Global Terrorism Index 2025

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Ten Countries Most Impacted by Terrorism
There has been considerable variation in these countries over this period. Only four of the ten countries in 2024 were ranked in the ten most affected in 2011. The GTI is a composite measure that evaluates the impact of terrorism through a weighted analysis of incidents, deaths, injuries and hostages taken. To provide a nuanced perspective, the GTI incorporates a five-year weighted lag, acknowledging the prolonged effects terrorist activities can have on a nation’s social and psychological wellbeing. 

Burkina Faso remains the most affected country for the second consecutive year, a significant change from its rank of 114th in 2011. Burkina Faso is followed by Pakistan and Syria in the worst three. Pakistan reached its highest position since 2014, moving up to second place after dropping two positions compared to last year.

​Syria rose two places while Mali fell one place to be third and fourth on the Index, respectively. Furthermore, Israel experienced a marked decline, falling six positions to eighth place, following the increase last year in the wake of the events of October 7, 2023. Cameroon appeared among the ten countries most impacted by terrorism for the first time since 2019, highlighting a notable shift in regional dynamics. 

Niger experienced a sharp deterioration, rising five places to fifth position, its first appearance in the worst five and its worst ranking since the inception of the GTI. Afghanistan dropped three places, moving from sixth to ninth, while Somalia remained steady at seventh place. Nigeria’s position shifted from eighth to sixth, while Syria moved from fifth to third. Pakistan, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Somalia have consistently ranked among the ten most affected countries since 2011, indicating ongoing challenges in addressing terrorism. 

The Sahel region has witnessed the most significant deterioration in rankings since 2011. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which were all ranked outside the top thirty in 2011, continue to be among the most affected by terrorism consistently since 2017. This underscores a geographic shift in the epicentre of terrorism away from the Middle East and towards the Sahel, with substantial implications for regional stability. 

Global Terrorism Index 2025. Institute for Economics & Peace. Sydney, Australia.