World's most dangerous destinations

According to Smither, the key to stability is strong institutions like an effective judiciary, independent media or engaged civil society. Selle, at iJet, says that the race for resources like diamonds, minerals, oil, and farming and grazing rights has ignited many political and military firestorms in Africa, but also in countries around the world.

The efforts of local or multinational companies to assuage the concerns of residents by investing in infrastructure, jobs and education can have a stabilizing effect.

"People tend to be more susceptible to [unrest] if they are poor and they're thinking the next [leader] is going to come along and bring them bread and water," he says. This is particularly true in countries where changes in leadership occur because of economic desperation.

Protecting yourself
Regardless of where you travel, either on business or for leisure, visitors to dangerous countries must be fully aware of the range of threats.

In Venezuela, for example, crime has increased noticeably in Caracas and other urban areas. While foreign companies have yet to become the target of clashing pro- and anti-government forces, violence has erupted quickly between the groups in the past.

In Haiti, there is corruption within the police force as well as drug trafficking. The capital area of Port-au-Prince suffers from incidents of random crime even in affluent suburbs.

"We definitely encourage [people] to learn about the country they're going to," says Michele Bond, the Department of State's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services. "Things can turn violent, and you wouldn't have any warning."

Such was the case in Kenya recently when a disputed election resulted in the rioting and violence that killed an estimated 600 people. Bond says that there were about 9,000 Americans in Kenya when the fighting broke out and that many of them contacted the Department of State for advice about safety.

Bond's primary recommendation was to stay inside until the violence ebbed. However, she also strongly urges travelers to prepare before leaving by giving an itinerary to a family member, registering the trip with the Department of State, which can e-mail updates to travelers, reviewing insurance policies in case of a medical emergency and checking the agency's frequently updated list of travel advisories.

Preparedness is crucial, Bond says, since "something can happen to you anywhere."

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