Firearm Homicides per 100,000 2019
Firearm homicides per 100,000 measure murders by guns; reflects crime levels and enforcement effectiveness.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 |  Jamaica | 39.635 per 100,000 | |
2 |  Honduras | 30.24 per 100,000 | |
3 |  Trinidad and Tobago | 29.16 per 100,000 | |
4 |  El Salvador | 28.189 per 100,000 | |
5 |  Belize | 23.586 per 100,000 | |
6 |  Mexico | 20.568 per 100,000 | |
7 |  Bahamas | 20.016 per 100,000 | |
8 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | 19.169 per 100,000 | |
9 |  Saint Lucia | 17.449 per 100,000 | |
10 |  Colombia | 16.122 per 100,000 | |
11 |  Barbados | 11.024 per 100,000 | |
12 |  Dominica | 10.312 per 100,000 | |
13 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 9.6 per 100,000 | |
14 |  Panama | 8.619 per 100,000 | |
15 |  Costa Rica | 7.601 per 100,000 | |
16 |  Uruguay | 7.241 per 100,000 | |
17 |  Guatemala | 6.203 per 100,000 | |
18 |  Paraguay | 5.372 per 100,000 | |
19 |  Dominican Republic | 4.259 per 100,000 | |
20 |  Guyana | 4.086 per 100,000 | |
21 |  Ecuador | 3.76 per 100,000 | |
22 |  Nicaragua | 3.378 per 100,000 | |
23 |  United States | 3.119 per 100,000 | |
24 |  Argentina | 2.508 per 100,000 | |
25 |  Peru | 2.314 per 100,000 | |
26 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 2.189 per 100,000 | |
27 |  Montenegro | 2.125 per 100,000 | |
28 |  Chile | 1.839 per 100,000 | |
29 |  Suriname | 1.651 per 100,000 | |
30 |  Albania | 1.629 per 100,000 | |
31 |  New Zealand | 1.223 per 100,000 | |
32 |  Philippines | 1.099 per 100,000 | |
33 |  Canada | 0.699 per 100,000 | |
34 |  Armenia | 0.654 per 100,000 | |
35 |  North Macedonia | 0.632 per 100,000 | |
36 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0.628 per 100,000 | |
37 |  Jordan | 0.45 per 100,000 | |
38 |  Sweden | 0.438 per 100,000 | |
39 |  Croatia | 0.376 per 100,000 | |
40 |  Serbia | 0.373 per 100,000 | |
41 |  Republic of Moldova | 0.289 per 100,000 | |
42 |  Slovenia | 0.288 per 100,000 | |
43 |  Slovakia | 0.275 per 100,000 | |
44 |  Bolivia | 0.274 per 100,000 | |
45 |  Greece | 0.233 per 100,000 | |
46 |  Netherlands | 0.188 per 100,000 | |
47 |  Azerbaijan | 0.188 per 100,000 | |
48 |  Cyprus | 0.155 per 100,000 | |
49 |  Australia | 0.149 per 100,000 | |
50 |  Switzerland | 0.128 per 100,000 | |
51 |  Spain | 0.112 per 100,000 | |
52 |  Austria | 0.101 per 100,000 | |
53 |  Morocco | 0.094 per 100,000 | |
54 |  Finland | 0.091 per 100,000 | |
55 |  Czech Republic | 0.085 per 100,000 | |
56 |  Algeria | 0.083 per 100,000 | |
57 |  Lithuania | 0.072 per 100,000 | |
58 |  Sri Lanka | 0.071 per 100,000 | |
59 |  Oman | 0.065 per 100,000 | |
60 |  Germany | 0.048 per 100,000 | |
61 |  Hungary | 0.031 per 100,000 | |
62 |  Uzbekistan | 0.012 per 100,000 | |
63 |  Japan | 0.003 per 100,000 | |
64 |  Bhutan | 0 per 100,000 | |
65 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | 0 per 100,000 | |
66 |  Iceland | 0 per 100,000 | |
67 |  United Arab Emirates | 0 per 100,000 |
- #1Jamaica
- #2Honduras
- #3Trinidad and Tobago
- #4El Salvador
- #5Belize
- #6Mexico
- #7Bahamas
- #8Saint Kitts and Nevis
- #9Saint Lucia
- #10Colombia
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #67United Arab Emirates
- #66Iceland
- #65China, Hong Kong SAR
- #64Bhutan
- #63Japan
- #62Uzbekistan
- #61Hungary
- #60Germany
- #59Oman
- #58Sri Lanka
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2019, Jamaica recorded the highest rate of Firearm Homicides per 100,000, with a staggering 39.63 incidents, while the global range for this metric spanned from 0.00 to 39.63. The global context is further illuminated by the average rate, which stood at 5.26, and the median value of 0.65, highlighting significant disparities between countries.
Regional Disparities in Firearm Homicides
The data reveals stark regional disparities in Firearm Homicides per 100,000. Caribbean and Central American countries dominate the upper echelons of this statistic. In addition to Jamaica, nations like Honduras (30.24) and Trinidad and Tobago (29.16) also report high figures. These elevated rates can often be attributed to a combination of socio-economic challenges, including poverty, drug trafficking, and weak law enforcement frameworks.
Conversely, several countries exhibit remarkably low rates, with Iceland, Bhutan, and the United Arab Emirates all reporting a rate of 0.00. These nations typically benefit from strong governance, effective law enforcement, and lower levels of organized crime, contributing to their minimal firearm-related homicides.
Socio-Economic Factors and Firearm Homicides
Socio-economic factors play a crucial role in influencing firearm homicide rates. For example, Mexico (20.57) and Colombia (16.12) experience high rates partly due to the pervasive influence of drug cartels and organized crime. The economic instability and social inequality in these regions exacerbate the situation, leading to higher crime rates.
In contrast, countries with advanced economies and effective law enforcement systems, such as Germany (0.05) and Japan (0.003), maintain low firearm homicide rates. These countries benefit from stringent gun control laws, stable economies, and robust social safety nets, which collectively help in mitigating violent crime.
Trends and Changes in Firearm Homicide Rates
The year-over-year data indicates significant fluctuations in firearm homicide rates across different countries. Saint Lucia experienced the largest increase, with a rise of 5.02 (40.4%), which may reflect rising gang activity and economic pressures. Similarly, Barbados saw an increase of 4.61 (71.9%), possibly due to similar socio-economic factors.
On the other hand, some nations have made substantial progress in reducing firearm homicides. Saint Kitts and Nevis witnessed a dramatic decrease of 14.87 (-43.7%), while El Salvador reduced its rate by 13.63 (-32.6%). These declines are often the result of targeted government policies, improved law enforcement strategies, and international cooperation in addressing crime.
Policy Implications and Future Directions
The stark differences in Firearm Homicides per 100,000 rates underscore the need for tailored policy interventions. Countries like Jamaica and Honduras may benefit from international support to strengthen law enforcement and address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and drug trafficking. Additionally, adopting comprehensive gun control measures and investing in community development programs can be effective strategies.
For nations with low rates, maintaining current policies and continuing to adapt to emerging threats will be essential. Sharing best practices and fostering international collaborations can help other countries learn from their success in maintaining low firearm homicide rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm Homicides per 100,000 in 2019
Which country had the highest firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2019?
Jamaica had the highest firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2019, with 39.63.
What was the lowest firearm homicide rate per 100,000 among countries in 2019?
Iceland had the lowest firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2019, with a rate of 0.
What was the average firearm homicide rate per 100,000 across all countries in the dataset for 2019?
The average firearm homicide rate per 100,000 across all countries in the dataset for 2019 was 5.26.
What was the median firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2019?
The median firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2019 was 0.65.
How many countries are included in the dataset for firearm homicides per 100,000 in 2019?
The dataset includes 67 countries for firearm homicides per 100,000 in 2019.
Which countries are in the top 3 for firearm homicides per 100,000 in 2019?
The top 3 countries for firearm homicides per 100,000 in 2019 were Jamaica, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Insights by country
Philippines
In 2019, the Philippines recorded a rank of #32 with a firearm homicide rate of 1.0992315 per 100,000. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating significant challenges in public safety and gun control. Contributing factors include ongoing insurgencies, socio-economic disparities, and a complex relationship with firearms legislation, which can exacerbate violence in certain regions.
Germany
In 2019, Germany ranked #60 globally with a rate of 0.04787026 per 100,000 for firearm homicides. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, highlighting Germany's relative safety in terms of gun violence compared to countries with higher rates, such as the United States. Strict gun control laws and a strong emphasis on public safety contribute to Germany's low firearm homicide rate, reflecting the country's commitment to preventing gun-related violence.
Switzerland
In 2019, Switzerland recorded a rank of #50 with a firearm homicide rate of 0.12824214 per 100,000. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the country's stringent gun control laws and a strong culture of responsible firearm ownership. Additionally, Switzerland's unique policy of mandatory military service contributes to a population that is trained in firearm safety, which further mitigates risks associated with gun violence.
Jamaica
In 2019, Jamaica recorded the highest rate of Firearm Homicides per 100,000 at 39.634876 per 100,000, ranking #1 out of 67 countries. This figure significantly exceeds regional averages and highlights the severe challenges Jamaica faces in terms of gun violence. Contributing factors include high levels of poverty, organized crime, and a history of political instability, which exacerbate the prevalence of firearms and violent crime in the country.
Iceland
Iceland ranked #66 globally for Firearm Homicides per 100,000 in 2019, recording a 0 per 100,000 rate. This places Iceland among the lowest firearm homicide rates in the world, significantly better than the global average. Contributing factors include the country's small population, strong social cohesion, and stringent gun control laws that limit firearm access. Additionally, Iceland's low crime rates and high standard of living further mitigate the risk of violent crime.
Oman
In 2019, Oman ranked #59 globally with a firearm homicide rate of 0.06534181 per 100,000. This figure is notably low compared to many countries in the region, reflecting a generally peaceful society. Contributing factors include Oman's strict gun control laws and a strong emphasis on public safety, which are supported by its stable political environment and low crime rates.
Colombia
In 2019, Colombia had a global rank of #10 with a rate of 16.121668 firearm homicides per 100,000. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, indicating ongoing challenges with violence. Contributing factors include a history of armed conflict, drug trafficking, and socio-economic disparities that persist in various regions of the country.
United States
In 2019, the United States ranked #23 with a value of 3.119393 per 100,000 for Firearm Homicides per 100,000. This rate is significantly higher than many developed nations, reflecting a broader trend of gun violence in the U.S. Key drivers include a high prevalence of firearms, varying state gun laws, and socio-economic disparities that contribute to violent crime rates.
Albania
In 2019, Albania ranked #30 globally with a rate of 1.6291107 per 100,000 for Firearm Homicides. This figure is relatively low compared to many countries in the Balkans, reflecting a more stable security environment in recent years. Factors contributing to this statistic include Albania's ongoing reforms in law enforcement and the gradual improvement of socio-economic conditions, which have helped reduce violent crime rates.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan ranked #47 with a firearm homicide rate of 0.18792391 per 100,000 in 2019. This figure is notably lower than many countries in the region, reflecting a relatively stable security situation compared to its neighbors. Contributing factors to this low rate include stringent gun control laws and a focus on maintaining public order, which have been prioritized in the country's post-Soviet development.
Data Source
Homicide rate from firearms | Our World in Data
Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive data and visualizations on global issues, including public health, economic development, and environmental changes. The dataset on homicide rates from firearms offers country-level statistics on firearm-related homicides, enabling comparisons and analysis of trends over time.
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