WASHINGTON DC, November 6, 2009 ( CISA)- Botswana has been ranked the most peaceful nation in Sub-Saharan Africa followed by Malawi during a Global Symposium of Peaceful Nations in Washington DC, USA.

Botswana was ranked 34th while Malawi was in 47th position making it the second most peaceful nation in Africa, reports Africanews.

A statement from the Botswana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said, "Botswanas should be proud and celebrate this award as it is a tribute to them as a nation."

The statement further said, "The Ministry wishes to underline the commitment and determination of the Government of Botswana to take the country to another level of development through economic diversification, employment creation and poverty eradication."

"It is only under conditions of peace and stability that Botswana can continue to make economic and social progress," the statement said.

Somalia was ranked as the least peaceful country in Africa.

The Symposium was organized by the Alliance for Peace-Building (AFP) in conjunction with the William & Harriet Fulbright Centre both of whom are US Non Governmental Organizations.

According to Global Peace Index (GPI) the results for 2009 suggest that the world has become slightly less peaceful in the past year.

In the third edition of the GPI there are 144 independent states and updated with the latest available figures and information for 2007-2008.

The index is composed of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from respected sources which combine internal and external factors ranging from a nation's level of military expenditure to its relations with neighbouring countries and the level of respect for human rights.