Safest cities in Central African Republic
1 city with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in the Central African RepublicAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Central African Republic, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power through an election in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020. In August 2023, a constitutional referendum was passed, which included the removal of presidential term limits. Presidential elections are due in 2025.
Security situation
- Armed patrols and roadblocksGovernment security forces, UN peacekeepers, rebel groups and militias conduct armed patrols across the Central African Republic, including in Bangui. Armed personnel control roadblocks (both official and illegal) where you may be asked for a bribe. Take particular care when approaching these. Travel in groups if possible and avoid travelling at…
Crime
- Violent attacks in remote areasArmed groups and bandits have used illegal roadblocks and have indiscriminately attacked travellers in remote areas. The attackers have burnt or stolen vehicles, and injured, kidnapped or killed passengers.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDYou must always carry ID by law, such as a certified copy of your passport or a residence permit. The police can detain you if you do not have ID with you.
- Buying diamondsIt is only legal to buy diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.
- Illegal drugs penaltiesThere are severe penalties for drug use and possession. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a long jail sentence.
- Using camerasYou often need permission to take photos in public places. You may be detained, fined and have your camera confiscated for photographing government property, uniformed law enforcement officers or military installations and personnel.
- 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”.
- MoneyIt is easier to exchange euros for Central African francs rather than US dollars. You can exchange traveller’s cheques at banks.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in the Central African Republic, see information on driving abroad.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Flooding
- During the rainy season from May to November, roads outside of Bangui can become impassable. Flooding in Bangui is common and has killed people and destroyed homes. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in northern regions. There is also a risk of flash flooding.
Earthquakes
- Earthquakes are a risk in the Central African Republic. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Central African Republic, updated 2026-05-28 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- no data
- Income inequality
- Gini 43.02021
- Human development
- HDI 0.4142023
- Income
- $1,390/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 37.7 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 35/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 27/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 24/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 7.8/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.36GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 33.3 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 6%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.1 doctors /1k1.0 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 344 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Flood
- 6.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 2.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Central African Republic (as of 2025).
How Central African Republic compares
| Measure | Central African Republic | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 2.4 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 43.0 | 35.2 | +7.8 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.414 | 0.763 | −0.349 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 37.7 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +22.3 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 27/100 | 52/100 | −25/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 24/100 | 39/100 | −15/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 33.3 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +13.6 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 7.8/10 | 3.8/10 | +4.0/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Central African Republic | Africa median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 4.5 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 43.0 | 38.3 | +4.8 — better for Africa median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.414 | 0.563 | −0.149 — better for Africa median |
| Road deaths | 37.7 /100k | 27.9 /100k | +9.8 /100k — better for Africa median |
| Rule of law | 27/100 | 42/100 | −15/100 — better for Africa median |
| Corruption perceptions | 24/100 | 31/100 | −7/100 — better for Africa median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 33.3 µg/m³ | 27.3 µg/m³ | +6.0 µg/m³ — better for Africa median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 7.8/10 | 5.2/10 | +2.6/10 — better for Africa median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 1 cities, safest first
- Bangui42.7 · #5687 worldwide