How safe is Africa for women?

Showing 54 of 54 countries

• Seychelles

  Safer choices59 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take normal care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • ✓Women's rights and safety rank well by world standards (40th of 181).

  59 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Seychelles as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowThe best country in Africa for women overall.

  • The best country in Africa for women overall.
  • The US calls it "generally a safe destination".

  Emergency numbers999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: take normal care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 1 of 4 · 9 Dec 2025

  Take normal care

  United Kingdom · 23 Oct 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women40th of 181 countries

  40th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Seychelles, but attitudes vary. Same-sex marriage is not recognised.

  Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Seychelles, but attitudes vary. Same-sex marriage is not recognised.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 42 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 76 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Cabo Verde

  Safer choices58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take normal care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • ✓Women's rights and safety rank well by world standards (62nd of 181).

  58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Cabo Verde as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowSecond best in Africa for women overall.

  • Second best in Africa for women overall.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 130

  • Ambulance: 130
  • Fire: 131
  • Police: 132

  Travel warningsUS: take normal care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 1 of 4 · 18 Dec 2025

  Take normal care

  United Kingdom · 28 Jul 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women62nd of 181 countries

  62nd of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 40 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 86 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Gabon

  Safer choices34 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.
  • ✓Women's rights and safety rank well by world standards (94th of 181).

  34 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Gabon as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime

  Crime

  • There have been incidents of robbery, armed attacks and rape in Gabon.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowOne of only two countries south of the Sahara with a law against the killing of women because they are women (World Bank, 2026).

  • One of only two countries south of the Sahara with a law against the killing of women because they are women (World Bank, 2026).
  • But only about 1 in 3 women feel safe walking at night.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 117. Depending on your mobile network, call: 1300, 0174 or 0880 for SOS Médecins. Operators may only speak French.

  • Ambulance: 117. Depending on your mobile network, call: 1300, 0174 or 0880 for SOS Médecins. Operators may only speak French.
  • Fire: 177
  • Police: 177

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 30 Mar 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: protests and unrest, crime, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 10 Dec 2025

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women94th of 181 countries

  94th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal. There are no laws against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

  Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal. There are no laws against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 233 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 95 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Mauritius

  Safer choices53 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓Women's rights and safety rank well by world standards (94th of 181).

  53 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Mauritius as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowThe most peaceful country in Africa (Global Peace Index, 2026).

  • The most peaceful country in Africa (Global Peace Index, 2026).
  • But the US warns of "verbal harassment and other crimes towards women traveling alone", and the UK mentions sexual assaults on tourists.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 999 or 114

  • Ambulance: 999 or 114
  • Fire: 999 or 115
  • Police: 999 or 112

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 8 Dec 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime

  United Kingdom · 19 Oct 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women94th of 181 countries

  94th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in October 2023. Mauritius is a relatively conservative society and local attitudes to the LGBT+ community vary across the country.

  Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in October 2023. Mauritius is a relatively conservative society and local attitudes to the LGBT+ community vary across the country.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 66 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 89 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Tunisia

  Safer choices55 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓Women's rights and safety rank well by world standards (100th of 181).

  55 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go12 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border

  Do not go

  • The Chaambi Mountains National Park
  • The designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, Mount Mghila

  Only if you must

  In addition

  • Areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park
  • Within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba
  • Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla
  • Within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate
  • Within 10km of Mount Mghila
  • Mount Orbata

  Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border

  Do not go

  • The militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
  • Within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba
  • The town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

  Only if you must

  In addition

  • Within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma but excluding Zarzis, the C118 road and all areas in Medenine Governorate north of the road

  The US also says do not go to: Within 16 km of the Algerian border.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowSexual harassment and sexual assault, dress code

  Sexual harassment and sexual assault

  Reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault statistically increase in the summer months. Reports include trouble in busy public places at night and quieter public parks and beaches during the daytime.

  Dress code

  Beach-appropriate clothing in holiday resorts is acceptable, however when visiting religious sites or remote areas of the country, local custom is to dress modestly.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowThe UK says reports of sexual harassment and assault go up in the summer.

  • The UK says reports of sexual harassment and assault go up in the summer.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 190

  • Ambulance: 190
  • Fire and car accidents: 198
  • Police (when in towns and cities): 197
  • National Guard (when in rural areas and small villages): 193

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 21 May 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: terrorism, crime, protests and unrest

  United Kingdom · 24 Jul 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women100th of 181 countries

  100th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tunisia. Members of the LGBT+ community have been targeted by criminals.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tunisia. Members of the LGBT+ community have been targeted by criminals.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 36 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 64 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 7 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Morocco

  Safer choices57 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓Women's rights and safety rank well by world standards (102nd of 181).

  57 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Morocco as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowMarriage fraud, sexual relations outside of marriage, women travellers

  Marriage fraud

  Be cautious if you travel to Morocco for a relationship or to find someone you met on the internet. Make sure you keep your return ticket, passport and personal belongings safe.

  Sexual relations outside of marriage

  Sexual activity between unmarried people and adultery are illegal for Moroccan nationals, this includes sharing a hotel room, particularly with foreign nationals.

  The law regarding unmarried people sharing a hotel room does not generally apply to visiting foreign nationals, particularly in popular tourist areas.

  Avoid showing affection in public, particularly near religious sites as well as in tourist areas.

  Using dating applications in Morocco may break laws relating to sexual relations outside of marriage. Be aware of the legal and personal safety risks when using these applications.

  Women travellers

  Women may receive unwanted attention in Morocco, especially when travelling alone. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing which cover the arms, legs and chest.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowThe UK says women may get unwanted attention, especially when travelling alone.

  • The UK says women may get unwanted attention, especially when travelling alone.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 150

  • Ambulance: 150
  • Fire: 150
  • Police: 190
  • Gendarmerie (military police): 177

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 4 Sept 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: terrorism

  United Kingdom · 19 Aug 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women102nd of 181 countries

  102nd of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual relations are illegal in Morocco. Showing affection in public can lead to prosecution.

  Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Morocco. Showing affection in public can lead to prosecution.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 70 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 76 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Botswana

  Safer choices27 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.
  • ✓Women's rights and safety rank well by world standards (108th of 181).

  27 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Botswana as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowSexual assault

  Sexual assault

  Botswana has a high number of sexual assaults. While foreign visitors are unlikely to be targeted, women should take care when walking and avoid walking alone at night.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowOne of the most peaceful countries in Africa, but only about 1 in 4 women feel safe walking at night.

  • One of the most peaceful countries in Africa, but only about 1 in 4 women feel safe walking at night.
  • The US warns of break-ins, muggings and thefts from cars.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 997

  • Ambulance: 997
  • Fire: 998
  • Police: 999

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 17 Jun 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime

  United Kingdom · 1 Jun 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women108th of 181 countries

  108th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersAlthough same-sex sexual activity is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and displaying affection in public may attract negative attention.

  Although same-sex sexual activity is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and displaying affection in public may attract negative attention.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 155 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 64 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Senegal

  Go with care48 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take normal care.

  48 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Senegal as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 15

  • Ambulance: 15
  • Fire: 18
  • Police: 17
  • Call 123 for the military police, who may be more responsive if you are in the countryside.

  Travel warningsUS: take normal care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 1 of 4 · 1 Dec 2025

  Take normal care

  United Kingdom · 15 Oct 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women110th of 181 countries

  110th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual acts are illegal in Senegal. The law is enforced and has led to arrests.

  Same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Senegal. The law is enforced and has led to arrests.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 12 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 237 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 73 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• South Africa

  Go with care25 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.

  25 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of South Africa as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime, solo and women travellers

  Crime

  • rape and sexual assault
  • Criminals use dating apps to rob, rape or sexually assault victims.
  • There have been instances of drink spiking involving robbery and sexual assault with both male and female victims.
  • If you think your drink has been spiked, seek immediate medical help and contact the police.

  Solo and women travellers

  Solo and women travellers have received unwanted attention and have been assaulted.

  The US government adds

  • Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowFewer people feel safe at night here than in any other country Gallup asked: 1 in 4 women, compared with 4 in 10 men.

  • Fewer people feel safe at night here than in any other country Gallup asked: 1 in 4 women, compared with 4 in 10 men.
  • The UK says women and solo travellers have received unwanted attention and have been assaulted.

  Emergency numbersAll emergencies from mobiles: 112

  • All emergencies from mobiles: 112
  • Ambulance and fire: 10177
  • Police: 10111
  • National Sea and Rescue Institute: 112 or +27 87 094 9774
  • Wilderness Search and Rescue: +27 21 937 0300

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 27 May 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, terrorism, protests and unrest, kidnapping

  United Kingdom · 5 Nov 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women113th of 181 countries

  113th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal. It is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation.

  Same-sex sexual activity is legal. It is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 118 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 88 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 48 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Ghana

  Go with care62 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  62 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go1 area to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Bawku Municipality

  Only if you must

  • The Bawku Municipal area in the Upper East region of Ghana

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime, dress code

  Crime

  • Theft is the main problem at beaches, but there have been isolated incidents of violent crime and sexual assault in areas popular with tourists.

  Dress code

  Dress modestly in public. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable for both males and females, but it is best not to wear anything too revealing.

  Wearing military clothing including camouflage is illegal.

  The US government adds

  • Exercise increased caution when traveling to Ghana due to crime, poor health infrastructure, violence against women, and violence against lesbian and gay travelers.
  • Violent crime, such as carjacking, street mugging, assault, and rape occurs in Ghana.
  • Sexual assault, such as rape, is significantly underreported in Ghana.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowMoved up 32 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).

  • Moved up 32 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).
  • The UK warns of sexual assault in places popular with tourists.

  Emergency numbers999 or 112 (ambulance, fire, police, coast guard and mountain rescue)

  • 999 or 112 (ambulance, fire, police, coast guard and mountain rescue)
  • 192 (police)

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 7 Jul 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, poor health care, violence against women, violence against lesbian and gay travelers

  United Kingdom · 4 Nov 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women117th of 181 countries

  117th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSome same-sex sexual acts could lead to a prison sentence of between 3 and 25 years. Although there are no records of this being enforced, there were arrests at a gathering of the LGBT+ community in 2021.

  Some same-sex sexual acts could lead to a prison sentence of between 3 and 25 years. Although there are no records of this being enforced, there were arrests at a gathering of the LGBT+ community in 2021.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 234 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 75 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 6 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Rwanda

  Go with care76 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about going · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !The US says to think twice about going.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  76 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go1 area to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Rusizi District

  Only if you must

  • The parts of Rusizi District which are within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport

  The US also says do not go to: Within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowOne of the highest shares of women in Africa who feel safe walking at night.

  • One of the highest shares of women in Africa who feel safe walking at night.
  • The US says think twice mainly because of fighting near the DR Congo border. It says not to go within 10 km of that border.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 112

  • Ambulance: 112
  • Police: 112
  • Fire: 111

  Travel warningsUS: think twice about going · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 3 of 4 · 4 Jun 2026

  Think twice about going

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 4 Sept 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women121st of 181 countries

  121st of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersConsensual same-sex sexual acts are not illegal in Rwanda, but can be frowned upon by locals.

  Consensual same-sex sexual acts are not illegal in Rwanda, but can be frowned upon by locals.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 24 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 229 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 92 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 18 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Tanzania

  Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go1 area to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Only if you must

  • Any area within 20km of the Tanzanian border with the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, due to attacks by groups linked with Islamic extremism

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowSexual assault, harassment, dress code

  Sexual Assault

  Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts.

  You can take steps to reduce your risk:

  • avoid walking alone at night
  • do not leave drinks unattended
  • be wary when dealing with strangers, and anyone offering rides or other invitations

  Harassment

  There have been cases where women travelling alone and in small groups have been verbally harassed.

  Dress code

  Dress modestly throughout Tanzania. Women wearing shorts or sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts in Zanzibar and Pemba, particularly in Stone Town, may cause offence to the local population.

  Zanzibari authorities can fine you 700 US dollars or more if you’re wearing what they consider inappropriate clothing in public. For guides or tour operators, the fine can be at least 1,000 US dollars.

  The US government adds

  • Violent crime happens in Tanzania. It includes assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and express kidnapping.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowThe US warns of unrest, violent crime including sexual assault, and the targeting of gay and lesbian people.

  • The US warns of unrest, violent crime including sexual assault, and the targeting of gay and lesbian people.
  • The UK warns that foreigners have been raped or sexually attacked, including at beach resorts.

  Emergency numbers112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 16 Oct 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, terrorism, poor health care, protests and unrest, arbitrary enforcement of laws, targeting gay and lesbian individuals

  United Kingdom · 30 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women121st of 181 countries

  121st of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Same-sex relationships are not tolerated in Tanzania’s conservative society.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tanzania, including Zanzibar. Same-sex relationships are not tolerated in Tanzania’s conservative society.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 24 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 276 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 16 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Algeria

  Go with care71 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  71 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go2 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Algeria border areas

  Do not go

  • Within 30km of Algeria’s borders with: Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Tunisia, in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area

  Rest of the Algeria-Tunisia border

  Only if you must

  • Within 30km of the rest of Algeria’s border with Tunisia

  The US also says do not go to: Areas near the eastern, and southern borders, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Illiz, In Guezzsam, In Salah, Tamanrasset, the mountainous areas of the Wilaya of Tebessa, and Tindouf.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 1021

  • Ambulance: 1021
  • Fire: 14
  • Police: 17 or 1548

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 25 Aug 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: terrorism, kidnapping

  United Kingdom · 25 Sept 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women123rd of 181 countries

  123rd of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSexual acts between people of the same sex are illegal in Algeria.

  Sexual acts between people of the same sex are illegal in Algeria.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 62 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 58 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 3 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• São Tomé and Príncipe

  Go with care56 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.

  56 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of São Tomé and Príncipe as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 222 22 22

  • Ambulance: 222 22 22
  • Fire: 112
  • Police: 113 or 222 22 22

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 4 Sept 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: poor health care

  United Kingdom · 10 Dec 2025

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women124th of 181 countries

  124th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal in São Tomé and Príncipe. Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

  Same-sex sexual activity is legal in São Tomé and Príncipe. Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 75 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 83 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Egypt

  Go with care76 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  76 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go6 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Egypt-Libya border

  Only if you must

  • Within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where the UK advises against all but essential travel

  North Sinai

  Do not go

  The North Sinai Governorate

  Northern part of South Sinai

  Only if you must

  • The northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula

  Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

  Only if you must

  • The Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal

  Western Desert

  Only if you must

  • The area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for: Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings, the Faiyum Governorate, the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road, the oasis town of Siwa, the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis, the White Desert and Black Desert, the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga, the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley: the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but the UK advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa), the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga, the road between Kharga and Baris, the road between Baris and Luxor

  Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

  Only if you must

  • The Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid

  The US also says do not go to: The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowSexual assault and harassment, dress code

  Sexual assault and harassment

  The majority of cases that have been reported took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region, often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff. There have also been reports of hotel staff discouraging incidents being reported to local police.

  Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone, particularly at night, in taxis.

  Take extra precautions:

  • do not leave children unaccompanied
  • do not allow hotel staff to enter your room when you are alone, try to ensure a friend or relative is present
  • avoid travelling in a taxi alone, if this is not possible, apply extra security by sharing the details of your driver, trip and live location with a friend
  • use reputable providers for any services and excursions, and carry out research beforehand
  • avoid sharing personal contact or social media details

  Dress code

  Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets).

  The US government adds

  • Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowMost women say they feel safe at night, but its laws give women fewer equal rights than almost anywhere else in Africa.

  • Most women say they feel safe at night, but its laws give women fewer equal rights than almost anywhere else in Africa.
  • Made the biggest improvements to women's rights at work of any country in the world, including longer parental leave and equal pay (World Bank, 2026).
  • The UK says sexual assaults have been reported to its embassy.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 123

  • Ambulance: 123
  • Fire: 180
  • Police: 122
  • Tourist police: 126

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 15 Jul 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: terrorism, crime, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 27 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women125th of 181 countries

  125th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt. However, the Egyptian authorities have prosecuted LGBT+ people under ‘debauchery’ laws, including people flying rainbow flags at public events.

  Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt. However, the Egyptian authorities have prosecuted LGBT+ people under ‘debauchery’ laws, including people flying rainbow flags at public events.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 15 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 17 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 51 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 52 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Lesotho

  Go with care29 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.

  29 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Lesotho as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime

  Crime

  • Most crimes based on gender are between people who already know each other, but violence towards women and girls happens in all areas of the country.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbers112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 17 Jun 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 10 Dec 2025

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women126th of 181 countries

  126th of 181 countries in the world.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersShowing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

  Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 478 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Libya

  Avoid77 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go · some areas off-limits

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  77 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goThe US says do not go at all

  The US says do not travel to Libya at all.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Do not go

  • Libya except for the cities of: Tripoli, Benghazi, Al-Bayda and Derna, and the surrounding area known as Jebel Akhdar, either side of the coastal and desert roads between and including the towns of Al-Maqrun and Al-Tamimi, Misrata

  Only if you must

  • The cities of: Tripoli, Benghazi, Al-Bayda and Derna, and the surrounding area knows as Jebel Akhdar, either side of the coastal and desert roads between and including the towns of Al-Maqrun and Al-Tamimi, Misrata

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbers1415 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 1415 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 31 Aug 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: crime, terrorism, poor health care, protests and unrest, kidnapping, landmines

  United Kingdom · 21 Jul 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women128th of 181 countries

  128th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersConsensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal for men and women in Libya, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment.

  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal for men and women in Libya, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 59 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 50 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 34 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Namibia

  Go with care44 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  44 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Namibia as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to know4th in the world for equality between women and men, the best south of the Sahara (World Economic Forum, 2026).

  • 4th in the world for equality between women and men, the best south of the Sahara (World Economic Forum, 2026).
  • But fewer than half of women feel safe walking at night.

  Emergency numbers10111, 999, 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 10111, 999, 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 15 May 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 10 Dec 2025

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women128th of 181 countries

  128th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relationships are not illegal in Namibia. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal, but generally not prosecuted.

  Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Namibia. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal, but generally not prosecuted.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 139 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 80 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Sierra Leone

  Go with care50 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.

  50 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Sierra Leone as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbers117 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 117 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 15 Sept 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 19 Jun 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women133rd of 181 countries

  133rd of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relations between men are illegal in Sierra Leone, even if they are consensual. Penalties can include imprisonment.

  Same-sex relations between men are illegal in Sierra Leone, even if they are consensual. Penalties can include imprisonment.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 20 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 354 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 93 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Angola

  Go with care58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go2 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Cabinda Province, except Cabinda city

  Only if you must

  • Cabinda Province, except to Cabinda city. This is due to separatist groups carrying out targeted attacks on foreigners and the risk of kidnap

  Border areas in Lunda Norte Province

  Only if you must

  • Within 1km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Lunda Norte province, except for official border crossings and their access roads. This is due to poor conditions, insecurity and banditry

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowSexual assault

  Sexual assault

  Incidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife areas, as well as in private homes. Never travel alone at night.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowMoved up 30 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).

  • Moved up 30 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 112

  • Ambulance: 112
  • Fire: 118
  • Police: 110

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 5 Mar 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, poor health care, protests and unrest, landmines

  United Kingdom · 28 May 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women133rd of 181 countries

  133rd of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersIn January 2019, Angola’s parliament made it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation. However, public attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK.

  In January 2019, Angola’s parliament made it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation. However, public attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 25 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 183 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 79 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 2 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Comoros

  Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Comoros as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowDress and behaviour codes

  Dress and behaviour codes

  Clothing for men and women needs to cover the body loosely, from the shoulders to the knees.

  Islanders mostly consider outward displays of intimacy to be contrary to public decency.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersFire: 113 or 114

  • Fire: 113 or 114
  • Police: 117

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 12 Jan 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 10 Dec 2025

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women135th of 181 countries

  135th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Comoros. If convicted you could get a prison sentence of up to 5 years and heavy fines.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Comoros. If convicted you could get a prison sentence of up to 5 years and heavy fines.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 8 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 179 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 65 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Zimbabwe

  Go with care33 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.

  33 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Zimbabwe as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCamouflage clothing

  Camouflage clothing

  It is illegal for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbers112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
  • Econet (mobile service provider) subscribers: 112
  • NetOne (mobile service provider) subscribers: 114
  • Landline: 0800 3222 911

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 27 Jun 2023

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, official harassment of US citizens

  United Kingdom · 15 Jul 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women135th of 181 countries

  135th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSex between men and same-sex marriage are illegal in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean society remains conservative towards same-sex relations, especially between men.

  Sex between men and same-sex marriage are illegal in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean society remains conservative towards same-sex relations, especially between men.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 358 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 87 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Côte d'Ivoire

  Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go4 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Borders with Burkina Faso and Mali

  Do not go

  • Within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali
  • Northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces
  • Comoé National Park

  Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia border

  Only if you must

  • Within 20km of the border with Liberia owing to the risk of serious violence by local militias

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowDress code

  Dress code

  Dress modestly when visiting religious places or buildings.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 185

  • Ambulance: 185
  • Fire: 180
  • Police: 110, 111 or 170

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 18 Feb 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, terrorism, protests and unrest, poor health care, piracy at sea

  United Kingdom · 29 May 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women137th of 181 countries

  137th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Côte d’Ivoire, but the law does not recognise same-sex partnerships or marriage. Attitudes are less tolerant and there is no specific anti-discrimination law to protect LGBT+ people.

  Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Côte d’Ivoire, but the law does not recognise same-sex partnerships or marriage. Attitudes are less tolerant and there is no specific anti-discrimination law to protect LGBT+ people.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 359 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 95 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Benin

  Go with care58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go6 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Northern border regions

  Do not go

  • The Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of Mékrou and Djona. The park is tri-national, sharing an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout the park

  Do not go

  • The area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger
  • The Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds
  • All other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso

  Eastern Benin

  Only if you must

  • The area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and the Benin-Nigeria border, due to increasing criminality

  Alibori and Atacora

  Only if you must

  • The rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments

  The US also says do not go to: Areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara; The border region in northern or northeastern Benin.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersFire and ambulance: 118

  • Fire and ambulance: 118
  • Police: 117

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 7 Jan 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: protests and unrest, crime, terrorism, kidnapping

  United Kingdom · 4 Nov 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women138th of 181 countries

  138th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Showing affection in public can receive negative attention.

  Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Showing affection in public can receive negative attention.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 15 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 518 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 84 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Uganda

  Avoid44 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  44 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goThe US says do not go at all

  The US says do not travel to Uganda at all.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowFood and drink spiking, wearing military-style clothing

  Food and drink spiking

  Travellers have been drugged and robbed on public transport and in bars. Do not accept food and drink from strangers.

  Wearing military-style clothing

  It is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in military-style clothing. This includes clothing with marks, badges or symbols and accessories associated with the Ugandan military, camouflage clothing and red berets. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when convicted.

  The US government adds

  • Violent crime is a real danger in Uganda. This includes armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowThe US says do not go, and names violent crime including sexual assault.

  • The US says do not go, and names violent crime including sexual assault.

  Emergency numbers999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 4 Jun 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: crime, poor health care, terrorism, protests and unrest

  United Kingdom · 28 Oct 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women138th of 181 countries

  138th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Uganda.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Uganda.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 26 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 170 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 84 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 16 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Republic of the Congo

  Go with care45 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.

  45 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go1 area to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border area in Likouala Region

  Do not go

  • Within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border in Likouala Region

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowOne of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).

  • One of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).

  Emergency numbersThere’s no central number for emergency services in the Republic of Congo. You can report crimes to local police on 06 665 4804. Few police will speak English.

  • There’s no central number for emergency services in the Republic of Congo. You can report crimes to local police on 06 665 4804. Few police will speak English.

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 2 Oct 2024

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime

  United Kingdom · 27 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women140th of 181 countries

  140th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 19 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 241 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 58 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Zambia

  Go with care35 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take normal care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take normal care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.

  35 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Zambia as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowOne of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).

  • One of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).

  Emergency numbersPolice: 991

  • Police: 991
  • Ambulance: 992
  • Fire: 993

  Travel warningsUS: take normal care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 1 of 4 · 31 Jul 2023

  Take normal care

  United Kingdom · 1 Jun 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women142nd of 181 countries

  142nd of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia, and anyone convicted can get a long prison sentence.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia, and anyone convicted can get a long prison sentence.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 28 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 85 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Togo

  Go with care43 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  43 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go2 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Togo-Burkina Faso border

  Do not go

  • Within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso, except for: the city of Dapaong and the N1 highway leading to it from the south

  Savanes Region

  Only if you must

  The rest of the Savanes region

  The US also says do not go to: Northern border region near Burkina Faso.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowIts laws give women the most equal rights at work and with money of any country in Africa.

  • Its laws give women the most equal rights at work and with money of any country in Africa.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 8200

  • Ambulance: 8200
  • Fire: 118
  • Police: 117 or 177

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 9 Mar 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, terrorism, protests and unrest, kidnapping, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 4 Nov 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women143rd of 181 countries

  143rd of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual relationships are illegal in Togo and penalties are severe. You could be fined or given a prison sentence.

  Same-sex sexual relationships are illegal in Togo and penalties are severe. You could be fined or given a prison sentence.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 349 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 98 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 16 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Djibouti

  Go with care58 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  58 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go1 area to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Djibouti-Eritrea border

  Do not go

  The Djibouti-Eritrea border

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 21 35 09 62 or 21 35 27 12

  • Ambulance: 21 35 09 62 or 21 35 27 12
  • Fire: 18
  • Police: 17

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 6 Mar 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: terrorism

  United Kingdom · 27 Jul 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women146th of 181 countries

  146th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual behaviour is not illegal but is not common in Djiboutian public life. Same-sex couples showing affection in public could attract the attention of the authorities under laws around “good morals”.

  Same-sex sexual behaviour is not illegal but is not common in Djiboutian public life. Same-sex couples showing affection in public could attract the attention of the authorities under laws around “good morals”.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 162 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 71 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Eswatini

  Go with care32 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.

  32 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Eswatini as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 977

  • Ambulance: 977
  • Fire: 933
  • Police: 999

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 10 Jul 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest

  United Kingdom · 10 Dec 2025

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women148th of 181 countries

  148th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Eswatini. LGBT+ people experience discrimination, and many are not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Eswatini. LGBT+ people experience discrimination, and many are not open about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 118 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 46 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 100 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Malawi

  Go with care46 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.

  46 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Malawi as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowDrink and food spiking, clothing sensitivities

  Drink and food spiking

  People have been robbed after eating drugged food. Do not accept food or drink from strangers.

  Clothing sensitivities

  Outside the main tourist areas, dress conservatively to avoid offending local sensitivities.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 998

  • Ambulance: 998
  • Fire: 999
  • Police: 990 or 997

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 14 May 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest

  United Kingdom · 20 Oct 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women150th of 181 countries

  150th of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal and may result in a custodial sentence. Malawi is a socially conservative society and showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and may result in a custodial sentence. Malawi is a socially conservative society and showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 225 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 80 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Mozambique

  Go with care45 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.

  45 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go4 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Cabo Delgado Province

  Do not go

  • Cabo Delgado Province, except for Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi

  Only if you must

  • Palma town and the area around Pemba and Afungi

  Nampula Province

  Do not go

  • The districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province

  Niassa Province

  Do not go

  • The districts of Mecula and Marrupa in Niassa Province

  The US also says do not go to: Cabo Delgado Province, Niassa Special Reserve inside Niassa Province, certain districts in the north of Nampula Province.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersCall 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • Call 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
  • Ambulance: 848888 or 823388
  • Fire: 198
  • Police: 112

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 21 Aug 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: terrorism, crime, poor health care, protests and unrest

  United Kingdom · 20 Aug 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women151st of 181 countries

  151st of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersThere are no laws against same-sex sexual activity. Attitudes in Maputo tend to be more liberal than in more remote rural areas of the country.

  There are no laws against same-sex sexual activity. Attitudes in Maputo tend to be more liberal than in more remote rural areas of the country.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 82 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 83 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 47 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Kenya

  Go with care40 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about going · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !The US says to think twice about going.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  40 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go8 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast

  Do not go

  Due to the risk of terrorism from groups based in Somalia

  • Mandera County
  • Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, except for Wajir Town
  • Areas of Wajir County within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia
  • Garissa County, except for Garissa Town, the constituency of Lagdera and the areas of Balambala constituency which lie north and west of the main road which runs from Saka on the Tana River up to the intersection with the C81 Road
  • Lamu County, except for Lamu Island and Manda Island

  Only if you must

  • Garissa Town
  • Tana River County north of the Tana River as far as the town of Saka
  • Within 15km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River

  The US also says do not go to: The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera; The counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi; West Pokot County and western Turkana County; Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowDrink and food spiking, attacks and sexual assault, dress code

  Drink and food spiking

  Do not accept drinks or food from strangers in bars or clubs. Criminals spike drinks to weaken and confuse their victims and then commit theft or sexual assault.

  Attacks and sexual assault

  Sexual assaults are rare, but do happen, and can affect both male and female travellers.

  Dress code

  The coastal areas of Kenya are mainly Muslim. Show courtesy by dressing conservatively away from tourist resorts and hotels, particularly in Mombasa. Wearing holiday-style clothing is likely to get negative attention at religious sites or buildings.

  The US government adds

  • Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping for ransom.
  • Some Americans have been victims of sexual assault in bars and resorts/hotels.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowMoved up 33 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men, the biggest jump of any country (World Economic Forum, 2026).

  • Moved up 33 places in the world ranking for equality between women and men, the biggest jump of any country (World Economic Forum, 2026).
  • The UK says sexual assaults are rare but do happen, to men and women.

  Emergency numbers999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: think twice about going · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 3 of 4 · 19 Oct 2026

  Think twice about going

  Because of: poor health care, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, protests and unrest, dangerous roads

  United Kingdom · 30 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women152nd of 181 countries

  152nd of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal and same-sex relationships are not tolerated in Kenya’s conservative society. Showing affection in public could lead to arrest and imprisonment.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and same-sex relationships are not tolerated in Kenya’s conservative society. Showing affection in public could lead to arrest and imprisonment.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 23 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 379 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 84 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 21 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Gambia

  Go with care39 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.

  39 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Gambia as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersNo single national number

  There is no single national emergency number in The Gambia. Individual police stations and fire stations have their own numbers (these are often mobile numbers, as many do not have a landline). There are no publications listing these numbers so it is best to visit in-person to ask for emergency contact details at local stations.

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 16 Jan 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 7 Jul 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women153rd of 181 countries

  153rd of 181 countries in the world.

  About average for Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersThere is a zero tolerance towards LGBT+ people in The Gambia. Same-sex relationships are illegal and could lead to lengthy prison sentences.

  There is a zero tolerance towards LGBT+ people in The Gambia. Same-sex relationships are illegal and could lead to lengthy prison sentences.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 10 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 354 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 69 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 9 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Guinea

  Go with care56 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  56 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Guinea as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersClinique Pasteur: +224 621 35 01 01 or +224 664 26 98 53

  • Clinique Pasteur: +224 621 35 01 01 or +224 664 26 98 53
  • Clinique Ambroise Paré: +224 631 40 10 40

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 25 Feb 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 12 Aug 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women154th of 181 countries

  154th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal. Penalties range from 6 months to 3 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 to 1 million Guinean francs.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Penalties range from 6 months to 3 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 to 1 million Guinean francs.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 494 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 74 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Ethiopia

  Go with care52 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about going · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !The US says to think twice about going.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  52 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go32 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Border areas

  Do not go

  • Within 20km of the border with Sudan
  • Within 10km of the border with South Sudan
  • Within 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale
  • Within 10km of the border with Kenya, except the Addis Ababa, Moyale road and Moyale, where the UK advises against all but essential travel
  • Within 20km of the border with Eritrea

  Tigray region

  Do not go

  Tigray region

  Amhara region

  Do not go

  Amhara region

  Afar region

  Do not go

  Within 20km of the border with Eritrea

  Do not go

  • Within 50km of the boundary with Tigray region

  Only if you must

  The rest of Afar

  Gambela region

  Do not go

  Gambela region

  Oromia region

  Do not go

  • Within 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns
  • North of (but not including) the A4 road in West Shewa zone
  • South and west of the A3 road in North Shewa zone, including the A3 road itself in North Shewa
  • West Wollega zone (including the main Addis Ababa to Gambela road), East Wollega zone, Kellem Wollega and Horo Gudru Wollega

  Only if you must

  • All of East Shewa zone except the Addis Ababa to Adama Expressway, 10km either side of the Addis Ababa to Adaba expressway between Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, and the A7 from junction with the Addis Ababa to Adama expressway down to Hawassa
  • The A4 road between Addis Ababa and Cheliya, except for the section in the Finfine special zone
  • The remainder of North Shewa zone
  • West Guji and Guji zones (except the Hawassa to Mega road)

  Somali region

  Do not go

  • Within 30km of the Ethiopia-Somalia border in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale
  • Within 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in the rest of the region

  Only if you must

  • The Siti zone
  • The Nogob (previously Fik)
  • Jarar (previously Degehabur)
  • Shabelle (previously Gode)
  • Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder)
  • Areas of Liben and Afder zones more than 100km from the Somalia and Kenya borders

  Central, Southern, Sidama and South West regions (formerly SNNPR)

  Do not go

  • Within 10km of the borders with South Sudan and Kenya including the shores of Lake Turkana

  Benishangul-Gumuz region

  Do not go

  Within 20km of the border with Sudan, The Metekel zone, The Maokomo special zone

  Only if you must

  The rest of Benishangul-Gumuz region

  The US also says do not go to: Tigray region and border with Eritrea.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime, dress code

  Crime

  • There have been a number of incidents of sexual harassment of women.

  Dress code

  Women are expected to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowOne of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).

  • One of only three countries south of the Sahara whose laws fully protect women from sexual harassment (World Bank, 2026).

  Emergency numbersPolice and emergency: 911

  • Police and emergency: 911
  • Ambulance (Addis Ababa): 907

  Travel warningsUS: think twice about going · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 3 of 4 · 27 Aug 2026

  Think twice about going

  Because of: protests and unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, phone and internet cuts, being stopped from leaving

  United Kingdom · 30 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women156th of 181 countries

  156th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal and carry penalties of between 1 and 15 years in prison. Local authorities intimidate and detain owners and clients of hotels, bars and restaurants in Addis Ababa where same-sex activity is alleged to take place.

  Same-sex acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal and carry penalties of between 1 and 15 years in prison. Local authorities intimidate and detain owners and clients of hotels, bars and restaurants in Addis Ababa where same-sex activity is alleged to take place.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 27 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 195 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 80 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 68 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Liberia

  Go with care29 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  29 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Liberia as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowSexual assault

  Sexual assault

  Liberia has a high rate of rape and sexual assault. There have been cases of rapes and attempted rapes of foreign women, although these are rare.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersPolice: +231 770 800 911

  • Police: +231 770 800 911

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 11 Dec 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 27 May 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women157th of 181 countries

  157th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Liberia.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Liberia.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 27 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 628 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 81 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 42 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Guinea-Bissau

  Go with care48 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about going

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • !The US says to think twice about going.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  48 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Guinea-Bissau as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 1313

  • Ambulance: 1313
  • Fire: 1313
  • Police: 117

  Travel warningsUS: think twice about going · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 3 of 4 · 11 Dec 2025

  Think twice about going

  Because of: protests and unrest, poor health care, landmines

  United Kingdom · 10 Dec 2025

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women159th of 181 countries

  159th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual relationships are not criminalised. However, Guinea-Bissau is a conservative society and same-sex couples showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

  Same-sex sexual relationships are not criminalised. However, Guinea-Bissau is a conservative society and same-sex couples showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 505 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 52 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Burkina Faso

  Avoid63 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !The UK says do not travel anywhere in the country.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  63 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goDo not go anywhere in the country

  The UK says do not travel anywhere in Burkina Faso.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Do not go

  Burkina Faso

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 18

  • Ambulance: 18
  • Fire: 18
  • Police: 17

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: do not go

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 4 May 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: crime, kidnapping, terrorism, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 26 Oct 2026

  Do not go

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women160th of 181 countries

  160th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame sex sexual activity and the ‘promotion’ of same-sex relationships is a criminal offence in Burkina Faso. If convicted, such charges could lead to prison sentences of up to 5 years.

  Same sex sexual activity and the ‘promotion’ of same-sex relationships is a criminal offence in Burkina Faso. If convicted, such charges could lead to prison sentences of up to 5 years.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 11 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 242 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 83 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 85 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Nigeria

  Go with care51 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about going · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !The US says to think twice about going.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  51 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go23 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  North East Nigeria

  Do not go

  Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State

  Only if you must

  Bauchi State

  North West Nigeria

  Do not go

  Katsina State, Zamfara State, Sokoto State

  Only if you must

  Kaduna State, Kano State, Kebbi State, Jigawa State

  North Central Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja

  Only if you must

  Niger State, Kogi State, Plateau State, Taraba State, Kwara State, Benue State

  South East and South South Nigeria

  Do not go

  • The riverine areas (the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road) of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states

  Only if you must

  • Abia State
  • Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States
  • Anambra State
  • Imo State

  The US also says do not go to: Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, northern Adamawa states.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime against women

  The US government adds

  • Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowMore mothers die in childbirth here than in any other country in the world.

  • More mothers die in childbirth here than in any other country in the world.

  Emergency numbers112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: think twice about going · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 3 of 4 · 12 Jun 2026

  Think twice about going

  Because of: crime, terrorism, protests and unrest, kidnapping, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 28 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women162nd of 181 countries

  162nd of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Some northern states observe Sharia Law which can prescribe the death penalty for same-sex sexual activity.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Some northern states observe Sharia Law which can prescribe the death penalty for same-sex sexual activity.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 993 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 66 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 60 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Niger

  Avoid63 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !The UK says do not travel anywhere in the country.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  63 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goDo not go anywhere in the country

  The UK says do not travel anywhere in Niger.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 15

  • Ambulance: 15
  • Fire: 18
  • Police: 17

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: do not go

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 9 Jul 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, terrorism, poor health care, kidnapping

  United Kingdom · 23 Oct 2026

  Do not go

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women163rd of 181 countries

  163rd of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relationships are illegal in Niger. Penalties include prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and fines.

  Same-sex relationships are illegal in Niger. Penalties include prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and fines.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 13 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 350 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 54 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 30 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Mali

  Avoid67 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !The UK says do not travel anywhere in the country.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  67 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goDo not go anywhere in the country

  The UK says do not travel anywhere in Mali.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Do not go

  • The whole of the Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowOne of only two countries south of the Sahara with a law against the killing of women because they are women (World Bank, 2026).

  • One of only two countries south of the Sahara with a law against the killing of women because they are women (World Bank, 2026).

  Emergency numbersPolice: 17

  • Police: 17
  • Ambulance: 15
  • Fire: 18

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: do not go

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 8 Jun 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: crime, terrorism, protests and unrest, kidnapping, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 10 Jul 2026

  Do not go

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women164th of 181 countries

  164th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersHomosexuality is illegal in Mali. In December 2024, Mali’s National Transitional Council promulgated a new Penal Code which criminalises the promotion or participation in consensual same-sex relationships.

  Homosexuality is illegal in Mali. In December 2024, Mali’s National Transitional Council promulgated a new Penal Code which criminalises the promotion or participation in consensual same-sex relationships.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 367 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 64 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 66 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Chad

  Avoid43 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go · some areas off-limits

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  43 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goThe US says do not go at all

  The US says do not travel to Chad at all.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Borkou, Ennedi Ouest, Ennedi Est and Tibesti provinces

  Do not go

  • The northern provinces of Chad: Borkou Province, Ennedi Ouest Province, Ennedi Est Province, Tibesti Province

  Kanem Province, including Nokou

  Do not go

  • The western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou

  Lake Chad region

  Do not go

  The Lake Chad region

  Within 30km of all Chad’s other borders

  Do not go

  • Within 30km of all of Chad’s other borders

  The rest of Chad

  Only if you must

  • The rest of Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime against women

  The US government adds

  • Violent crimes include muggings, purse snatching, armed robbery, home invasion, carjacking, and sexual assault.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowOne of the lowest scores in the world for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).

  • One of the lowest scores in the world for equality between women and men (World Economic Forum, 2026).

  Emergency numbersAmbulance and fire: 112 or 18

  • Ambulance and fire: 112 or 18
  • Police: 2020 or 117

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 28 Apr 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: crime, terrorism, protests and unrest, poor health care, kidnapping, landmines

  United Kingdom · 4 Nov 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women165th of 181 countries

  165th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Chad, with penalties of imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 2 years and a fine of between 50,000 and 500,000 CFA francs. Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted by Chadian society.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Chad, with penalties of imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 2 years and a fine of between 50,000 and 500,000 CFA francs. Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted by Chadian society.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 16 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 748 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 66 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 19 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Mauritania

  Go with care60 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about going · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !The US says to think twice about going.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  60 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go4 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Eastern Mauritania

  Do not go

  • Areas east of a line drawn between but excluding the towns of Kankossa, Akhreijit, Ghallaouia, Zouerat, Fderîck and onwards west to the border with Western Sahara

  Mauritania-Mali border

  Do not go

  • Areas within 25km of the Malian border in the south, including Khabou

  Mauritania-Western Sahara border

  Only if you must

  • Areas within 25km of the Western Sahara border, excluding the section of the Nouakchott-Nouadhibou road and the city of Nouadhibou

  Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hodh el Gharbi, Assaba, Gorgol and Guidimaka provinces

  Only if you must

  • The rest of the province of Tiris Zemmour, Assaba, Hodh el Gharbi, Gorgol and Guidimaka, and areas of Adrar and Tagant provinces, west of a line drawn between the towns of Ghallaouia, Akhreijit and Kankossa. This excludes: the areas west of a line running between Choum, Ouadane and where the 10th Meridian West meets latitude 18° 40°, the town of Ouadane, the Tidjikja-Tichit road, the Aleg to Tidjikja road via Moudjeria and all areas of Tagant west of that road, the Bogue to Kaedi road via Bababe

  The US also says do not go to: Areas marked off-limits by the Mauritanian military.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowDress code

  Dress code

  You should dress modestly when not on the beach. Women should cover their shoulders and not wear short skirts. Men should not wear sleeveless tops or shorts.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 101

  • Ambulance: 101
  • Fire: 118
  • Police: 117

  Travel warningsUS: think twice about going · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 3 of 4 · 18 Aug 2026

  Think twice about going

  Because of: terrorism, crime, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 19 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women166th of 181 countries

  166th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersThere are no laws in Mauritania to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination.

  There are no laws in Mauritania to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 18 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 381 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 48 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 57 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Madagascar

  Go with care38 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Fewer than 4 in 10 women feel safe walking alone at night.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  38 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Madagascar as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowRecently allowed women to work in jobs that used to be closed to them (World Bank, 2026).

  • Recently allowed women to work in jobs that used to be closed to them (World Bank, 2026).

  Emergency numbersAmbulance or police emergency: 17

  • Ambulance or police emergency: 17
  • Ambulance or police emergency: Mobile: 117
  • Ambulance or police emergency: To contact the police station directly, call 19, or 119 from a mobile phone.
  • Fire: 18
  • Fire: Mobile: 118

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 5 Dec 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, protests and unrest, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 3 Nov 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women168th of 181 countries

  168th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal among persons of at least 21 years old. However public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may receive negative attention.

  Same-sex sexual activity is legal among persons of at least 21 years old. However public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may receive negative attention.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 445 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 69 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Somalia

  Avoid82 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go · some areas off-limits

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  82 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goThe US says do not go at all

  The US says do not travel to Somalia at all.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Parts of Somalia, including Somaliland

  Do not go

  • Somalia, including Somaliland, except for the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil

  Only if you must

  • The regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime against women

  The US government adds

  • There are documented patterns of rape.
  • Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is practiced throughout the country.
  • Up to 98 percent of Somali women have undergone FGM/C.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowMore women here say they feel safe at night than anywhere else in Africa, yet the US and UK both say do not go. Feeling safe where you live is not the same as being safe as a visitor.

  • More women here say they feel safe at night than anywhere else in Africa, yet the US and UK both say do not go. Feeling safe where you live is not the same as being safe as a visitor.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 999

  • Ambulance: 999
  • Fire: 555
  • Police: 888
  • These emergency numbers can be unreliable. The Somali Red Crescent operates a free number for all emergency services on 446.

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 21 May 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: crime, kidnapping, terrorism, protests and unrest, poor health care, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women, systematic mistreatment of gay and lesbian individuals, piracy at sea, abuse of residents in rehabilitation centers, confiscation of passports by family members

  United Kingdom · 4 Jun 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women170th of 181 countries

  170th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Somalia. LGBT+ partners should not show affection in public.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Somalia. LGBT+ partners should not show affection in public.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 20 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 563 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 47 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 45 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Cameroon

  Go with care41 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  41 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go10 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Bakassi Peninsula

  Do not go

  Bakassi Peninsula

  Cameroon-Central African Republic border

  Do not go

  • Within 40km of the border with Central African Republic

  Cameroon-Chad border

  Do not go

  Within 40km of the border with Chad

  Cameroon-Nigeria border

  Do not go

  • Within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except for Garoua in the North Region

  Far-North Region

  Do not go

  • The Far-North Region, except for: a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, 30km south of Maroua

  North-West Region

  Do not go

  The North-West Region

  South-West Region

  Do not go

  • The South-West Region, including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division. Except for: Limbé, the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division

  Limbé

  Only if you must

  • Limbé and the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region

  North Region, Adamawa Region and Maroua

  Only if you must

  • The North Region, including Garoua, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far-North Region

  Adamawa Region

  Only if you must

  • Within 20km of the border with the North region of Cameroon. The UK advises against all travel to within 40km of the Central African Republic (CAR) and Nigeria borders

  The US also says do not go to: The Southwest, Northwest, and Far North Regions; Within 20 kilometers of the borders with Central African Republic, Chad, and Nigeria.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCamouflage clothing

  Camouflage clothing

  It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are in the armed forces. Penalties may include a fine and detention.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 112

  • Ambulance: 112
  • Fire: 119
  • Police: 117

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 15 May 2026

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, terrorism, protests and unrest, poor health care, kidnapping, roadside bombs

  United Kingdom · 9 Feb 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women171st of 181 countries

  171st of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relationships are not widely accepted in central African society, and same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Cameroon. Same-sex partners have been arrested and prosecuted.

  Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in central African society, and same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Cameroon. Same-sex partners have been arrested and prosecuted.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 258 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 60 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 89 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• South Sudan

  Avoid43 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !The UK says do not travel anywhere in the country.
  • !Fewer women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  43 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Worse than most of AfricaFrom a 2017 survey.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goDo not go anywhere in the country

  The UK says do not travel anywhere in South Sudan.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Do not go

  • South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime

  Crime

  • Armed men at checkpoints have been known to demand money from drivers and abuse people, especially women.

  The US government adds

  • Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersNo single national number

  There are no central emergency numbers in South Sudan.

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: do not go

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 17 May 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: protests and unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 25 Aug 2026

  Do not go

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women173rd of 181 countries

  173rd of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relationships are not culturally accepted. Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

  Same-sex relationships are not culturally accepted. Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 27 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 692 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 68 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 42 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Burundi

  Go with care62 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: think twice about going · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !The US says to think twice about going.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  62 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of AfricaFrom a 2018 survey.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go2 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Parts of Bujumbura Province

  Do not go

  • Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

  Do not go

  • Parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke and west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC, including Rusizi National Park (also known as Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve). This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC

  The US also says do not go to: The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbers112 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
  • You can also request help from the Red Cross by calling 109.

  Travel warningsUS: think twice about going · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 3 of 4 · 29 Apr 2025

  Think twice about going

  Because of: protests and unrest, crime, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 21 May 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women174th of 181 countries

  174th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual acts are illegal. Punishment includes a prison sentence of between 3 months and 2 years and a fine.

  Same-sex sexual acts are illegal. Punishment includes a prison sentence of between 3 months and 2 years and a fine.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 22 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 392 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 76 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 100 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• DR Congo

  Avoid45 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go · some areas off-limits

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  45 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for Africa

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goThe US says do not go at all

  The US says do not travel to DR Congo at all.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Areas in Kinshasa Province

  Only if you must

  • The districts of N’djili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa city south of the main access road to N’djili airport, in Nsele commune
  • The N1 road in Kinshasa Province, between and including Menkao to the west, Kenge to the east, the border of Mai-Ndombe province to the north, and 10km to the south

  DRC-Central African Republic border

  Do not go

  • Within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic

  Eastern DRC

  Do not go

  • The provinces of: Haut-Uélé and Ituri, including the entire DRC-South Sudan border, North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema, Tanganyika, Haut-Lomami

  South-East DRC

  Only if you must

  • Upemba National Park. If you choose to travel to Upemba National Park against UK advice, notify the park authorities about your travel plans

  Territory in Mai-Ndombe Province

  Do not go

  • The Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province. This is between, and including, the towns of Kwamouth, Bandundu and the southern border of Mai-Ndombe province

  Kisangani airport

  Only if you must

  • Bangoka International Airport, Kisangani due to multiple drone attacks in the area of Kisangani airport

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCamouflage clothing

  Camouflage clothing

  If you wear any military-style clothing you could be misidentified as military personnel and be vulnerable to attack or detention.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Good to knowMore women are hurt by a partner here than anywhere else in Africa: about 1 in 3 in the past year.

  • More women are hurt by a partner here than anywhere else in Africa: about 1 in 3 in the past year.

  Emergency numbersNo single national number

  There is no general emergency medical number in Kinshasa or elsewhere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 15 Jul 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: poor health care, crime, protests and unrest, terrorism, kidnapping

  United Kingdom · 8 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women175th of 181 countries

  175th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal in DRC but is frowned upon by many. There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples or same-sex marriage, and there are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LBGT+ people.

  Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in DRC but is frowned upon by many. There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples or same-sex marriage, and there are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LBGT+ people.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 36 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 427 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 79 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 31 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Sudan

  Avoid52 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go · some areas off-limits

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  52 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goThe US says do not go at all

  The US says do not travel to Sudan at all.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Only if you must

  • Sudan because of the ongoing military conflict in Khartoum and other parts of the country. This does not include the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid where the UK advises against all but essential travel

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowDress code, relationships outside marriage

  Dress code

  Non-Muslim women do not have to wear a veil or cover their heads. Men and women should dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.

  Relationships outside marriage

  It’s illegal to have extramarital relations and there are severe penalties. It’s illegal to live together, or to share the same hotel room, with someone of the opposite sex if you’re not married or closely related.

  The US government adds

  • Crime, including kidnapping, assault, rape, armed robbery, home invasion, looting, and carjacking, is a common threat throughout the country.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbers999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 15 May 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: protests and unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, poor health care

  United Kingdom · 11 May 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women177th of 181 countries

  177th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan and not tolerated in Sudanese society. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan and not tolerated in Sudanese society. This includes inviting guests into hotel rooms.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 17 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 256 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 33 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 63 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Central African Republic

  Avoid50 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: do not go · some areas off-limits

  • !The US says do not travel here at all.
  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • !Women's rights and safety rank below most of Africa.

  50 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for AfricaFrom a 2017 survey.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goThe US says do not go at all

  The US says do not travel to Central African Republic at all.

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Do not go

  • The whole of the Central African Republic, including the areas of Bimbo, Begoua and Coline, except to the capital, Bangui

  Only if you must

  • Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Emergency numbers117 (ambulance, fire, police)

  • 117 (ambulance, fire, police)
  • Ambulance: 610600
  • Fire: 118
  • Military police (‘gendarmerie’): 2161 2200

  Travel warningsUS: do not go · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 4 of 4 · 15 Jan 2026

  Do not go

  Because of: protests and unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, poor health care, terrorism

  United Kingdom · 28 May 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for women179th of 181 countries

  179th of 181 countries in the world.

  Worse than most of Africa

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersWhile homosexuality is not illegal, same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Central African society. LGBT+ travellers may face arrest for “public expressions of love”.

  While homosexuality is not illegal, same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Central African society. LGBT+ travellers may face arrest for “public expressions of love”.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 692 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 78 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • 86 out of 100 women live within 50 km of armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Equatorial Guinea

  Go with care62 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care

  • ✓Neither the US nor the UK marks any area to avoid.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.
  • ✓More women feel safe at night than in most of Africa.

  62 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  Better than most of AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to goNowhere marked off-limits

  Neither the US nor the UK marks any part of Equatorial Guinea as off-limits.

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowNo advice aimed at women

  Neither government gives advice aimed at women here. The usual care applies: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink, and use registered taxis.

  Good to knowSecond most peaceful country in Africa (Global Peace Index, 2026).

  • Second most peaceful country in Africa (Global Peace Index, 2026).

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 3101

  • Ambulance: 3101
  • Police: 666 404040 or 666 303030

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: no areas to avoid

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 7 Oct 2025

  Take extra care

  Because of: crime, poor health care, arbitrary enforcement of laws

  United Kingdom · 8 Jan 2026

  No areas to avoid

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for womenNot ranked

  Not ranked. Georgetown had too little data.

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex relationships are not illegal in Equatorial Guinea, but there is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Society is very conservative and discrimination can be a problem for those open about their sexual identity.

  Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Equatorial Guinea, but there is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Society is very conservative and discrimination can be a problem for those open about their sexual identity.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 29 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 174 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.Better than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 58 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.

• Eritrea

  Go with care48 in 100 women feel safe at night · US: take extra care · some areas off-limits

  • !Some areas are off-limits. See where below.
  • ✓The US only asks visitors to take extra care.

  48 in 100 women feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

  About average for AfricaEstimate, no survey here.

  ?What does this mean?

  Gallup asks people in each country: "Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?" This is how many women out of 100 said yes. It is about local women in their own area, so it tells you about daily life, not only tourist spots.

  Where not to go2 areas to avoid

  Areas named by the UK government:

  Do not go

  • Within 25km of all of Eritrea’s land borders

  Only if you must

  The rest of Eritrea

  ?What do "do not go" and "only if you must" mean?

  The UK Foreign Office does not use levels. It names areas where it advises against "all travel", which means do not go at all, or "all but essential travel", which means go only if you really must, for example for urgent family matters. Many travel insurance policies stop covering you in those areas.

  What women should knowCrime

  Crime

  • Women travellers can experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men.

  In the governments' own words, from the UK and US travel advice.

  Emergency numbersAmbulance: 122244

  • Ambulance: 122244
  • Fire: 116
  • Police: 113

  Travel warningsUS: take extra care · UK: avoid some areas

  United States · Level 2 of 4 · 31 Jul 2023

  Take extra care

  Because of: travel restrictions, limited consular assistance, landmines, being wrongly detained

  United Kingdom · 12 Oct 2026

  Avoid some areas

  Read the full advice from the US or the UK.

  ?What do the US levels mean?

  The US State Department gives every country a level from 1 to 4. Level 1: take normal care. Level 2: take extra care. Level 3: think twice about going. Level 4: do not go. The level is for the whole country, and some areas inside it can be marked as more dangerous.

  World ranking for womenNot ranked

  Not ranked. Georgetown had too little data.

  ?What is this ranking?

  Georgetown University's Women, Peace and Security Index ranks 181 countries on 13 things, including girls' schooling, women's jobs and bank accounts, equal laws, violence at home and how safe women feel in their community. 1st is best and 181st is worst. No African country makes the top fifth, and most sit in the bottom half.

  LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is illegal. If convicted, you can get a prison sentence.

  Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. If convicted, you can get a prison sentence.

  More figuresPartner violence, childbirth, equal laws, conflict

  • 21 out of 100 women were hurt by a partner in the past year. (estimate)Worse than most of Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women who have had a partner, how many were hit, sexually assaulted or otherwise physically hurt by that partner in the past 12 months. From UN surveys.

  • 291 mothers die for every 100,000 babies born.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    How many women die from pregnancy or giving birth for every 100,000 babies born. It shows how good health care is for women. In Europe the figure is usually under 10.

  • Its laws score 69 out of 100 for giving women the same rights as men at work and with money.About average for Africa
    ?What does this mean?

    The World Bank checks whether a country's laws give women the same rights as men at work, in marriage, with money and property. 100 means fully equal in law. It measures the law on paper, not how it works in practice.

  • No women live close to armed conflict.
    ?What does this mean?

    Out of 100 women, how many live within 50 km of fighting or armed violence recorded in the past year.

  ?How do you decide better or worse?

  For each figure we put the 54 countries in order and cut the list into three equal parts. The top third is "better than most of Africa", the middle third "about average", and the bottom third "worse". It compares African countries with each other, not with the rest of the world.