Firearm Homicides per 100,000 2023
Firearm homicides per 100,000 measure murders by guns; reflects crime levels and enforcement effectiveness.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | 57.744 per 100,000 | |
2 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 42.439 per 100,000 | |
3 |  Jamaica | 41.869 per 100,000 | |
4 |  Ecuador | 39.533 per 100,000 | |
5 |  Saint Lucia | 31.235 per 100,000 | |
6 |  Honduras | 23.147 per 100,000 | |
7 |  Colombia | 17.851 per 100,000 | |
8 |  Mexico | 17.231 per 100,000 | |
9 |  Dominica | 15.035 per 100,000 | |
10 |  Costa Rica | 14.239 per 100,000 | |
11 |  Panama | 10.003 per 100,000 | |
12 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 8.573 per 100,000 | |
13 |  Uruguay | 7.084 per 100,000 | |
14 |  Dominican Republic | 6.486 per 100,000 | |
15 |  Grenada | 5.979 per 100,000 | |
16 |  Brazil | 5.809 per 100,000 | |
17 |  Barbados | 4.959 per 100,000 | |
18 |  United States | 4.421 per 100,000 | |
19 |  Guatemala | 4.408 per 100,000 | |
20 |  Paraguay | 3.697 per 100,000 | |
21 |  Chile | 3.322 per 100,000 | |
22 |  Guyana | 3.025 per 100,000 | |
23 |  Argentina | 2.602 per 100,000 | |
24 |  Philippines | 2.341 per 100,000 | |
25 |  Suriname | 2.226 per 100,000 | |
26 |  Albania | 0.889 per 100,000 | |
27 |  Canada | 0.735 per 100,000 | |
28 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0.722 per 100,000 | |
29 |  Sweden | 0.502 per 100,000 | |
30 |  Serbia | 0.384 per 100,000 | |
31 |  Armenia | 0.374 per 100,000 | |
32 |  Greece | 0.332 per 100,000 | |
33 |  Montenegro | 0.316 per 100,000 | |
34 |  Cyprus | 0.297 per 100,000 | |
35 |  Jordan | 0.297 per 100,000 | |
36 |  Czech Republic | 0.259 per 100,000 | |
37 |  Austria | 0.186 per 100,000 | |
38 |  Croatia | 0.18 per 100,000 | |
39 |  Italy | 0.17 per 100,000 | |
40 |  Republic of Moldova | 0.163 per 100,000 | |
41 |  Netherlands | 0.16 per 100,000 | |
42 |  Myanmar | 0.144 per 100,000 | |
43 |  Switzerland | 0.135 per 100,000 | |
44 |  Spain | 0.111 per 100,000 | |
45 |  Slovakia | 0.109 per 100,000 | |
46 |  Algeria | 0.108 per 100,000 | |
47 |  Australia | 0.095 per 100,000 | |
48 |  Mongolia | 0.058 per 100,000 | |
49 |  Bolivia | 0.057 per 100,000 | |
50 |  Hungary | 0.041 per 100,000 | |
51 |  Oman | 0.02 per 100,000 | |
52 |  Morocco | 0.008 per 100,000 | |
53 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | 0 per 100,000 | |
54 |  Iceland | 0 per 100,000 | |
55 |  Holy See | 0 per 100,000 |
- #1Saint Kitts and Nevis
- #2Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- #3Jamaica
- #4Ecuador
- #5Saint Lucia
- #6Honduras
- #7Colombia
- #8Mexico
- #9Dominica
- #10Costa Rica
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #55Holy See
- #54Iceland
- #53China, Hong Kong SAR
- #52Morocco
- #51Oman
- #50Hungary
- #49Bolivia
- #48Mongolia
- #47Australia
- #46Algeria
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2023, Saint Kitts and Nevis leads the world in Firearm Homicides per 100,000 with a staggering rate of 57.74, while the global range spans from 0.00 to 57.74 per 100,000. The global average is 6.95, with a median value of 0.72, reflecting significant disparities in firearm-related homicides across countries.
Economic Inequality and Firearm Homicides per 100,000
The high rates of firearm homicides in countries such as Saint Kitts and Nevis (57.74) and Jamaica (41.87) can often be attributed to economic disparities. These nations face challenges such as high unemployment rates and limited economic opportunities, which can lead to increased crime and violence. In contrast, countries like Iceland and China, Hong Kong SAR report a rate of 0.00, often due to stronger economic structures and more effective law enforcement.
Economic inequality can exacerbate social tensions, leading to higher crime rates. For instance, Colombia (17.85) continues to grapple with the legacy of drug cartels and internal conflict, which exacerbate economic divides and contribute to its elevated firearm homicide rate.
Policy Effectiveness in Controlling Gun Violence
Countries with stringent gun control laws and effective law enforcement tend to have lower rates of firearm homicides. For example, Australia has a rate of 0.09, reflecting the success of its strict gun laws implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Conversely, countries such as Mexico (17.23) and Ecuador (39.53) highlight the challenges of enforcement in regions plagued by organized crime and drug trafficking.
Policy effectiveness is evident in Hungary and Morocco, with rates of 0.04 and 0.01 respectively, demonstrating how comprehensive approaches to gun control and community policing can mitigate firearm-related violence.
Urbanization and Its Impact on Firearm Homicides
Urbanization often correlates with increased firearm homicides due to higher population densities and socio-economic disparities. Honduras (23.15) and Saint Lucia (31.24) exemplify this trend, where urban areas experience higher crime rates. In contrast, rural areas in nations like Mongolia (0.06) often report lower firearm homicide rates, partly due to less population pressure and different socio-economic dynamics.
Urban centers can become hotbeds for crime when economic opportunities do not keep pace with population growth, leading to an increase in firearm-related incidents.
Year-over-Year Analysis and Trends
Analyzing the year-over-year changes reveals significant trends. Saint Kitts and Nevis experienced the largest increase, with a rise of 49.18 (574.3%), indicating a severe escalation in gun violence. Similarly, Ecuador saw an increase of 16.68 (73.0%), reflecting ongoing struggles with crime and law enforcement.
On the other hand, some countries have successfully reduced firearm homicides. Barbados achieved a decrease of 6.73 (-57.6%), showcasing effective interventions. Honduras and Jamaica also reported declines, with reductions of 3.50 (-13.1%) and 2.65 (-6.0%) respectively, indicating potential policy improvements or shifts in societal dynamics.
These changes underscore the importance of targeted policy interventions and the role of socio-economic factors in influencing firearm homicides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm Homicides per 100,000 in 2023
Which country has the highest firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2023?
Saint Kitts and Nevis has the highest firearm homicide rate with 57.74 per 100,000 in 2023.
Which country has the lowest firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2023?
The Holy See has the lowest firearm homicide rate with 0 per 100,000 in 2023.
What is the average firearm homicide rate per 100,000 across all countries in the dataset for 2023?
The average firearm homicide rate across all countries in the dataset is 6.95 per 100,000 in 2023.
What is the median firearm homicide rate per 100,000 in 2023?
The median firearm homicide rate is 0.72 per 100,000 in 2023.
How many countries are included in the firearm homicide dataset for 2023?
There are 55 countries included in the firearm homicide dataset for 2023.
Which countries are in the top 3 for firearm homicides per 100,000 in 2023?
The top 3 countries for firearm homicides per 100,000 in 2023 are Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica.
Insights by country
Serbia
In 2023, Serbia ranks #30 globally with a rate of 0.38386577 per 100,000 for firearm homicides. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting a more stable security environment compared to other countries in the region. Contributing factors to this statistic include Serbia's ongoing efforts in law enforcement reform and community safety initiatives, as well as a relatively low level of violent crime compared to its neighbors.
Spain
In 2023, Spain ranks #44 with a rate of 0.11062044 per 100,000 for Firearm Homicides per 100,000. This figure is significantly lower than many countries in Europe, reflecting Spain's strict gun control laws and low levels of gun ownership compared to its neighbors. Contributing factors include a strong emphasis on public safety and effective law enforcement strategies, which have helped maintain low violent crime rates.
Guyana
In 2023, Guyana ranks #22 globally for Firearm Homicides per 100,000, with a rate of 3.0253415 per 100,000. This figure is relatively low compared to many Latin American countries, which often experience significantly higher rates of firearm-related violence. The moderate homicide rate in Guyana can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its small population, ongoing efforts in community policing, and a focus on addressing crime through social programs.
Albania
In 2023, Albania ranks #26 globally with a rate of 0.88915604 per 100,000 for firearm homicides. This figure is relatively low compared to many countries in the region, reflecting a more stable security environment. Factors contributing to this statistic include ongoing efforts to improve law enforcement and community safety, as well as historical reductions in organized crime since the early 2000s.
Montenegro
In 2023, Montenegro ranks #33 globally with a firearm homicide rate of 0.31568047 per 100,000. This rate is relatively low compared to several neighboring countries in the Balkans, reflecting a more stable security environment. Contributing factors include Montenegro's ongoing efforts to improve law enforcement and community safety, alongside its small population and geographical landscape that may limit violent crime opportunities.
Algeria
In 2023, Algeria ranks #46 globally for Firearm Homicides per 100,000, with a rate of 0.10830899 per 100,000. This figure is notably lower than many countries in the region, reflecting a relatively stable security environment compared to higher-ranked nations. Contributing factors include Algeria's stringent gun control laws and ongoing efforts to combat armed violence, which stem from a history of civil conflict and a focus on national security.
Iceland
Iceland ranks #55 globally for Firearm Homicides per 100,000, with a value of 0 per 100,000 in 2023. This statistic positions Iceland as one of the safest countries regarding firearm-related violence, particularly when compared to nations with higher rates of gun homicides. Contributing factors include strict gun control laws, a low crime rate, and a small, homogenous population, which together foster a stable and secure environment.
Jamaica
In 2023, Jamaica has a global rank of #3 for Firearm Homicides per 100,000, with a rate of 41.86935 per 100,000. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting ongoing issues with violent crime in the Caribbean. Contributing factors include socio-economic challenges, high levels of gang activity, and a history of political instability, which together exacerbate the prevalence of firearm-related violence.
Italy
In 2023, Italy ranks #39 globally with a firearm homicide rate of 0.16974945 per 100,000. This rate is relatively low compared to many countries, particularly those in Latin America, which often experience much higher rates of firearm-related violence. Italy's stringent gun control laws and a cultural emphasis on public safety contribute to its low incidence of firearm homicides.
Myanmar
In 2023, Myanmar ranks #42 globally with a firearm homicide rate of 0.14408743 per 100,000. This figure is notably lower than many countries in the region, reflecting a complex interplay of factors including ongoing political instability and economic challenges that impact crime rates. The country's governance issues and armed conflicts contribute to a unique security environment, influencing the prevalence of firearm-related violence.
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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