Study: U.S. more dangerous than Japan, Switzerland — and Botswana

The chances of becoming a victim of terrorism or other political violence in the United States are very, very low; but not as low as they are for the fortunate residents of Switzerland, Japan and … Botswana?

All of those countries have a lower risk for political violence — including terrorism, revolution or insurgency and civil disorder such as riots — than the United States does, according to the latest political risk survey map from UK risk management firm Aon, plc.

The map, the tenth annual edition, was produced in collaboration with The Risk Advisory Group plc, a global security consultancy. It “measures the risk of political violence to international business in 200 countries and territories,” according to Aon’s website.

“North and West Africa and the Middle East stand out as regions of increasing risk,” said Henry Wilkinson, head of intelligence and analysis for Risk Advisory. He said the recent overthrow of strongman Col. Muammar Gadaffi in Libya and the ongoing insurgency in Syria “in particular have contributed to violent risks in nearby countries,” such as Egypt — which went back into category five, among those nations with a “Severe” risk, this year after a year in category four, “High.”

The United States, Canada and most of northern and eastern Europe are in category two, “Low.”

“Fiscal and economic pressures mean businesses in Southern European countries still face a higher level of risk associated with civil disruption,” said Mr. Williamson.

Greece Spain and France are in category three, “Medium,” along with Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.