Extreme Risk:
Countries classified as extreme risk may be engaged in civil or other war; government control in significant portions of the country is minimal or non-existent; government control of the country is threatened; violent transformation of the government is on-going through military coup or revolution. All travel and/or investment is highly discouraged. Stringent security precautions are recommended for critical travel and may not be sufficient to prevent serious injury, capture, or loss of life or property.

High Risk:
An entire country may be classed as high risk when any one or a combination of the following conditions exist or there is strong potential for them to develop rapidly anywhere in the country. Terrorist/guerrilla groups pose a serious threat to the country's political and/or economic stability or a significant region of the country is experiencing a serious terrorist or guerrilla problems that the government cannot control. A pervasive problem exists regarding street violence due to political unrest, economic conditions, or general lawlessness and unrest The country is involved in violent regional disputes with neighboring states. There is a serious potential for a military coup. The governmental institutions and/or general populous demonstrate evidence of prejudicial or harsh treatment against foreign visitors or business interests. Travel and invest with caution. Employ stringent security precautions for personal and employee protection and for safeguarding corporate facilities and material resources in the affected country.

Moderate Risk:
Countries rated as moderate risk may experience episodic political or economic turmoil and may endure periodic acts of terrorism or guerrilla activity, but these elements are not sufficiently strong to threaten governmental stability. The nation may be involved in regional disputes short of armed conflict with its neighboring state(s); the violent crime rate is high enough to frequently impact foreign visitors along with average citizens; fear of crime is a common theme in the country. Any one or a combination of all of the above elements may result in the assignment of this risk level. Generally, a moderate risk in any part of the country frequented by foreign travelers will cause the whole country to be given the same risk level. Upgraded security precautions are warranted for travel or investment.