The 20 Healthiest Places to Live in Africa
Some parts of Africa are healthier places to live than others. If you’re looking for the ideal place to settle into a new home, and begin life in a new community, it’s important to find an area that fosters healthy living. It must offer the necessary resources at affordable prices. The essentials include a clean environment with fresh water supplies, access to healthy food sources, clean air to breathe, safety from criminal activity, few environmental threats due to weather or natural disaster, and outdoor activities or exercise opportunities to keep your body in shape. We’ve done the research and pored over the statistics to find the 20 healthiest places to live in Africa for your consideration.
20. Cape Town, South Africa
According to Coppieters, Capetown is among the top 10 healthiest cities in South Africa. The City has a high livability score with amazing views of the table mountains and the ocean. For mental health, it’s breathtaking. When it comes to the brass tacks of health in general, more than 50% of the population engage in healthy lifestyles. This includes watching their weight, getting plenty of exercises, and eating healthy diets. Some of the healthiest people in the African continent live in Cape Town. The city offers a variety of healthy food options with preferences given to those that offer the best nutritional value.
19. Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, and although it’s one of Africa’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, there is a low percentage of obesity in the region. Rwanda’s government places a high value on encouraging the residents to engage in healthy lifestyles. Physical Education is promoted in communities with those working in the government required to workout at least once weekly to maintain fitness. Healthy eating is also encouraged. Some areas of the city, however, have their share of malnourishment as with any large city. Kigali is ranked as one of the cleanest cities in the country with fresh air and plenty of healthy fruits available for purchase.
18. Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Bahir Dar is the capital city of the Amhara region of the country. It’s located at Lake Tana’s southern port. The city’s economy is fueled by tourists who come to visit the Blu Nile and the lake. The streets are safe with wide avenues lined with plenteous flowers and palm trees. It’s an organized and beautiful city. Crime rates are among the best in the world. The general population is among with healthiest. Obesity is reported to be low in this city and there are fewer percentages of health issues among residents. This is due to the healthy lifestyle observed by the majority.
17. Asmara, Eritrea
Asmara is located in a safe zone. It has been named as a UNESCO world heritage site with a rich 19th to the 20th-century architectural design of Italian influence. The city was a former Italian colony with a population of not quite one million residents. The rate of high blood pressure and obesity in this city was remarkably low at just 3.3% in 2006. Although it’s one of the poorest countries, the people who live there tend to engage in a healthy lifestyle.
16. Dakar, Senegal
Dakar is the capital of Senagal. The city is a former French Colony that offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean when at the Cape Vert Peninsula. It’s the home of a rich cultural heritage that includes the Theodore Monod museum. Statistics show that Dakar is one of the healthiest cities in West Africa with up to 87% of its population living in relatively good health. Obesity numbers are low, and the residents enjoy a healthy and vibrant lifestyle with plenty of exercise and healthy foods.
15. Brazzaville, Congo
Brazzaville is the capital city of the Republic of Congo. It is situated along the banks of the Congo River. Brazzaville has been ranked as one of the healthiest cities in the Congo because of the low percentage of obesity in the region. Most able-bodied residents get plenty of exercise. The World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases in a 2014 study confirmed that just 20% of the residents were considered to be overweight. Although there is more obesity seen in people with sedentary jobs, such as bank workers, those with more physically oriented positions, such as railway workers saw a far lower incidence of obesity.
14. Bamako, Mali
Bamako is Mali’s capital city. The metropolis of 1.8 million residents is also the industrial hub of Mali. It sits on the banks of the Niger River and features many o the country’s most popular attractions with a rich history, culture, and spectacular architectural displays. Statistics show that Bamako is even healthier than Brazzaville when it comes to the overall population. The prevalence of obesity was estimated to be a mere 15% compared to 20% in Brazzaville. this points to the healthy lifestyle of the nearly two million people living there. It’s one of the healthiest places to live in Africa.
13. Kampala, Uganda
Kampala is the capital for commercial and political activity in the country of Uganda. The city is situated on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Uganda. The population is at 1.5 million residents. Although one of the larger cities on the continent, Kampala maintains an overall rate of 90% for health in its young adults. there is a small percentage of obesity ranging from 4.4% to 10.2% throughout the past decade. The home o the Lubiri Palace in the Mengo Hills and the Kasubi Tombs offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and sightseeing. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables available to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
12. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar Es Salaam is situated on the Indian ocean as a port city in the county. One of the largest cities on the continent, the population estimates that 4.3 million people call this city home. It’s popular among tourists and offers Coco Beach, the Open Air Museum, and many other tourist attractions. This is one o the healthiest cities in all of Tanzania with a female obesity prevalence of 36%, but a male obesity rate of just 13%. The government has taken an active interest in health, education, human rights, and environmental issues.
11. Taghazout, Morocco
According to Nomad List, Taghazout is one of the healthiest and best cities to live in Morocco. Residents enjoy an affordable and good quality of life for singles and those with families and children. There are lots of opportunities for entertainment and recreation, moderate temperatures with overall low humidity, and exceptional air quality. It’s a safe city that doesn’t see a lot of crime compared to most other nearby areas. Although education and annual household incomes are low among most residents, It’s a city that is desirable because of its amenities and health and safety.
10. El Jadida, Morocco
El Jadida has a decent quality of life as one of the more affordable places to live in Morocco. There are opportunities for fun and exercise to stay healthy. The temperature is moderate with moderate humidity most of the time. It’s a safe place to live with a ranking of great when it comes to air quality. The crime rates are low. Although the income levels and education are rated as being low, there is good healthcare, ample places to walk to get exercise, and no political conflicts in the city. The happiness level is good with opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
9. Chad
According to Voice Online, Chad is one of Africa’s healthiest places to live. It is a country where people enjoy eating healthy diets and in general, they prefer to consume fruit, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. When compared to other countries in the world, Chad is in the top ten.
8. Sierre Leone
In the same study that was conducted on the health of residents of Chad, Sierre Leone was ranked at the same level of health and wellness for citizens. Sierre Leone also has one of the healthiest lifestyles on the planet. The people who live there value nutritious foods and they consume very little junk food.
7. Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is one of Africa’s healthier places to live. It’s Morocco’s capital when it comes to recreation and fun. Tourism fuels a stable economy and there are plenty of places to find healthy foods to eat. Sightseeing for a day will give you a healthy workout walking from one attraction to another.
6. Rabat, Morocco
Rabat is included in an elite group of Moroccan cities known as the four imperial cities. It’s the capital of the country situated along with the Atlantic ocean. Rabat has a distinctly French flavor with fishing, farming, and manufacturing as its biggest industries. Healthy foods are plenteous in Rabat, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy for those who live there.
5. Durban, South Africa
Durban is one o the best places in Africa to set down roots if you’re looking for a healthy lifestyle. It’s a city with wonderful diversity, on Africa’s East Coast. It overlooks the Indian Ocean with miles of sandy beaches for coastal recreation, hiking, and water sports to keep your body healthy. Durban has a population of 3.44 million residents within its borders. Although it’s a large metropolis, the city is lined with beaches and it’s the home of multiple nature reserves. The subtropical climate and fresh air make it a healthy place to live with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
4. Kumasi, Chana
Kumasi is called the Garden City because of its breathtaking landscape that is brimming with exotic flowers and plants throughout the city. The sense of community is strong in Kumasi and the people are very friendly. While these are all elements that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, the best feature is the large market with more than 10 thousand stalls. you can get fresh and healthy foods every day at the market. It is home to one of the largest open markets in all of West Africa.
3. Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis has long been known as a tourist destination. It’s the home to many expatriates who enjoy living in this amazing and desirable city. What makes it one of the healthiest places to live? First of all, it’s ranked as Africa’s second happiest place to live. The life expectancy in this city is high because of the remarkably healthy population that lives here. The lifestyle and eating habits are extremely healthy. If you’re going to fit in in Tunis, you will need to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
2. Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek is not a very large city, but it is the social, cultural, political, and economic capital of Namibia. Yes, it has its share of restaurants, bars, and shopping malls, but the social life is outstanding. Also, it has a high rating for education. There are great healthcare opportunities in this city, which makes it one of the healthiest places to live in Africa.
1. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the healthiest city in South Africa. It also happens to be one of the wealthiest cities on the African continent. The city is brimming with amenities including career and investment opportunities to gain personal wealth. although there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping malls, the inner parts of the city are kept amazingly clean. Johannesburg is a clean city with a large man-made forest within the city limits. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking walking and other things to do. There is also an abundance of healthy food options, and excellent healthcare providers within the city, making it one of the healthiest places in Africa to live.