Where does the US rank in gun violence in the world?

Asked by: Ericka Collins Jr.  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (41 votes)

The U.S. ranks very high in gun violence, often leading among high-income nations, with figures varying by source but consistently showing high firearm mortality rates, particularly for children, and a disproportionately high rate compared to other wealthy countries, though some nations in Latin America and Africa have higher overall rates. While specific global rankings fluctuate, the U.S. is an outlier, having the highest gun ownership and among the worst firearm homicide rates in the developed world, with rates sometimes comparable to countries in active conflict.

What countries have the highest gun violence?

Gun-related violence occurs all around the world, including (to a lesser extent) countries in which guns are illegal. However, out of the estimated 250,227 gun-related deaths worldwide in 2019, 65.9% occurred in just six countries: Brazil, the United States, Venezuela, Mexico, India, and Colombia.

How violent is the US compared to other countries?

The United States had, by far, the highest homicide rate of the G7 countries between 2000 and 2023. In 2023, it reached 5.76 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, a decrease from 6.78 in 2021. By comparison, Canada, the G7 nation with the second-highest homicide rate, had 1.98 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023.

What country ranks by guns?

Gun Ownership by Country

The United States has the highest rate of civilian gun ownership at 120.5 firearms for every 100 civilians. Switzerland ranks second with only 27.58 firearms for every 100 civilians. At 0.33 per 100 civilians, Japan has the fewest guns per capita.

What percentage of the world's guns are in the USA?

The survey stated that USA civilians account for an estimated 393 million (about 46 percent) of the worldwide total of civilian held firearms, or about 120.5 firearms for every 100 American residents. From 1994 to 2023, gun ownership increased 28% in America.

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42 related questions found

Who is the most armed country?

The United States is the most armed country, holding the most civilian firearms (over 393 million, or about 120.5 per 100 people) globally, far surpassing any military's total stock. While other nations like Russia and China have large military arsenals, the U.S. civilian population is the world's largest "armed group" by sheer volume of guns, driven by a strong gun culture and constitutional rights, although military strength and nuclear power are separate metrics.
 

Why do Americans own so many guns?

Gun ownership is deeply rooted in the country's history and is legally protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Firearms in the U.S. are commonly used for self-defense, hunting, and recreational activities.

What rank is America in gun violence?

Originally published March 25, 2021. Last updated October 31, 2023. Among 65 high-income countries and territories, the United States stands out for its high levels of gun violence. The US ranks seventh out of 65 for homicides by firearm (age-adjusted).

What is the most gun-friendly country?

There isn't one single "most gun friendly" country, but the United States has the highest civilian gun ownership and very permissive laws in many states, while Switzerland is known for its strong gun culture tied to militia service and relatively liberal ownership rules for certain firearms after background checks, and countries like Yemen also have extremely non-restrictive laws, though often with different cultural contexts. Other nations with high ownership or liberal access include Canada, Finland, and Serbia, often linked to hunting or defense traditions.
 

Which country is best in weapons?

The top 10 most powerful countries by military strength in 2025, according to the Global Firepower Index, are:

  • United States.
  • Russia.
  • China.
  • India.
  • United Kingdom.
  • South Korea.
  • France.
  • Japan.

Are the USA more violent than the UK?

The UK generally has lower rates of violent crime, especially gun-related incidents, compared to the U.S.. However, petty theft and property crime can be more noticeable in urban areas.

What are the top 10 most violent countries?

The top most violent countries consistently include nations facing intense conflict, instability, and high crime, with recent reports frequently citing Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti, often alongside countries like Ukraine, Russia, and Iraq due to ongoing war or political crises. Rankings vary slightly depending on whether they measure conflict, homicide rates, or overall risk, but these nations appear repeatedly due to factors like armed conflict, terrorism, and humanitarian emergencies. 

Where does the U.S. rank in crime rate?

The U.S. crime rate varies significantly by state, with Alaska, New Mexico, and Tennessee often ranking high in violent crime, while Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut consistently have lower rates, according to 2024 data. Cities like St. Louis, Detroit, and Baltimore frequently appear among those with the highest violent crime rates, contrasting with generally safer states like those in New England. Rankings depend on whether violent or property crime is measured, and data sources (FBI, USAFacts, World Population Review) may show slight variations. 

Who has the worst gun violence?

These are the 20 states with the highest firearm homicide rates in the country along with their gun-friendliness scores:

  • Louisiana: 11.0 (3)
  • Mississippi: 10.2 (5)
  • Alabama: 9.5 (4)
  • Missouri: 8.5 (5)
  • Maryland: 7.4 (1)
  • South Carolina: 7.4 (3)
  • Tennessee: 6.7 (4)
  • Illinois: 6.5 (2)

How does the US gun violence compare to other countries?

The U.S. has the highest firearm ownership and highest firearm death rates of 27 high-income countries. The firearm homicide rate in the U.S. is nearly 25 times higher than other high-income countries and the firearm suicide rate is nearly 10 times that of other high-income countries.

Are you allowed to own a gun in Malaysia?

Malaysia is one of the countries that has the strictest firearms laws. In Malaysia, there is no inherent right to own a gun meaning that the government limits gun ownership. However, one can legally own a gun in Malaysia after obtaining a valid firearms licence issued by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP).

What is the freest gun state?

There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
 

What country uses guns the most?

The United States leads by a wide margin, with more guns than people, averaging over 120 guns per 100 residents. Other high-ownership nations include Canada, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland, where firearm culture is often tied to hunting and national defense.

What US city has the highest gun violence?

Louis, Missouri once again ranks as the country's highest gun crime rate city. Up 11% from year before, the city recorded over 1,800 gun-related violent incidents per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025. Though its population is slightly under 300,000, the city boasts one of the highest rates of violence among countries.

How violence in the US compared to other countries?

The US firearm homicide rate was 7 times higher than that of the second highest country, Canada (3.6 vs 0.50 deaths per 100,000 population). The US firearm homicide rate was 600 times higher than the rate of the lowest country, Korea (3.6 vs 0.006 deaths per 100,000 population).

What country has more gun violence?

The U.S. has among the highest overall firearm mortality rates, as well as among the highest firearm mortality rates for children, adolescents, and women, both globally and among high-income countries. Nearly all U.S. states have a higher firearm mortality rate than most other countries.

How many guns can a US citizen legally own?

Is there a limit on the number of firearms that I can own or purchase? There is no limit on the number of firearms you may own if you are otherwise eligible to possess firearms under California and federal law.

What is the most armed country in the world?

The United States is the most armed country, holding the most civilian firearms (over 393 million, or about 120.5 per 100 people) globally, far surpassing any military's total stock. While other nations like Russia and China have large military arsenals, the U.S. civilian population is the world's largest "armed group" by sheer volume of guns, driven by a strong gun culture and constitutional rights, although military strength and nuclear power are separate metrics.
 

Why are guns not banned in America?

It found that carrying a handgun in public for self-defense is protected under the Second Amendment, while still allowing for restrictions on carrying handguns in certain "sensitive places".