Safest cities in Madagascar
8 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in MadagascarAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Madagascar, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- In late September and early October 2025, significant protests took place in Antananarivo and other parts of Madagascar, which included incidences of violence and looting. A new transitional government was formally established on 17 October. Politically linked rallies are possible and occur in any parts of the country. Avoid large gatherings and…
Crime
- Beaches and islandsThere have been violent robberies and assaults even in the daytime, be aware of this risk if you visit isolated and remote beaches, especially alone. Get local advice or use an experienced travel operator when visiting any beach. This could happen in many popular coastal locations including:
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsTo reduce the risk of street crime:
- Vehicle crimeThere are frequent armed robberies on main roads, particularly at night and outside major towns. Where possible, drive in a convoy . Either use a recognised tour operator or ask your hotel to arrange transport. Always keep car doors locked and windows closed, particularly in Antananarivo.
- Criminal kidnapsThere have been occasional instances of criminal kidnapping for ransom in Madagascar, targeting individuals (normally Malagasy nationals) perceived to be wealthy.
Laws and cultural differences
- Local taboos (‘fady’)In many parts of Madagascar, aspects of daily life are regulated by taboos, known as ‘fady’. These vary from one region to another. Fady can range from forbidden foods to restrictions on clothing.
- Personal IDAlways carry your passport with you, as police randomly make ID checks and do not always accept copies. Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page, visa and insurance details somewhere safe, and leave further copies with family or friends in the UK.
- Public offencesPaying for sex is illegal. The penalty is a fine of 1,500 to 7,000 euros and possibly a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesDrug smuggling is a serious offence. Punishments can be severe and prison conditions are harsh and life-threatening.
- Security personnel and policeSecurity personnel are known for their firm responses to what might be perceived as relatively minor issues. Avoid actions that might provoke them, such as taking photographs of them. If you’re stopped by the police, show respect and stay calm.
- 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.
- Wildlife, animal products and souvenirsIt’s illegal to collect, buy or export protected animals, plants or products made from them. This includes certain woods such as items made of rosewood. If you buy anything made of wild animal skin or shell, check with the vendor exactly what information you can give to customs if they ask for details.
- Stadiums and venuesSecurity and safety standards at stadiums and venues in Madagascar may be lower than in the UK. If you go to a large-scale event, make sure you know the location of fire exits and check exit routes.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Madagascar, see information on driving abroad. You need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.
- TaxisThere are frequent road deaths involving multi-passenger taxi vans (‘taxi-brousses’ or ‘bush taxis’).
- River and sea travelArmed criminals have boarded boats on the Tsiribihina River in western Madagascar and robbed the passengers. Seek alternative routes.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- CyclonesThe cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from November to April. Coastal areas are particularly at risk. Storms can cut access to remote parts of the country and contaminate water supplies.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Madagascar, updated 2026-01-26 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- no data
- Income inequality
- Gini 36.82021
- Human development
- HDI 0.4872023
- Income
- $1,910/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 29.2 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 58/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 42/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 25/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 5.7/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.47GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 12.4 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 22%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.2 doctors /1k0.3 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 256 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Cyclone
- 6.7/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Tsunami
- 6.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 6.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 4.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Madagascar (as of 2025).
How Madagascar compares
| Measure | Madagascar | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 2.4 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 36.8 | 35.2 | +1.6 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.487 | 0.763 | −0.276 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 29.2 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +13.8 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 42/100 | 52/100 | −10/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 25/100 | 39/100 | −14/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 12.4 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | −7.3 µg/m³ — better for Madagascar |
| Natural-hazard risk | 5.7/10 | 3.8/10 | +1.9/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Madagascar | Africa median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 4.5 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 36.8 | 38.5 | −1.7 — better for Madagascar |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.487 | 0.563 | −0.076 — better for Africa median |
| Road deaths | 29.2 /100k | 27.9 /100k | +1.3 /100k — better for Africa median |
| Rule of law | 42/100 | 42/100 | ±0/100 |
| Corruption perceptions | 25/100 | 31/100 | −6/100 — better for Africa median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 12.4 µg/m³ | 27.7 µg/m³ | −15.3 µg/m³ — better for Madagascar |
| Natural-hazard risk | 5.7/10 | 5.2/10 | +0.5/10 — 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 8 cities, safest first
- Ambano75.9 · #2185 worldwide
- Ambatolahy II75.9 · #2186 worldwide
- Ambovombe75.9 · #2187 worldwide
- Antananarivo59.9 · #4451 worldwide
- Antsiramandroso59.4 · #4476 worldwide
- Antetezambaro59.4 · #4477 worldwide
- Mahajanga55.9 · #4779 worldwide
- Amparihimahitsy55.9 · #4780 worldwide