A Digital Detox in... Nigeria?

When was the last time you went an entire day without checking your phone? No emails, no Instagram, no endless scrolling through TikTok – just you, your surroundings and a little peace and quiet.

For many travellers, the idea of switching off completely is becoming increasingly appealing. From remote countryside retreats to peaceful beach escapes, digital detox holidays offer the chance to step away from screens and reconnect with the world around us.

But where in the world is it easiest to unplug?

A new study by Nova Kratom has ranked countries around the world according to their potential for a digital detox, and the results might surprise you. Taking the top spot is Nigeria, followed by Lebanon and Barbados, with Oman and Egypt completing the top five.

Is it a sign of statistics not taking in the whole picture, or is this something to actually consider?

The Top Five Countries for a Digital Detox

According to the research, these countries offer some of the strongest conditions for disconnecting from the digital world, based on internet connectivity, mobile infrastructure and protected natural spaces.

Rank	Country	Digital Detox Score
1	Nigeria	70.54/100
2	Lebanon	57.13/100
3	Barbados	56.35/100
4	Oman	54.71/100
5	Egypt	52.43/100

The study examined four factors: the number of mobile phone towers, the percentage of land under protection, average broadband speeds and the proportion of the population using the internet.

Each country received a score across the four measures, which were then combined into an

overall digital detox score out of 100.

Nigeria Takes the Top Spot

Nigeria has been named the world's leading country for a digital detox in the study, achieving a score of 70.54 out of 100. The West African nation was the only country to score above 70, placing it comfortably ahead of the rest of the ranking.

One of the biggest factors behind Nigeria's position is its relatively low internet usage, with just 41.21% of the population using the internet according to the study's dataset. Average broadband speeds of 26.08 Mbps also contributed to its overall score.

For travellers, Nigeria offers a wealth of cultural and natural experiences, from the bustling streets and creative energy of Lagos to its beaches, forests and national parks.

Of course, visiting Nigeria doesn't automatically mean leaving your phone behind, but the research highlights how different levels of digital connectivity can influence opportunities to disconnect.

Lebanon Comes in Second

Lebanon takes second place with a digital detox score of 57.13 out of 100.

The Middle Eastern country recorded the slowest average broadband speed in the top ten, at just 14.73 Mbps, which contributed significantly to its position. Beyond the statistics, Lebanon is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, Mediterranean coastline, historic towns and extraordinary food culture. Its mountain villages and countryside offer a different atmosphere from the busy streets of Beirut, although travellers should always consult current official travel advice before planning a visit.

Barbados Ranks Third for Switching Off

Well, this feels a little more realistic! If your idea of a digital detox involves a beach, a good book and absolutely no reason to check your emails, Barbados might sound like the perfect destination. The Caribbean island ranks third in the study, scoring 56.35 out of 100. Barbados recorded 2,775 mobile phone towers, the smallest absolute number among the countries in the top ten. However, it also had the lowest percentage of protected land in the ranking, at just 1.10%.

For holidaymakers, the island offers plenty of opportunities to put down the phone, from relaxing on its beautiful beaches to swimming in turquoise waters, exploring coastal villages and enjoying its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. While Barbados is certainly not without modern connectivity, its natural beauty and slower holiday pace make it an appealing destination for travellers looking for a break from everyday routines.

Oman Offers a Different Kind of Digital Detox

Oman comes in fourth place with a score of 54.71 out of 100.

Interestingly, the country has the highest percentage of internet users in the top ten, at 95.25%, proving that digital detox potential isn't necessarily about having limited access to technology.

Instead, Oman performs particularly well for its protected natural landscapes, with 22% of its land under protection according to the research.

For travellers, Oman offers some extraordinary opportunities to escape the noise of everyday life. Think vast desert landscapes, dramatic mountains, secluded beaches and peaceful nights beneath the stars.

From exploring the dunes of the Wahiba Sands to discovering the country's beautiful wadis and mountain villages, Oman is a destination where the scenery alone might be enough to make you forget about your notifications.

Egypt Completes the Top Five

Rounding out the top five is Egypt, with a digital detox score of 52.43 out of 100.

The study recorded 249,329 mobile phone towers across approximately 995,450 square kilometres, alongside 13.20% of land under protection. Egypt performed relatively consistently across the different measures, placing it fifth overall. While destinations such as Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh offer plenty of modern comforts and connectivity, Egypt is also home to vast desert landscapes, remote oases and peaceful stretches of coastline.

For travellers looking to slow down, experiences such as sailing along the Nile, exploring the Western Desert or spending time beside the Red Sea can provide a welcome change of pace.

Why Digital Detox Holidays Are About More Than Losing Wi-Fi

One of the most interesting findings from the study is that countries don't necessarily need poor internet connectivity to offer opportunities for a digital detox. Germany and Indonesia also feature in the study's top ten, demonstrating how very different destinations can achieve strong results. Germany, for example, performs well because of its protected natural landscapes rather than a lack of digital infrastructure.

A spokesperson for Nova Kratom explained that the results show there is more than one way to disconnect, with countries across different regions and income levels offering conditions that may encourage travellers to switch off. And that's perhaps the most important takeaway for anyone considering a digital detox holiday. You don't necessarily need to travel somewhere without Wi-Fi to enjoy a proper break from your phone.

Sometimes it's simply about choosing a destination where there's enough to see, do and experience that checking your notifications becomes the last thing on your mind. Whether that's a remote desert camp in Oman, a beach escape in Barbados or a peaceful countryside retreat closer to home, the best digital detox might be the one where you decide to put your phone away in the first place.