Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world. San Pedro Sula is considered the world’s most violent city; in 2011 there were 159 murders for every 100,000 residents. These threats have increased substantially over the past several years, the US State Department points out. In January 2012, the Peace Corps withdrew its volunteers from the country.
Transnational criminal organizations conduct narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities and use violence to control drug-trafficking routes. Other criminals, acting both individually and in gangs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, commit crimes such as murder, kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, rape and assault. Kidnappings and disappearances are of concern. Members of the Honduran National Police have been known to engage in criminal activity, such as murder and car theft.
Resort areas and tourist destinations generally have lower levels of crime and violence than other areas of the country. Moreover, tourists traveling on group tours only rarely report criminal incidents. Tens of thousands of US citizens safely visit Honduras each year. In June, the Honduran government agreed to increase police presence in areas frequented by tourists, such as the Copan Mayan ruins and Roatán. Major hotels have increased security.