in public spaces.

Sexual violence: Many women experience routine harassment, and there's a lack of protection against it.

Argentina (14th)

Street safety: High crime rates, and women perceive they are not safe in public spaces.

Sexual violence: Intentional homicide against women is considered a serious problem.

Turkey (13th)

Partner violence: Women often experience violence from their spouses.

Sexist attitudes: Receives a negative score in the Global Gender Gap.

Saudi Arabia (12th)

Legal discrimination: Legal restrictions against women are considered a serious issue.

Lack of freedom: Women face a social environment where they find it difficult to move freely or assert their rights.

Malaysia (11th)

Sexual violence: High incidence of partner violence against women.

Gender inequality: Socioeconomic disparities against women exist.

Thailand (10th)

Violence against women's attitudes: Violent attitudes toward women are prominent, potentially leading to physical and psychological violence against women.

Gender discrimination: There are structural issues that can limit women socially and economically.

India (9th)

Gender inequality: Women are in a socially and economically disadvantaged position compared to men.

Partner violence: Women experience a high rate of violence from spouses, and there is a lack of legal protection against it.

Morocco (8th)

Partner violence: Women experience a high rate of violence from their spouses.

Global gender gap: Women hold a lower social status than men, increasing their vulnerability to danger.

Egypt (7th)

Road safety: High traffic accident rates make it difficult for women to ensure their safety.

Gender discrimination: Women hold a lower social and economic status than men.

Dominican Republic (6th)

Road safety: High risk of traffic accidents, making it difficult for women to ensure their safety.

Crime rate: High crime rates increase the likelihood of women being exposed to danger in public spaces.

Iran (5th)

Gender discrimination: Social status differs significantly based on gender, creating an environment where women find it difficult to ensure their safety.

Lack of gender equality: An imbalance exists in rights and opportunities between men and women.

Mexico (4th)

Street safety: High crime rates make it difficult for women to ensure their safety in public spaces.

Sexual violence: Intentional homicide and non-partner sexual violence against women are considered serious problems.

Russia (3rd)

Intentional homicide: High rate of intentional homicide against women.

Sexual violence: Non-partner sexual violence is still considered a serious issue.

Brazil (2nd)

Street safety: High crime rates, and women perceive they are not safe in public spaces.

Sexual violence: Intentional homicide and non-partner sexual violence against women are considered serious problems.

South Africa (1st)

Street safety: High crime rates, and women perceive they are not safe in public spaces.

Sexual violence: Intentional homicide and non-partner sexual violence against women are considered serious problems.

Legal discrimination: Legal discrimination against women exists.

Things to Consider for Safe Travel

(1) Understanding Local Culture and Customs

It's important to understand and adapt to the culture and customs of your destination. Women's roles and rights can vary in different countries, and it's necessary to respect local etiquette and customs.

(2) Clothing and Appearance

It's important to choose attire appropriate for the local culture. Some countries may require more conservative clothing, and women should consider how to dress and behave like locals.

(3) Food and Beverages

When consuming local food and beverages, it's important to choose safe food options. To prevent food poisoning or gastrointestinal illness, choose reputable restaurants and groceries.

(4) Choosing Accommodation

It's a good idea to choose women-only accommodation or a safe hotel. Consider the location and surroundings of the accommodation to ensure a safe environment during your trip.

(5) Gathering Local Information

Before traveling, gather sufficient information about the safety situation and risks of your destination. Consider local crime rates, traffic safety, and the potential for natural disasters when planning your trip.

(6) Preparing for Emergencies

It's important to prepare for emergencies while traveling. This includes purchasing travel insurance, recording emergency contact information, and knowing the location of local emergency services and hospitals.

(7) Local Companions

It's safer to travel with local companions or join a travel group rather than traveling alone if possible. Interacting with other female travelers can enhance your understanding of the area and improve safety.