Mapped: 20 Safest Countries in Africa in 2025

Africa is home to 54 nations with extraordinary diversity — and many of them are remarkably safe destinations for travelers and residents alike. Using the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), we’ve identified the 20 safest countries in Africa, from the island paradise of Mauritius to the southern African kingdom of Eswatini.

Mauritius leads the continent with a GPI score of 1.586 — ranking an impressive 26th globally, ahead of European nations like Norway (#32) and Italy (#33). In fact, Africa’s top 3 safest countries (Mauritius, Botswana, and Namibia) all rank within the top 50 worldwide, a testament to the stability and safety of southern Africa.

Map: 20 Safest Countries in Africa

Explore the map below. Darker green indicates greater peacefulness.

Interactive Version

Explore the interactive version of this map below. Click on any country for details.

Key Findings

• 🇲🇺 Mauritius is Africa’s safest country for the 2nd consecutive year, ranking 26th globally
• Southern Africa dominates the top 3: Mauritius, Botswana (#43 globally), and Namibia (#50)
• West Africa is well-represented with The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Senegal, and Liberia all in the top 10
• 🇺🇬 Uganda made the biggest leap — climbing 12 spots in the global rankings
• Sub-Saharan Africa’s overall peacefulness deteriorated by 0.17% compared to last year
• To explore the safest countries globally, see our world rankings

The 20 Safest Countries in Africa (2025 GPI Rankings)

1. 🇲🇺 Mauritius — GPI Score: 1.586 (Global #26)

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius ranks as Africa’s most peaceful country and 26th globally — an outstanding achievement. Known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and multicultural society, Mauritius has built one of Africa’s most stable democracies. It scores a perfect 1.000 in the Ongoing Conflict domain, reflecting zero involvement in any armed conflicts.

2. 🇧🇼 Botswana — GPI Score: 1.743 (Global #43)

Botswana has been one of Africa’s great success stories since independence in 1966, transforming from one of the world’s poorest nations into a stable, middle-income democracy. Home to the Okavango Delta and vast wildlife reserves, Botswana offers incredible safari experiences in a notably safe environment. Its strong institutions and well-managed diamond wealth underpin its stability.

3. 🇳🇦 Namibia — GPI Score: 1.789 (Global #50)

Namibia rounds out Africa’s top 3 safest nations, ranking 50th globally. This vast, sparsely populated country in southwestern Africa is famous for the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and the Skeleton Coast. Namibia has maintained political stability since independence in 1990 and boasts one of the most free presses on the continent.

4. 🇬🇲 The Gambia — GPI Score: 1.855 (Global #55)

Africa’s smallest mainland country, The Gambia is a sliver of land along the Gambia River, surrounded by Senegal. Despite its tiny size, it punches above its weight on the peace index, with welcoming locals, a growing tourism industry, and improving democratic governance since the transition of power in 2017.

5. 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone — GPI Score: 1.887 (Global #57)

Sierra Leone has made a remarkable recovery since its devastating civil war ended in 2002. Now ranking #57 globally, the West African nation has steadily improved its peace indicators over the past two decades. Its white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and warm hospitality are drawing a growing number of tourists.

6. 🇲🇬 Madagascar — GPI Score: 1.895 (Global #59)

The world’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar is home to unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth — including lemurs, chameleons, and baobab trees. Despite economic challenges, the island maintains relatively low levels of violence and conflict, contributing to its strong showing on the GPI.

7. 🇬🇭 Ghana — GPI Score: 1.898 (Global #61)

Often called the “Gateway to West Africa,” Ghana is one of the continent’s most stable democracies with a history of peaceful power transitions. The country is a hub for culture, history, and cuisine, from the castles of the Cape Coast to the vibrant markets of Accra. Ghana’s consistent democratic governance makes it a favorite among travelers and expats alike.

8. 🇿🇲 Zambia — GPI Score: 1.914 (Global #65)

Zambia is one of the most politically stable countries in southern Africa, with a strong tradition of peaceful elections. Home to Victoria Falls (shared with Zimbabwe) and some of the continent’s best safari destinations, Zambia offers incredible natural experiences in a safe and welcoming environment.

9. 🇸🇳 Senegal — GPI Score: 1.936 (Global #69)

Senegal is widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable and democratic nations. Dakar, its vibrant capital, is a cultural powerhouse known for art, music, and cuisine. The country has never experienced a coup d’état and has maintained peaceful transfers of power throughout its history.

10. 🇱🇷 Liberia — GPI Score: 1.939 (Global #70)

Liberia has come a long way from its civil wars, which ended in 2003. Now ranking 70th globally, the West African nation continues to rebuild and strengthen its democratic institutions. Its tropical beaches and rainforests hold great tourism potential as stability continues to improve.

11. 🇲🇼 Malawi — GPI Score: 1.955 (Global #71)

Known as “The Warm Heart of Africa” for its exceptionally friendly people, Malawi centers on Lake Malawi — one of the world’s great lakes, home to more fish species than any other lake on Earth. The country is known for low crime rates and political stability.

12. 🇹🇿 Tanzania — GPI Score: 1.965 (Global #73)

Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most iconic destinations — Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar. The East African nation benefits from relative political stability and a strong tourism infrastructure, making it one of the continent’s most visited and safest travel destinations.

13. 🇦🇴 Angola — GPI Score: 1.987 (Global #77)

Angola has steadily improved its peacefulness since its civil war ended in 2002. Rich in oil and natural resources, the southwestern African nation is investing in infrastructure and tourism. Its unspoiled Atlantic coastline and national parks are increasingly drawing visitors.

14. 🇹🇳 Tunisia — GPI Score: 1.998 (Global #81)

Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring, remains one of North Africa’s safest nations. Its Mediterranean coastline, ancient Roman ruins at Carthage, and Saharan landscapes make it a diverse travel destination. The country has worked to rebuild its tourism industry and maintain stability.

15. 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea — GPI Score: 2.004 (Global #82)

Equatorial Guinea is one of Africa’s smallest nations, located on the Gulf of Guinea coast. It ranks well on the GPI due to low levels of domestic and international conflict, though it remains less visited than its neighbors due to limited tourism infrastructure.

16. 🇲🇦 Morocco — GPI Score: 2.012 (Global #85)

Morocco is Africa’s most visited country, drawing over 15 million tourists annually with its vibrant medinas, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and Atlantic coastline. The North African kingdom has invested heavily in security and infrastructure, making it a well-developed and safe travel destination.

17. 🇷🇼 Rwanda — GPI Score: 2.036 (Global #91)

Rwanda’s transformation since the 1994 genocide is one of the most remarkable recovery stories in modern history. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is now one of the cleanest and safest countries in Africa, famous for mountain gorilla trekking and visionary urban planning in Kigali.

18. 🇩🇿 Algeria — GPI Score: 2.042 (Global #92)

Africa’s largest country by land area, Algeria stretches from Mediterranean beaches to deep Saharan dunes. Though less visited than its neighbors Morocco and Tunisia, Algeria offers extraordinary Roman ruins, stunning Saharan landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage in a relatively safe environment.

19. 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire — GPI Score: 2.066 (Global #94)

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) has rebuilt remarkably since its political crises of the 2000s. Now West Africa’s largest economy, it’s a hub of commerce and culture, with Abidjan often called the “Paris of West Africa.” Its improving security situation continues to attract investment and visitors.

20. 🇸🇿 Eswatini — GPI Score: 2.094 (Global #99)

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies. This small landlocked kingdom in southern Africa offers unique cultural experiences, including the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremony, and excellent game reserves. Despite some political tensions, it maintains relatively low levels of violence.

Complete Rankings Table

Africa Rank	Country	GPI Score	Global Rank
1	🇲🇺 Mauritius	1.586	#26
2	🇧🇼 Botswana	1.743	#43
3	🇳🇦 Namibia	1.789	#50
4	🇬🇲 The Gambia	1.855	#55
5	🇸🇱 Sierra Leone	1.887	#57
6	🇲🇬 Madagascar	1.895	#59
7	🇬🇭 Ghana	1.898	#61
8	🇿🇲 Zambia	1.914	#65
9	🇸🇳 Senegal	1.936	#69
10	🇱🇷 Liberia	1.939	#70
11	🇲🇼 Malawi	1.955	#71
12	🇹🇿 Tanzania	1.965	#73
13	🇦🇴 Angola	1.987	#77
14	🇹🇳 Tunisia	1.998	#81
15	🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea	2.004	#82
16	🇲🇦 Morocco	2.012	#85
17	🇷🇼 Rwanda	2.036	#91
18	🇩🇿 Algeria	2.042	#92
19	🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire	2.066	#94
20	🇸🇿 Eswatini	2.094	#99

About the Global Peace Index

The Global Peace Index (GPI) is produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). It ranks 163 countries using 23 indicators across three domains: Societal Safety & Security, Ongoing Conflict, and Militarization. A lower score means more peaceful — the scale runs from 1 (most peaceful) to 5 (least peaceful).