180 countries ranked by safety, peace, freedom and LGBT+ equality
Visiting: Not RecommendedLGBT+ visiting: Not Recommended
Cape Town alone would justify the flight — then there's Kruger, the Winelands, whales off Hermanus and the Drakensberg. South Africa also has the strongest LGBT+ rights in Africa by a distance. The murder rate is the brutal counterweight, one of the highest in the world. Millions visit without trouble by planning routes, listening to locals and not wandering blind; do the same and be honest with yourself about the risk.
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people — lower is better.
South Africa: 39.7
Ranked 4th in the world for the highest homicide rate.
39.72 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024 — a high rate by any standard.
Higher than 96% of the 230 countries and territories measured.
How peaceful the country is — lower is better.
South Africa: 2.3
Ranked 40th least peaceful country in the world.
More peaceful than 24% of the 163 countries ranked, scoring 2.347.
Up 3 places since 2024.
Personal and economic freedom — higher is better.
South Africa: 7.0
Ranked 76th freest country in the world.
Freer than 57% of the 165 countries measured — 7.07 out of 10.
Day-to-day life (speech, movement, religion) scores 7.40; doing business and owning property, 6.61.
LGBT+ equality in law and daily life — higher is better.
South Africa: 6.7
Ranked 33rd most equal in the world for LGBT+ people.
Better for LGBT+ equality than 83% of the 197 countries scored — 67 out of 100.
The law runs ahead of public opinion here — legal protections score 77 out of 100, everyday attitudes 57.