Namibia, country located on the southwestern coast of Africa. It is bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the southeast and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It ranges from arid in the north to desert on the coast and in the east. The landscape is spectacular, but the desert, mountains, canyons, and savannas are perhaps better to see than to occupy. The only permanent rivers are the Kunene (Cunene), the Okavango (Cubango), the Mashi (Kwando), and the Zambezi on the northern border and the Orange on the southern. Only the northern frontier—and not all of it—is readily passable. The coastal Namib desert, the treacherous reefs and shoals of the coast (half aptly named the “Skeleton Coast”), the near deserts along the Orange River, and the dry Kalahari region to the east explain the late conquest of Namibia and form a geographic frame around the country.

 

Capital: Windhoek

Currency: Namibian Dollar

Language: English

Population: Namibia Population 2024

Religion: Christians

Tax rate: Namibia: Tax measures in budget 2024-2025

 

Crime rate

Namibia has a high crime rate across various categories, including home burglaries, muggings, car thefts, and violent attacks. Crime has been reportedly increasing over the past five years, with concerns particularly high for property crimes, violent crimes, and corruption. While safety during daylight is rated relatively high, safety during the night is notably low. Crime in Namibia

GDP

Namibia’s GDP for 2024 is projected to be approximately USD 12.77 billion. This projection reflects a continued, albeit modest, growth in the economy, driven by sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism​ (Bon)​.

 

Openness to Tourist

Over the years, Namibia has become a popular destination for tourists from the UK and beyond. Many hearts and minds continue to be enthralled by this land of compelling natural wonders, a unique variety of wildlife, contrasting beautiful scenery, abundant sunshine and wide open spaces not to mention the cultural diversity and hospitality accustomed to its people. This land is home to unique wildlife, beautiful scenery, abundant sunshine and wide-open spaces, as well as a diverse culture and hospitable people. Travel & Tourism

 

 

 

Employment rate

In 2024, the employment rate in Namibia is forecasted to be 57.79%, with an estimated 202.50 thousand people unemployed, leading to a predicted unemployment rate of 20.29%.24. Statista

 

Climate

With an average of 300 days of sunshine annually Namibia is one of the sunniest countries in worldwide. The climate is generally arid which means that the potential evaporation is higher than the precipitation, which again results in a very low humidity.  Climate and Weather of Namibia

 

Cost of living

The cost of living in Namibia is higher than some other regional cities in the southern region of the African continent. Namibia imports about 50% of its cereal requirements. Many other items used in daily life also need to be imported. High transportation costs make prices very high and unaffordable. Monopolies in some business sectors causes higher profit booking, which also results in raising of prices.  Wikipedia

 

Mode of Transport

Road travel is the most common mode of transport in Namibia, offering both flexibility and convenience. The country has a well-maintained road network, with tarred routes connecting major cities and towns Buses are another means of transport in Namibia, although they are less commonly taken by visitors. Transport in Namibia – Original Travel

 

Visa requirement

Namibia Visa Types, Requirements, and Application

South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA or R.S.A.), stands as the southernmost nation on the African continent. Bordered by the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans to the south, and surrounded by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and completely enclaving Lesotho, it holds a strategic geographical position. With a population exceeding 61 million, South Africa boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and languages, recognized by its constitution, which acknowledges 12 official languages.

The country’s turbulent history saw the majority of its Black population disenfranchised until the landmark elections of 1994, marking the end of apartheid. Today, South Africa is renowned as the “rainbow nation,” embracing its multicultural diversity. It operates as a parliamentary republic with a liberal democracy, representing all ethnic and linguistic groups across its nine provinces.

Economically, South Africa holds significant regional influence and is classified as a newly industrialized country. It boasts the largest and most technologically advanced economy in Africa, ranking 38th globally. Despite progress since the apartheid era, challenges such as crime, poverty, and inequality persist, with a staggering unemployment rate of approximately 40% and a high Gini coefficient, making it one of the most unequal nations worldwide. South Africa has three cities serving as capitals; Pretoria is the administrative capital, while Cape Town, as the seat of Parliament, is the legislative capital. Bloemfontein has traditionally been regarded as the judicial capital. The Constitutional Court, the country’s highest court, is located in Johannesburg.

Currency: South African rand (ZAR)

Language: Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa and MORE.

Population: South Africa Population 2024

Religion: Christians

Tax rate: Orbitax

Crime rate

In 2024, South Africa had a crime index of 75.4, which is to be considered high. However, this was one of the lowest indexes recorded in the country since 2017. Over the observed period, the value continuously fluctuated between 75 and 77. South Africa has the highest crime index in Africa and ranks as the fifth most dangerous country globally according to the same index. Statista

 

GDP

In February 2024, South Africa’s National Treasury forecast in its budget review of 2024 that GDP growth will reach only 1.3% in 2024 and 1.6% in 2025, a more optimistic projection than the outlook for South Africa by organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (expecting 0.9% in 2024 and 1.3% in 2025) African Development Bank Group

 

Openness to Tourists

South Africa scores very highly on visitor satisfaction indices and is unique in its high number of repeat visits. Its increasing status as a ‘destination of choice’ is reflected in the many accolades it has received over the years.

South African Tourism promotes extensive marketing, advertising and online campaigns, and makes good use of the electronic media to raise and maintain awareness of just how wonderful a destination South Africa really is.

It is renowned for its excellent tourist infrastructure and huge choice of accommodation, from luxury game lodges and five-star hotels to friendly country houses, small hotels, B&Bs, and camping and self-catering establishments.  Myholidays.com

Employment rate

The labor market has remained weak. The employment ratio only increased to 40.8% at the end of 2023, and 39.4% in 2022, from a pandemic low of 35.9% in September 2021. In this context, the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, introduced in May 2020, was extended for another year until March 2025. World Bank

Climate

The climate of South Africa is determined by South Africa’s situation between 22°S and 35°S, in the Southern Hemisphere’s subtropical zone, and its location between two oceans, Atlantic and the Indian.

It has a greater variety of climates than most other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and it has lower average temperatures than other countries within this range of latitude, like Australia, because much of the interior (central plateau or Highveld, including Johannesburg) of South Africa is at a higher elevation.

Climate of South Africa

Cost of living

South Africa, situated at the southern tip of Africa. It is a developing country with a surprisingly high standard of living, surpassing that of certain European nations. The cost of living in South Africa is around ZAR 10,811 per month without rent for a single person. It can vary according to the selection of living standards of a person. In addition, the average cost of rent in South Africa is approximately ZAR 8,170 per month. South Africa’s economy is the second largest in Africa and the continent’s most industrialised, technologically advanced, and diversified. South Africa is one of just eight countries in Africa with an upper-middle-income economy. Cost of Living in South Africa

 

Mode of transport

Different methods of transportation in South Africa include roads, railways, airports, and water. Most people in South Africa use informal minibus taxis as their primary mode of transport. SaferSpaces

 

Visa requirement

Department of Home Affairs

Lesotho, situated in Southern Africa, stands out as a landlocked nation completely surrounded by South Africa, its only neighbor. Nestled within the Maloti Mountains, it boasts the highest peak in Southern Africa and spans over 30,000 square kilometers with a population nearing two million. Its capital, Maseru, serves as the largest city.

The country is predominantly inhabited by the Sotho ethnic group, also known as Basotho, who constitute 99.7% of its population, making it exceptionally ethnically homogeneous. The official languages are Sesotho and English, reflecting its cultural heritage and colonial history. The name “Lesotho” translates to “land of the Sesotho speakers,” highlighting its linguistic roots.

Founded in 1824 by King Moshoeshoe I, Lesotho has a complex history marked by colonial influence. It became a British protectorate in 1868 and later a crown colony in 1884. Achieving independence in 1966, Lesotho underwent periods of political turbulence, including military rule in the late 20th century, before establishing its constitutional government in 1993.

Despite its challenges as a lower middle-income nation, with nearly half of its population living below the poverty line and grappling with one of the world’s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, Lesotho has made strides in education. It prioritizes universal primary education and boasts one of Africa’s highest literacy rates, reaching 81.02% as of 2021.

Lesotho participates actively in international forums such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community, emphasizing its commitment to regional and global cooperation. As of the 2023 V-Dem Democracy indices, Lesotho ranks 64th in global electoral democracy and 7th in Africa, reflecting its evolving political landscape.

Capital: Maseru

Currency: Lesotho Loti (LSL)

Language: Sesotho and English

Population: Lesotho Population (2024)

Religion: Christianity

Tax rate: Lesotho — Orbitax Country Chapters

 

Crime rate

Crime in Lesotho has high rate, ranging from carjacking, home invasion, robbery, sexual assault etc. Most of the reported crime incidents in the country are of opportunity for immediate gain. Crime in Lesotho

 

GDP

Growth increased to 2 percent in 2023 and will remain at around this rate over

2024-26. The outlook is subject to down- side risks from delays in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), and the implementation of reforms to control public spending, raise efficiency, as well as public investment effectiveness. LESOTHO MPO

 

 

Openness to tourism

Lesotho has spectacular scenery and potential for eco-tourism.  The rugged countryside makes Lesotho ideal for off-road sports. The country hosts the Roof of Africa motorcycle rally annually and has introduced other annual events such as the Maletsunyane Falls braai festival and the Lesotho sky cycling event.

Lesotho is home to the world’s longest commercial single-drop abseil and Sub-Saharan Africa’s only ski resort.  In addition, Lesotho has good air and road connections with South Africa and is working to improve internal infrastructure, such as roads, to accommodate the tourism industry.  South Africa draws large numbers of international tourists, creating an opportunity to attract side-trips to Lesotho.

The tourism industry is actively promoted by the Lesotho government, and a number of hotels, mountain lodges and national parks have been developed in recent years. The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), a government agency responsible for promotion of tourism, supports tourism sector investment and offers limited incentives to investors. Lesotho – Tourism – International Trade Administration

 

Climate

Lesotho is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa, located between latitudes 28° and 31°S, and longitudes 27° and 30°E. The country’s 30,355 square kilometres (km²) of land area is characterized by a rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 1,388 m to 3,482 m. Only 10% of the country’s land is considered arable. The geography and location of Lesotho exposes the country to climatological patterns from both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, resulting in significant variability in temperatures. Lesotho – Climate Change

 

 

Mode of transport

As a landlocked country, Lesotho has no seaports or harbours, but does have road, air transport, and limited rail infrastructure. Transport in Lesotho

 

Visa requirement

Lesotho Visa Types, Requirements, and Application

 

Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked nation nestled in Southern Africa. Dominated by the expansive Kalahari Desert, about 70% of its terrain consists of flat plains. Its borders touch South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Their roots trace back to Bantu-speaking tribes who migrated southwards around AD 600, establishing agricultural and pastoral communities. British colonization in 1885 brought the area under the protectorate of Bechuanaland. The country gained independence on September 30, 1966, becoming a sovereign Commonwealth republic. Since then, Botswana has maintained a stable parliamentary system marked by uninterrupted democratic elections, with the Botswana Democratic Party consistently in power since independence.

In 2024, Botswana stands as one of Africa’s least corrupt nations, reflecting its commitment to governance and transparency on the continent.

Capital: Gaborone

Currency: Botswanan Pula

Language: English

Population: Botswana Population (2024)

Religion: Christianity

Tax rate: Botswana – Corporate – Taxes on corporate income

Crime rate

Botswana is one of Africa’s most peaceful countries and has long been seen as a bastion of political stability in the region. Stability has been achieved through to the preservation of democratic principles combined with strong respect by the government of individual constitutional liberties. Elections are usually peaceful and considered free and fair by international observers, although the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has dominated the political landscape since independence. Botswana has consistently been ranked as the least corrupt country in Africa and also has a strong human rights record. Economic growth has largely been fueled by the diamond trade, although the government has increasingly taken steps to diversify the economy and encourage foreign investment in other sectors. (Botswana, Africa | Country Profile – Crisis24)

 

GDP

The economy is projected to expand by 3.5-4.0 percent annually over 2024-26 as the global economy strengthens and demand for copper and diamonds increases. Projected investments in power generation from coal bed methane, battery- grade manganese, and solar photovoltaic projects will support GDP growth. BOTSWANA MPO

 

Openness to tourists

Botswana is a key tourism destination in Southern Africa mainly because of the rich wildlife resources and scenic beauty it sustains. Since the 1990s, the growth of wildlife-based tourism in Botswana has stimulated the development of a variety of tourism infrastructure and facilities. Botswana Tourism – The Future

 

Employment rate

Poverty remains high despite Botswana’s relatively high-income level. Job creation has been lagging, unemployment is structurally high at 25.9% (2023Q3), and the level of inequality (Gini index of 53.3) is among the highest in the world. Botswana Overview

 

Climate

The annual climate ranges from months of dry temperate weather during winter to humid subtropical weather interspersed with drier periods of hot weather during summer. In summer, which lasts from October to March, temperatures rise to about 93 °F (34 °C) in the extreme north and southwest, the warmest parts of the country. Botswana – Semi-arid, Subtropical, Rainfall

 

Cost of Living

Cost of Living in Botswana

 

Mode of transportation

Transport and Driving in Botswana

 

Visa requirement

Botswana Visa Types, Requirements, and Application

 

Zambia, landlocked country in south-central Africa. It is situated on a high plateau and takes its name from the Zambezi River, which drains all but a small northern part of the country. Large parts of Zambia are thinly populated. Much of population is concentrated in the country’s most developed area—known as the Line of Rail—which is served by the railway linking the Copperbelt with Lusaka, the capital, and with the border town of Livingstone.

Capital: Lusaka

Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMK)

Language: English

Population: Zambia Population (2024)

Religion: Christianity

Tax rate: Zambia — Orbitax Corporate Tax Rates

 

Crime rate

Levels of criminal activity in Zambia are relatively high and have been increasing in recent years, with deteriorating economic conditions exacerbating the problem. The main threat to travellers comes from opportunistic petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching but criminals are often armed and more serious offenses also occur with some frequency. Zambia Country Report – Crisis24 – GardaWorld

 

GDP

Despite a protracted debt restructuring process and subdued copper production, Zambia’s economy has been recovering since the COVID-19 recession, primarily driven by firmer services. In Q3:2023, real GDP grew by 5.0 percent year-to-date and 5.1 percent y/y. In 2024, a severe drought affecting agriculture, electricity, and water supply will significantly dampen growth; however, an anticipated upturn in mining may offset some of the agricultural losses. ZAMBIA MPO

 

Openness to tourists

Zambia has been increasingly open to tourists in 2024, with significant growth in visitor numbers and various initiatives to attract international tourists. The country has seen a 24% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024, driven by effective marketing efforts and the development of eco-tourism and wildlife reserves. Zambia aims to surpass two million tourists this year, up from the previous year’s one million four thousand international visitors​ (Open Zambia)​.

The Zambian government has implemented safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists, including health screenings on arrival and adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures​ (Zambia Tourism)​.

 

Employment rate

In 2024, Zambia’s employment rate reflects a gradual improvement in the labor market. The unemployment rate was around 12.6% at the end of 2022, showing a slight increase from 12.5% in 2021. The government continues to focus on initiatives to create jobs and reduce unemployment, particularly among the youth and in urban areas​ (CEIC Data)​ .

 

 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Zambia is remarkably low for those paid in a strong currency. In the Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2023, which compares expats cities across the world, Lusaka ranked 197th out of 227 cities. As Zambia is a landlocked country, it is heavily dependent on its neighbours. transport costs are high and much of the consumer goods are imported and therefore expensive.

Cost of Living in Zambia

 

Mode of Transport

Zambia Transport

 

Visa Requirements

Zambia Visa Types, Requirements, and Application

Zimbabwe, landlocked country of southern Africa. It shares a 125-mile (200-kilometre) border on the south with the Republic of South Africa and is bounded on the southwest and west by Botswana, on the north by Zambia, and on the northeast and east by Mozambique. The capital is Harare (formerly called Salisbury). Zimbabwe achieved majority rule and internationally recognized independence in April 1980 following a long period of colonial rule and a 15-year period of white-dominated minority rule, instituted after the minority regime’s so-called Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965.

Currency: Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL)

Language: Shona

Population: Zimbabwe Population (2024)

Religion: Christianity

Tax rate: Orbitax

Crime rate

The crime rate in Zimbabwe has seen a slight increase in recent times. In the first quarter of 2024, the national crime rate stood at 1,460.6 per 100,000 people, a minor rise from 1,459.9 in the previous quarter. During this period, Zimbabwe recorded 221,704 criminal cases. Crimes against public safety and state security were the most common, followed by theft and property-related crimes. Harare, Bulawayo, and the Midlands provinces had crime rates above the national average, with Harare’s crime rate nearly doubling the national average​ (The Zimbabwe Advocate)​​ (Zimbabwe Situation)​​

Top of FormGDP

GDP growth is projected to slow to 3.3percent in 2024 after a solid post-pandemic recovery in 2022-23. While a slowdown was expected, the growth is further affected by persistent macroeconomic instability with high inflation and exchange rate distortions, an El Niño-related drought, and projected lower export prices. ZIMBABWE MPO

 

Openness to Tourists

In 2024, Zimbabwe is increasingly open to tourists, with efforts focused on enhancing its tourism infrastructure and improving accessibility. Investments have been made in airports, hotels, and national parks to attract more international visitors. For example, the new international terminal at Robert Mugabe International Airport has increased capacity, and further developments are expected to open by late 2024​ (Fitch Solutions)​​ (Home)​. Additionally, tourism is recovering strongly, with a 52% increase in tourist arrivals from January to September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022​ (Home)​.

 

Employment rate

The employment rate in Zimbabwe is forecasted to 62.90% in 2024. The total labor force in Zimbabwe is forecasted to 6.70m in 2024 while the labor productivity in Zimbabwe is forecasted to US$2.77 in 2024. Statista

 

Climate

Zimbabwe, lying north of the Tropic of Capricorn, is completely within the tropics but enjoys subtropical conditions because of its high average elevation. Toward the end of the hot, dry months, which last from August to October, monsoon winds that have crossed the Indian Ocean and Mozambique result in intense orographic rainfall when they meet the rampart formed by the eastern highlands. Zimbabwe – Climatology

 

Cost of living

Cost of Living in Zimbabwe: prices in 10 cities compared

 

Mode of transport

The three main transport modes that serve the Zimbabwean economy are roads, railways, and aviation. Inland water transport is limited and takes place mainly in man-made water bodies such as Lake Kariba. Zimbabwe Logistics Infrastructure

 

 

 

 

Visa requirement

A passport valid for at least six months after the return date. A passport-sized photo following the Zimbabwe visa photo requirements; photos must be taken within the last three to six months. A proof of residence in your home country.

Zimbabwe Visa Types, Requirements, and Application