From Afganistan to Pakistan, here are the countries with the worst passports around the world

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. This ranking provides a global picture of travel freedom and the ease of international mobility for citizens of different countries. This explores the countries with the lowest-ranked passports, highlighting the challenges their citizens face in traveling abroad and providing some background on each nation. These rankings offer insight into the geopolitical and economic factors influencing international travel for individuals from these countries.

Afghanistan ranks at 103, the bottom of the Henley Passport Index, which measures the travel freedom of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. ​"Afghanistan remains firmly entrenched as the world's weakest passport, losing access to yet another destination over the past six months, leaving its citizens with access to only 26 countries visa-free -- the lowest score ever recorded in history of the 19-year-old index," a press release said.

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Syria holds the second worst passport at rank 102, offering limited travel freedom. Syrian passport holders can access only a small number of countries without a visa. Syria, with a population of approximately 17 million, has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011, severely affecting its infrastructure and economy.

The Iraqi passport ranks 101, third from the bottom, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a limited number of countries. Iraq has a population of about 40 million and has experienced prolonged periods of conflict, including the Iraq War and the rise of ISIS.

​​Yemen has tumbled 15 places to sit at 100th on the ranking. Having a population of around 30 million, has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflict and political instability. The country is located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and has a diverse cultural history.
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The Pakistani passport shares the same ranking as Yemen, 100 on the Henley Passport Index, allowing limited travel freedom. Pakistani citizens can travel to a small number of countries without a visa. Pakistan has a population of over 220 million and is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from mountains in the north to deserts in the south. The country has a complex political history and faces challenges such as economic development and regional security issues.

​The Top 5 countries with the biggest (negative) difference between their own visa-free access and their openness to other nations are Somalia, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Burundi, and Nepal.

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The Nepalese passport ranks slightly higher on the Henley Passport Index at rank 98, but still offers limited travel freedom.

Libya shares the same passport ranking as Nepal at rank 98 on the Henley Passport Index, with restricted travel opportunities for its citizens. Libyan passport holders have limited visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. Libya, with a population of around 7 million, has been in a state of turmoil since the 2011 revolution that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi. The country is located in North Africa and is known for its oil reserves and historical sites dating back to the Roman Empire.

The Palestinian Territory passport ranks near the bottom on the Henley Passport Index, at rank 97, offering limited travel freedom. Palestinian passport holders can access only a few countries without a visa. The Palestinian Territories, comprising the West Bank and Gaza Strip, have a population of about 5 million. The region has been subject to prolonged conflict and political issues with Israel. It is home to significant religious and historical sites, particularly in Jerusalem.

Bangladesh comes in as the 5th-biggest faller, dropping 11 places from 86th to 97th position over the past 10 years.