The World's Most Dangerous Places

by Robert Young Pelton

Robert Young Pelton, a professional adventurer, and his team of international war correspondents have updated this indispensable handbook for the intrepid adventurer-- a "how-to" in getting in and out of the world′s hot spots. We are living in a dangerous world, and now more than ever people want to know what is going on where (and why). Featuring 25 countries, The World′s Most Dangerous Places, 5th Edition offers a brief up-to-the-minute history of each nation, provides tips on how to get in, out and around safely, and uncovers their dangers, from diseases, land mines, and kidnapping to mercenaries and militias. Completely revised, this edition has a number of countries who have been added to the hot list. With firsthand accounts of breathtaking adventure in each country, the book also provides the latest indispensable information on contacts for nongovernmental and rescue organizations, environmental groups, political activists, training schools in outdoor survival, commando techniques, and other potentially life-saving advice.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference, Adventure, Politics, History, The World

1088 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Robert Young Pelton is an author, journalist, and documentary film director. He is known for his conflict reporting and interviews with military and political figures in war zones. He reported from the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi in Afghanistan, the Battle of Grozny (1999–2000) in Chechnya, the rebel siege to control Monrovia in Liberia, and the siege on Villa Somalia in Mogadishu. He spent time with the Taliban, the Northern Alliance (pre-9/11), the CIA during the hunt for Osama bin Laden and with both insurgents and Blackwater security contractors during the war in Iraq. He also hosted the Discovery Travel Channel series "Robert Young Pelton's The World's Most Dangerous Places" from 1998 to 2003.

Reviews

[Rbodach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time a new edition of this book is printed I have to buy it. Robert Pelton is unbelievable. I had the privilage to meet him at the UCLA book faire about ten years ago and he just ROCKED!! Oddfact: The man has no fingernails.

[Ryan (Glay)]

Very Dated (was written 20 years ago) but Still a great survery of Dangerous countries in the world. Some not so dangeroug anymore some that are still dangerous.

Written in a Vicelike tongue and cheek style with some personal stories and great historical analysis of the main players in most of the major Third World civil wars and other tragedies happening 20 years ago.

An updated version woud be great.

[James B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago and not sure how it will hold up today. Four-stars for teaching me about places I would have never heard about otherwise (e.g. New Caledonia) and for the vague notion that this book may have influenced my life more than I know. Might have to get myself another copy just for fun.

[Michael Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE P*RN but the problem with P*RN is that it becomes boring so quickly. ORAL, AN*L, V*GINAL, FINGERS and FROTAGE---then what? Blonde, Brunette, Redhead, Bald---then what? Black,White, Yellow, Red---then what? Skinny, SSBBW, OLD, YOUNG, AMPUTEE --then what?

It's the same with VACATIONS. CLUB MED, Club Fed, Carnaval Cruises, Disneyland Get-a-Way, Hawaii, then what? Oral,An*l,V*ginal, fingers and Frotage? Now I'm repeating myself!!!

Some of us want to try different things, explore different sensations, do exciting things. I Para-sailed ONCE and ONCE is enough for me. Same with Skiiing and 'playing Army'. This BOOK IS FOR YOU.

Others may want to bone up on some fourth world 'SH*T HOLE' that made the news again (Mali, Chad, Guiena, Congo, Somalia, Haiti, pick one). Again, this is your book!!!

Have you ever had a DEATH WISH where you wanted to something exciting and STUPID? We all do. Did you know that GEN George S. Patton and President Eisenhower got liqoured up in 1916, took a Ford Model T, some machine guns and hand granades and the two of them went looking for some MEXICAN BANDITS to kill?!!! They could have USED THIS BOOK!!!
Highway of Death 1916-2013 [Cuidad Victoria to Corpus Cristi through Matamorsa--don't worry, I have AAA roadside service, you sneer!!!]

I LOVE this book!!! Its a FUN read, considering its material. I also love it how it tells things how they are, Political Correctness be damned. It's not an indept CIA analysis that examines culture, history and the land but if you need that kind of stuff, surf the web, already!

THIS BOOK not only TEACHES STREET SMARTS, It teaches BIO SMARTS (Google Candiru Amazon Catfish and you'll never piss in a swimming pool again. FYI, the candiru is a little catfish that likes swimming up yer P** Hole to live and it has hundreds of spikes to prevent you pulling it out like 'a Guinea Worm'. That's right, buddy---it has to be surgically removed!!! So the next time you want to sing Kumbaya in the Amazon river and 'no one's looking...well just DON'T!!!).

The sad thing about this book is its the same DANGEROUS PLACES, year after year!!! They may switch positions in the top ten FAILED NATIONS list but they are still there. What ya goin do. Score this book. I got mine off the internet for about $2.00. You can too!!!

[Jonathanstray Stray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't go to Chechnya. But if you do, here's how...

[Eugene Miya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This edition of the book is highly outdated. This is an amazing book. I have gone back and have acquired or reacquired all five editions. Got the tee-shirt, got the stickers, and now I own DVD copies of the Travel Channel TV program (I don't get cable). If you are not certain about this book, try examining a copy from a public library.

I first saw the first edition of Fielding's Travel Guide to the World's Most Dangerous Places in a Milpitas, CA Borders book store. I was one of a number of people tasked to put together a naive conference session on the topic of land mines, their detection and disposal. And there by chance was this book with a chapter on land mines. We had a bunch of other sources including people from LLNL, the Army CD on mines (about 800 types), and the founder of Autodesk who was most concerned with the topic.

Over the years I've probably purchased a couple dozen copies for various friends and analysts. The Preface is a riot: this book is not for the politically naive holders of Lonely Planet or Rough guides. Tony Wheeler and his wife later responded with his own Bad Lands book, but Robert still has them beat. Or you might be one of the easily amused. Not every one will be amused by this book, Cambodia was not (initially). This book is not for the faint of heart.

DP (this is how the skull character's book is known in short hand) is about 1,000 pages of issues and places by Canadian Robert Young Pelton now living in the town on my sister (Redondo Beach, CA) of all places. All copies of the book start out both philosophically and pragmatically defining what a dangerous place is. A 1..5 star rating scale is used, over-time a single star is used mean say "a criminal" place. The USA is a one star place. Violence is largely avoidable but not always. Small side sections of 2-4 pages cover cites like Los Angeles (Having a Riot) or New York. Mexico, the US's neighbor to the South varies in editions from 2..3 stars. Various 5 star (or open palm "Stop" hands) include North Korea (this is how journals learn to enter), Iran (remember Robert is Canadian), Iraq (vastly different place now), and what we now call the Congo or Central African Republic (CAR), some places which are noted for random violence.

The Guide has separate subsections for tourists and business people.

Earlier editions had non-dangerous places like Antarctica (physically dangerous), Japan, Switzerland, civilized places. This section was regarded as boring and subsequently dropped.

The book has interesting political insights not covered by other travel guides. You can read about the old Charles Taylor.

Then come sections on Dangerous Things: diseases (I know a little about some of these), the aforementioned land mine chapter, guns (very light from simple things, notably the ubiquitous AK-47 (I've smapled a few) to rockets and artillery (get out of there). One good chapter is on Bribes: giving and receiving (I have noted this and even used some): this is some of the nature of the 3rd world. Get used to this. A chapter exists on changing the world (Robert is not entirely cynical). And Robert has some extremely good recommendations on what to carry when traveling to these places. I'm aware of some of this advice independently and its good. He also even salts typos in his text.

Now if you are at all squeamish: here are some of the warnings: photos of Russian roulette (real), a number of photos of plane hijackings in progress (here's how we hid the gun in a book), seriously armed 3rd child soldiers. Where countries have contrasting texts, some of this may alarm others.

Two of Robert's co-editors have died by the 5th edition. He's a presence on Facebook, and he has his own web site comebackalive.com which is where he concentrates his time (thing change too fast in the world for print media). Robert has been taken hostage several times. He's sort of like the Joan Wilder character as celebrity traveling author and Michael Douglas' Jack Colton in one; and I don't even care for that Romancing the Stone movie.

I think I finished the 5th ed. on the date below, but 1st edition was about 1996 or so, pre-9/11. I'm sorry that some earlier edition observations of Africa are left out.

Get the book. Read it for yourself.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! This book was not AT ALL what I expected it to be, but I'm really glad I read it. It's been on my radar for many years now, after I saw it in the travel section of a local bookstore ages ago. I finally got it from the library so the edition I read was quite old (2003) but I still found it a great read. More than a travel guide, I would describe this book as a summary of international relations, politics, and current events (well, it would be if you read it in the right decade lol). Everyone that knows me knows that I love to travel and I love to immerse myself in other cultures. But I have never been one to follow politics or get into history much (ok, at all), so this review might be skewed by that. Someone more knowledgeable about current events might know this information already. However, I found this book pretty interesting and I learned a great deal from it. It was a succinct look at the most "dangerous" places in the world and each roughly 25 page chapter looked at the history, leadership, and politics that came together to impact that particular country's situation. It was a great way to put all the terms that I hear floating around together and put a face to them, so to speak. As I read, I kept my internet connection close by and updated myself on where things have gone in the 14 years since this book was published. It's a bit surprising to me how little international news we actually hear here in the States. I learned a lot about the role the US has played in many of the conflicts bubbling around the world, and I learned a lot about the things that drive certain parts of the world to function in a particular way. The book has inspired me to continue learning more about countries that I really don't know much about - and to educate myself more on what is going on in the world outside of my country's borders.

DP contained a lot of information and could be a bit heavy at times, but the short-ish chapters kept it moving. Pelton's tongue in cheek one liners kept me giggling throughout, as he states that Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe "threw his toys out of his pram in spectacular fashion" or points out that with Bush's military budget of the early 2000's, we could "purchase the entire Axis of Evil with this amount on credit and sell timeshares." Pelton is entertaining and has a relaxed, readable writing style - although he lost some points when he referred to giardiasis as a type of hemorrhagic fever, which made me want to fact check all the things.

All in all, this fat book was full of info that I found interesting and useful to read about and if you have any interest in learning about the history of world conflicts or understanding a bit more about some lesser known locales, you might find it interesting too.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two big problems here:

1) The fifth edition was the most recent I could find, and it's ten years out of date -- not only is Osama still alive, but Dubya is in his first term, Khatami is president of Iran, and the entire chapter on Iraq is pretty much useless. A more recent version would have, I think, been much better...and instead of including, say, the Balkans, there might be a chapter on Venezuela or Honduras.

2) Pelton and his staff go out of the way to show they are not PC. While the benefit of this is making the text highly readable, the drawback is that sometimes they go way over the line, to the point that it's not really all that comfortable reading for those who *are* of a more PC-mindset.

If this was still 2002, the book would be an excellent, indespensible resource; unfortunately if you use it now people will wonder if you've spent the last decade lost in the Sahara.

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this big tome is a crash course in street smarts fro dangerous places, which can be anywhere. That's followed by several hundred pages of description for the most dangerous countries, such as Yemen, Columbia, and Russia. The first part is fast-moving and engaging. Pelton mixes true anecdotes with practical advice. The second part is long and intended more as a reference, though he does include stories for each location. I found the second part challenging because this version is from several years ago and many of the circumstances have changed.

[Ilana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish a new edition would come out. Very thorough and intelligent.

[Larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the time of reading (over 2+ decades ago), it's a daring adventure travel piece and insight into RYP's globetrotting. Fantastic pre-travel reading as many of us have been to one, some or more of these countries. Since then, I imagine this list has either seen exponential additions or hopefully the eternal optimist in me can assume a reduction in danger and/or growth from these countries' previous status. If readers do venture to explore RYP's book, it's highly recommended to cross reference and concurrently lateral read one's home country travel warnings such as the one for U.S. citizens: the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. RYP's journeys aside, this should be treated as a work examining the risks to be considered parallel to fun adventures, business or personal travel, lessons learned (after-actions) such as those found in medical, outdoor, military, sport, and legal case studies, and planning for personal and group travel risk management practices.

[kylajaclyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very surprised to see that Syria was not on this list of dangerous places, even back in 2002, the last time this book was updated. It would certainly make the list now: it is currently the second least peaceful place on earth after Afghanistan. Of course, we are still fighting our endless war on terror, so no surprise that Afghanistan is still number one. A lot of the places in here remain pretty unsafe nearly twenty years later. But I’m fairly certain things are better in at least a few of those countries now. Liberia is currently 59 on the global peace index, ranking much better than the US. Colombia is still 143, but I’ve read in travel magazines that certain parts of the country have made a comeback and are safer to travel now.

[Elena Melanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book the world's most dangerous places is a wonderful book. To learn about different war zones and conflict zones. This book KS the gateway to Robert young pelton's writing. If you read this book you will fall in love with it and his writings. Highly recommend this book to Any one interested in the same things that the book presents..... I won't go a year with out reading this book I must tell you that.
This book is the pinnacle of literature and writing...... as well as for adventure and travel related things.

My favourite is Chechnya to be honest with you.... if I had to choose a country that wad dangerous. Happy reading.

[Stephen Dedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, with a style often bordering on black comedy, and informative, even if many chapters are badly in need of an update (AFAIK, there hasn't been a new edition since 2003 and several of the more horrifying characters mentioned have died or been sent to the Hague in the interim). The general advice on how to remain safe in trouble spots is still useful, though, as are a lot of the links to websites with more recent information.

[Wendy wendigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book…..funny and educational I love Robert young pelton and his books. This is one favourite, well written and informative not scary. But one the better books.

[Elena Stargazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Siren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good very funny and very call greyhound server also very good if you want to know about certain places in the world that are taboo to the government

[Jim]

No p

[Petals Melanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the rare but educational and fun books that you don’t seem to find your crapy school. Nor in geography class!

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does not have an overall prose narrative structure so the progress indicator on goodreads.com does not really apply. The book is organized mostly by country so it could possibly be used as a travel reference. It is over 900 pages long and very thick so you may not want to have it actually accompany you on your travels.

There are many attempts at humor. The book may not be understandable if English isn't your first language.

Some of the sections cover current events with impromptu history lessons in the descriptions. Osama Bin Laden and terrorism are of course mentioned.

I'm reading the year 2000 version and much info seems to be missing looking from today's context. Some people that he mentions as alive are now dead. An example of missing context is no mention of that very influential event on September 11, 2001. It's not the authors fault of course since this edition precedes the 200l event.

The author, Robert Young Pelton, is a risk taker and adventurer and one must wonder why he goes to dangerous places at all. That topic is not covered in this book.

He does not attempt to explain the root of conflict or of violence. That's for another book. The author is more about entertaining you with tidbits of information on places you are not likely to visit.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide to the world, and even a refreshing, brutally honest depiction of the U.S.A. Not only does this book keep you interested from one page to the next, but it offers something rare: Information you can actually use. These guys aren't Rambo, and warn hot-blooded thrill-seekers that trying to be Rambo will get you killed, under no uncertain terms. Including the information on the customs of Islamic regions probably saved my butt in Kuwait. This should be required reading in the military. Overseas briefings cannot compete. This book serves another purpose. The author makes it crystal clear that it is good to get out of your house and do something, anything. Statistically, he shows you that the most dangerous place in the world is your own home.
Information and adrenaline junkies, activists, military personnel, the average joe, and anyone who just wants to keep something novel and interesting to read while using the toilet should get this book. It actually has information on how to get involved with just about any group you can imagine, from the Red Cross to the French Foriegn Legion. Enjoy!

(yes, it's a bit out-dated... and I'm sorely disappointed that they haven't followed up with newer, updated editions)

[David S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it three stars only because I would like to see an updated 6th edition published. Pelton's 5th edition of The World's Most Dangerous Places is at the same time an entertaining read and a political commentary. The author meticulously instructs the reader on the ins and outs of some of the more volatile places on earth, giving background information on history, political groups, major players in the region, and even offering a rating system of one ("Bad-Rep Lands") to five ("Apocalypse Now) stars based on the frequency and severity of danger. This is a perfectly workable travel guide, should one be so inclined to use it that way, providing staples like how to get there and back, how to travel within the country, dangers to avoid, how to stay healthy, and embassy contact information.

[Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of amazing resources and advice. In fact, way too much advice and great stuff. While a bit dated due to the fact it was printed a few years ago, it still does a great job of summing up most of the world's hotspots and cuts down on all of the bullshit the news agencies love to spoon feed you. The majority of dangerous locales are written directly from the author's first-hand knowledge as he traveled to those locations and mingled with the locals.

If you are thinking about heading to any of the destinations or just want a way to increase your knowledge when traveling this is the perfect book.

[Tarn Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magnificent book and a testament to Pelton's bravery and dedication in visiting the most dangerous places in the world and recording them in such detail. Each entry follows the same format as the last, allowing the user to compare and contrast between crime, corruption, religious intolerance and racial hatred.

Gritty and hard-hitting, but always written with the edge of wry humour and practicality, Dangerous Places is essential reading for anyone interested in adventure travel. All the more depressing in that, if updated for today's times, these most dangerous places are probably even more dangerous now than nearly 15 years ago.

[Blair Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Young Pelton, given the risks he's taken, should no longer be alive. If you want to know about Chechnya, Kosovo, Iran, Liberia, Peru, Colombia, Myanmar; the political, military, ethnic, tribal players in those places; the weapons they use, where the mines are, which diseases to prepare for, etc...read this book. It's more like an encyclopedia of global conflict, but written to read like a travel book. It was allegedly on the CIA's required reading list. It's very factual, but sarcastic. I'll probably order the updated edition.

[Emily Bragg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, and good for picking up and reading random snippets. There's nothing quite like dudes saying "oh, they said would be dangerous, but I don't think anyone would have any issues as long as they just keep an eye out", which always is an issue for travel books like this. No, I don't think "just wear pants and closed toe shoes" works for women in a lot of regions...

(Also, pretty dated, which just sort of comes with the territory of this kind of book).

[Trey · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE travel book for folks who think its not a real trip unless you've had someone point a gun at them (aren't 'check pionts the best'). Sound advice on everything from how to pack, to what gear is good, to how to organize a crazy dangerous trip, and so on. Required reading for all REAL travelers and all those who fantasize about being Indiana Jones.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very lengthy (and badly out of date) description of the most dangerous places in the world by someone who has been there. A good explanation about what makes some locations so much more dangerous than others. Tips for not getting into trouble--or worse--in these places you probably don't want to visit.

[Grizel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if it's this edition I read or an earlier one, but it's pretty awesome. Not really a book meant to be read cover-to-cover, it's more the kind of book you dip into here and there: find a country you're interested and swoop down on it, coming back with the authors' first-hand experience on a place which will probably always be too dangerous for your bourgeois self to visit.

[Johnny]

Is it poverty porn? Probably. Slanted with a Bristish/American perspective? Yes. Boastful? Undoubtedly. Captivating? For certain.

Began reading these books when I was around 10-years-old. Probably shouldn't have read them as my only source of "All That is Foreign," but they used to draw me in more than any other literature could.

Abstaining from a rating, as it doesn't quite fit.