Nine holiday destinations with the highest murder rates
The exotic beaches of Mexico, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic might make for idyllic holidays but these popular tourist spots are also some of the most dangerous places in the world for a getaway, if statistics from the World Health Organisation are anything to go by.
When looking at places where people like to go on holiday, nine countries were named for having the highest number of murders.
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These include St Lucia, which is famed for its unspoiled beauty and unparalleled views, and Mexico, a hotspot for ancient ruins and glorious beaches.
Caribbean islands featured heavily on the list, with the likes of the Dominican Republic, Belize and Jamaica having high homicide rates.
In Jamaica, the annual murder rate is 45.1 in every 100,000 people, compared with 1.5 in every 100,000 in the UK.
The Foreign Office warns British travellers that "crime levels are high, particularly the capital city Kingston." While most gang violence and shootings are usually confined to inner city neighbourhoods, it says that the motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery and adds: "Be vigilant at all times, even if you're staying with friends and family. Don't walk alone in isolated areas or on deserted beaches, even during the day."
Elsewhere, the World Health Organisation study in 2012 found that South Africa has a murder rate of 35.7 people per 100,000 and while high levels of crime are reported in townships, tourists are warned to take care and avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots, as well as the approach roads to and from Kruger Park where there have been cases of car hijacking.
Brazil is in the spotlight for 2016 thanks to the Rio Olympics but police in the country say the crime rate remains high in most urban centres, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The country's homicide rate is 32.4 people per 100,000.
Take a look at the nine holiday hotspots with the highest number of murders below...
