Rich in culture and home to stunning nature reserves and world-class destinations, Africa offers a wealth of experiences for adventure-seeking tourists worldwide. If you’re planning a trip to Africa and wondering which countries are the safest, a report by the Institute for Economics & Peace, which specializes in ranking the safest and most peaceful countries globally, may be of help.
Emerging Brand Africa explores the top 5 safest African countries:
Mauritius
First, Mauritius, a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean, ranks 28th in the world, boasting a low crime rate with violent crime being quite rare. The republic comprises Mauritius Island and Rodrigues Island.
What’s more, in 2021, this tiny island was the most peaceful nation in Africa. Visiting Mauritius is understandably more expensive than many African countries, but it’s worth it.
Ghana
As of 2022, Ghana is the second safest country in Africa, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI). This West African country ranks 40th in the world, with a GPI score of 1.759, representing an increase compared to 2021.
Overall, the state of peace in the country is high, with Ghana ranked first in sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa. Between 2015 and 2021, Ghana’s GPI score decreased compared to previous years, indicating an increase in the state of peace in the country.
The Gambia
Moreover, the 2022 GPI survey ranks The Gambia as one of the most peaceful countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a population of 2.64 million people in 2021, The Gambia ranks third with an overall score of 1.792 and 45th in the world.
Botswana
Botswana, one of Africa’s most stable countries, is the fourth safest country on the continent. Located in Southern Africa, Botswana has a GPI score of 1.801, ranking 48th in the world. Sparsely populated, the country protects some of Africa’s largest areas of wilderness. Safari-based tourism – tightly controlled and often upmarket – is Botswana’s top foreign exchange earner.
Sierra Leone
Lastly, Sierra Leone is fifth on the list of safest African countries. Known for the white-sand beaches lining the Freetown Peninsula, the country ranks 50th in the world and has a GPI score of 1.803. Rich in diamonds and other minerals, Sierra Leone has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade as the departure point for thousands of West African captives. The country has a tropical climate and is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, birds, and chimpanzees