180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: Not RecommendedLGBT+ visiting: Not Recommended
Hardly anyone goes to Burundi, which is part of the appeal: beaches on Lake Tanganyika, the southernmost source of the Nile, and a royal drumming tradition so treasured UNESCO protects it. It's a trip for experienced hands only, though — unrest flares up with little warning and crime needs genuine care. Homosexuality is illegal too. If you're LGBT+, leave it off the list.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people — lower is better.
Burundi: 6.5
Ranked 57th in the world for the highest homicide rate.
An estimated 6.51 homicides per 100,000 people — an elevated rate by world standards. The 2021 estimate is the freshest figure that exists.
Higher than 68% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is — lower is better.
Burundi: 2.6
Ranked 31st least peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 18% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 2.574.
Down 3 places since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom — higher is better.
Burundi: 4.4
Ranked 14th least free country in the world.
Less free than 95% of the 165 countries measured — 4.48 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 4.11; doing business and owning property, 5.01.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life — higher is better.
Burundi: Illegal
Ranked 55th least equal in the world for LGBT+ people.
Homosexuality is criminalised here, with a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 Burundian Francs.
Public attitudes score 10 out of 100 — the law and public opinion are not the same thing.