The disparity in gun-related fatalities across the globe is significant, with certain nations witnessing high instances of gun deaths and per capita gun deaths, while others report relatively low figures. As per data from Our World in Data, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Guatemala top the list of countries with the highest per capita gun deaths, with rates of 35.5, 32.75, and 28.23 respectively.
Typically, these nations are plagued by high crime rates, violence, and drug trafficking. The easy accessibility of firearms, coupled with these societal challenges, results in a perilous and lethal environment.
On the other hand, some nations report significantly lower per capita gun deaths. Countries like Singapore, Japan, China, and South Korea, for instance, have rates that range from 0.01 to 0.02 per 100,000 individuals.
These nations are characterized by lower crime and violence rates, and they maintain strict regulations on gun ownership. The United States, known for being one of the most heavily armed countries globally, ranks 32nd on the list with a rate of 4.12 gun deaths per 100,000 individuals.
The nation has been grappling with high gun violence rates for a long time, with mass shootings and homicides frequently making the news. The issue is multifaceted, with discussions revolving around the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, which affords citizens the right to bear arms, and the necessity for more stringent gun laws to curb gun deaths.
In summary, the rates of gun deaths vary greatly from country to country and are shaped by a complex mix of factors, including crime rates, firearm accessibility, and societal views on gun ownership.
| 1 | El Salvador | 35.5 per 100k | 2,301 | 0.16 per 100k | 0.05 per 100k |
| 2 | Venezuela | 32.75 per 100k | 9,338 | 2.5 per 100k | 1.99 per 100k |
| 3 | Guatemala | 28.23 per 100k | 5,165 | 0.36 per 100k | 4.23 per 100k |
| 4 | Colombia | 24.8 per 100k | 12,596 | 1 per 100k | 0.2 per 100k |
| 5 | Honduras | 21.22 per 100k | 1,978 | 0.35 per 100k | 0.8 per 100k |
| 6 | Brazil | 20.8 per 100k | 47,510 | 0.58 per 100k | 0.31 per 100k |
| 7 | Puerto Rico | 19.72 per 100k | 639 | 0.85 per 100k | 0.42 per 100k |
| 8 | The Bahamas | 19.72 per 100k | 81 | 0.21 per 100k | 0.11 per 100k |
| 9 | United States Virgin Islands | 19.29 per 100k | 20 | 2.37 per 100k | 0.68 per 100k |
| 10 | Mexico | 15.55 per 100k | 20,509 | 0.73 per 100k | 0.56 per 100k |
Highest Gun Death Rate by Country
Most Gun Deaths By Country
The ten countries with the most gun deaths are Brazil, Mexico, the United States of America, Colombia, Venezuela, the Philippines, India, Guatemala, Nigeria, and South Africa. Brazil is the country with the highest number of gun deaths, with a total of 47,510 gun deaths per year.
Mexico follows with 20,509 gun deaths per year, making it the second country with the most gun deaths in the world. Among all countries, the United States of America is ranked third in terms of the highest number of gun deaths.
This amounts to a staggering 13,001 deaths caused by firearms each year across the nation. Specifically, Florida accounts for 2,849 of these deaths annually.
Colombia ranks fourth, with 12,596 gun deaths per year, and Venezuela ranks fifth, with 9,338 gun deaths per year. The Philippines follows as the sixth country with the most gun deaths, with 9,028 gun deaths per year.
India ranks seventh country with the highest number of gun deaths, with 7,977 gun deaths per year. Guatemala has 5,165 gun deaths per year, ranking as the eighth country with the most gun deaths.
Nigeria ranks ninth with 3,482 gun deaths per year. And finally, South Africa rounds up the list of the ten countries with the most gun crimes, with 2,937 gun deaths per year.
The ten countries with the most gun deaths are :
1. Brazil – 47,510
2. Mexico – 20,509
3. United States of America – 13,001
4. Colombia – 12,596
5. Venezuela – 9,338
6. Philippines – 9,028
7. India – 7,977
8. Guatemala – 5,165
9. Nigeria – 3,482
10. South Africa – 2,937
Global Impact of Gun Deaths
The year 2024 has seen a staggering 25,544 deaths worldwide due to gun violence, a grim testament to the global scale of this issue. These deaths are not just numbers on a page but represent individual lives cut short, families torn apart, and communities forever altered.
The impact reverberates far beyond the immediate victims, affecting the mental health, economic stability, and overall well-being of entire societies.
Types of Gun-Related Deaths
The causes behind these deaths are as diverse as the victims themselves. Homicides, murders, unintentional incidents, and defensive gun use accounted for 11,288 deaths, painting a picture of a world where disputes are too often settled by the pull of a trigger.
Meanwhile, the 14,256 suicides reflect a heartbreaking intersection of mental health crises and firearm accessibility.
Gun-Related Suicides
The high number of gun-related suicides is a silent epidemic, often overlooked in the broader gun violence debate. Each of these 14,256 lives lost represents a personal tragedy, a battle fought in the shadows.
It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services and suicide prevention strategies, as well as policies to limit access to firearms among at-risk individuals.
Countries with the Highest Rates of Firearm-Related Suicide (per 100k) in 2019
- Greenland — 16.36
- United States — 7.12
- Uruguay — 4.74
- San Marino — 4.08
- Montenegro — 3.40
- Argentina — 2.67
- Finland — 2.66
- Monaco — 2.64
- France — 2.64
- Venezuela — 2.50
In contrast to the U.S. and Latin America, gun deaths are extremely rare in countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia. These countries have implemented incentives or passed legislation to decrease the number of firearms in circulation.
For example, in July 2021, Australia implemented a permanent gun amnesty program, in which unregistered firearms could be anonymously surrendered at police stations. Japan boasts a population of more than 127 million people, yet finished 2019 with a gun death rate of only 02 per 100,000 people.
One major factor in this success is that Japan has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world. For Japanese citizens to purchase a gun, they must attend an all-day class, pass a written exam, and complete a shooting range test, scoring at least 95% accuracy.
Candidates will also receive a mental health evaluation, performed at a hospital, and will have a comprehensive background check done by the government. Only shotguns and rifles can be purchased.
The class and exam must be retaken every three years.
Data Collection and Research
The importance of data in this fight cannot be overstated. Each statistic is a piece of the puzzle, helping us understand the scope, trends, and nuances of gun violence. Organizations like the Gun Violence Archive are at the forefront of this effort, meticulously collecting and validating data from thousands of sources daily.
This data is the foundation upon which effective policies and interventions are built.
Policy Implications
The data paints a clear picture: gun violence is a global public health crisis. It calls for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply regulating gun ownership. Policymakers must also address the root causes of violence, invest in mental health services, implement effective crime prevention strategies, and promote social and economic development.
Impact on Children and Teens
The toll of gun violence on young people is particularly heartbreaking. In 2024 alone, 172 children and 888 teenagers lost their lives to gun violence, while hundreds more were injured. These young lives were cut short before they had the chance to fully bloom, leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
It’s a stark reminder of the urgency to protect our most vulnerable from the scourge of gun violence.
Officer Involved Incidents
The 34 officers killed or injured and the 839 subjects or suspects killed in 2024 highlight the dangerous intersection of law enforcement and gun violence. These incidents often spark heated debates about policing practices, the use of force, and the role of firearms in law enforcement.
They underscore the need for comprehensive police reform, including de-escalation training and community policing strategies.
Defensive Use and Unintentional Shootings
The 693 defensive gun uses and 970 unintentional shootings reported in 2024 offer a glimpse into the complex and often the contradictory role of firearms in society. On one hand, guns are seen as tools for self-defense, potentially deterring crime and protecting lives.
On the other hand, the high number of unintentional shootings highlights the risks associated with firearm ownership, including accidents and misuse.
Murder/Suicides
The 408 murder/suicide incidents reported in 2024 are a chilling reminder of the lethal potential of firearms in volatile situations. These incidents often stem from domestic violence or interpersonal conflicts, turning personal tragedies into public health crises.
They underscore the need for early intervention strategies, support services for victims of domestic violence, and restrictions on firearm access for individuals with a history of violence.
Final Words
In conclusion, the global disparity in gun-related fatalities is a stark reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of gun violence. From the high per capita gun deaths in countries like El Salvador, Venezuela, and Guatemala, to the significantly lower rates in nations such as Singapore, Japan, China, and South Korea, it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to this issue is insufficient.
The data from 2024 underscores the urgency of this crisis, with tens of thousands of lives lost to gun violence worldwide. These deaths span a range of circumstances, from homicides and unintentional incidents to suicides, each requiring its own targeted prevention strategies.
