Mexico tops the list of the most violent cities in the world, according to a study by the Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. Seven of the ten cities with the highest homicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants are in the country, reflecting the severe security crisis the nation faces.
Colima, Acapulco, and Tijuana in the top spots
Colima remains the most violent city in the world, followed by Acapulco and Tijuana. Organized crime, cartel disputes, and lack of security have skyrocketed homicides in these three cities.
Other Mexican cities such as Ciudad Juárez, Celaya, Uruapan, and Zamora also appear in the global ranking. All far exceed the global average of homicides, evidencing the state's lack of control over violence.
Factors driving violence in Mexico
Public security experts point out that the main factors behind this crisis include:
- Cartel disputes: The fight for strategic territories causes constant clashes.
- Corruption and institutional weakness: The infiltration of organized crime into authorities prevents an effective response.
- High impunity: The homicide resolution rate in Mexico is less than 10%, which favors the repetition of crimes.
- Lack of opportunities: Poverty and unemployment push many young people to join criminal organizations.
Impact on the population and the economy
Violence not only affects citizens' security but also has economic and social consequences. The most violent cities experience a drastic drop in investment and tourism, generating million-dollar losses. Meanwhile, the population lives in constant fear, limiting their development opportunities.
