Dangerzone

Australia is dangerous. Very dangerous. I can't think of a country with more natural hazards. Swim in the ocean and you are going to get stung by a jellyfish, eaten by a shark, taken out to sea by a rip tide or bitten by a sea snake.
Wander around the outback and you are bound to meet one of the world's most poisonous snakes or spiders, or you might get gobbled up by a Crocodile, kicked by a great red kangaroo or failing that, pecked to death by a territoral Cassowary. And if worst comes to worst, sunstroke or dehydration is bound to get you.
Mind you, there aren't as many tropical diseases, earthquakes & volcanoes and carniverous animals as in Asia.

I now think the UN should issue a "Natural Danger Index" for all countries.
And until now I really can't think of a country with a lower NDI than Ireland.

The most dangerous disease is a cold, the weather might throw a hurricane or two at you, but no tornados or anything exciting. Dun Laoghaire might get some big waves, but it's not going to get wiped out by a tsunami. And on the animal front it is positively tame. At best you are going to get your ankles gnawed by a badger or maybe trip over your cat.

How about a new Bord Failte (Irish Tourism Board) campaign -
"Come to Ireland - It's really safe!" or
"Afraid of snakes - Ireland's the place for you!" or
"Don't like the cold? Sick of the heat? - Come to Ireland!"

Speaking of which I would love to see the Lonely Planet Ireland edition. My favourite book always starts with a lovely "Natural Hazards" and a "Diseases" section (Jeez, I really do love that book), which basically gives everybody the willies before they start reading about the country. The CIA says of Ireland natural Hazards - N/A.

Maybe they forgot our pubs...?