SHARKS ARE TERRIFYING. If you don’t agree, you have either never laid eyes on a shark or are missing the part of your brain that controls fear.

However, to be fair to sharks, they are not the mindless killing machines they are often portrayed to be – but amazingly complex creatures. An astounding variety of sharks exist – more than 375 species; many can swim up to 64 kms per hour; they have the ability to problem-solve, cooperate with one another and play; and one species – the Swell Shark – even barks. Yup, like a dog.

And while it’s only right a proper to be paralyzed with fear over a massive fish with rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth, they are not as dangerous as you might think. A person has more of a chance, statistically, of being killed by a falling coconut than in a shark attack, according to the New York Times.

Sharks are also unlikely to attack humans – they usually only do so if they feel threatened or if they are very hungry. Still, if you wants some tips on how to avoid an encounter with one, see the International Shark Attack File for tips.

So which countries have seen the most unprovoked shark attacks?