Ethiopia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Ethiopia
Ethiopia recorded 8.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Ethiopia #46 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Ethiopia at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
8.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#150 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2012
Homicide Rate Trend (2012-2012)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Ethiopia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Ethiopia has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
2,824(2024)
Military Spending
0.7% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Ethiopia:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "other" risk indicator was updated to include exit bans and communication disruptions. The advisory summary was updated. Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Tigray region and border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Afar region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Amhara region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Ethiopia Population & Demographics
Population of 132,059,767, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ethiopia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Ethiopia at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 8.5 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia has an intentional homicide rate of 8.5 per 100,000 people (2012, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #46 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Ethiopia compare to other countries?
Ethiopia's homicide rate of 8.5 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.