"Failed" is such a harsh word.

Thanks to Vasco Pyjama for highlighting the 2006 Failed States Index report, which Sudan tops, and in which DR Congo remains a steady second.

Criteria include:
- Mounting Demographic Pressures
- Massive Movement of Refugees and IDPs
- Legacy of Vengeance - Seeking Group Grievance
- Chronic and Sustained Human Flight
- Uneven Economic Development along Group Lines
- Sharp and/or Severe Economic Decline
- Criminalization or Delegitimization of the State
- Progressive Deterioration of Public Services
- Widespread Violation of Human Rights
- Security Apparatus as "State within a State"
- Rise of Factionalized Elites
- Intervention of Other States or External Actors