Significant Kidnappings in 2015 by Country
Interactive World Map

The map shows the number of significant kidnappings by country in 2015. The total kidnappings number reflects the number of significant individuals taken and not the number of kidnapping events. For example, if five French nationals were kidnapped in one incident in Libya, it would count as five and not as one.

Methodology Note:
Significant kidnappings typically include those conducted or likely conducted by terrorist or rebel groups of individuals who fall outside of local national targets. They are kidnappings that are generally more complex and involve additional resources and planning due to the nature of the nationality of the victim or the prominence of his or her employer. This analysis only looked at kidnappings that occurred during the period and not the total number of hostages still being held in these countries. Mass kidnapping of 25 or more people were not counted. This report also does not reflect hostages who have been taken but not publicly acknowledged as being kidnapped. Actual kidnapping numbers are usually higher then shown here as a result. Full records for all kidnappings used in this chart are in the ICD Hostage Component.

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