Gun Ownership By Country

Gun ownership is often a deeply personal choice, whether grounded in self-defense, hunting, sport shooting, or simply exercising a right. However, it also contributes significantly to each country's social and political fabric, shaping cultures and influencing policies. An examination of international gun ownership rates reveals striking differences among countries, reflecting societal norms, legislation, and historical contexts. 

According to a comprehensive data report by the Small Arms Survey, the United States stands out as the country with the highest rate of civilian gun ownership worldwide. With an estimated 120.5 firearms per 100 people, the U.S. ranks far ahead of countries such as Yemen, Serbia, Canada, and others, which record rates that are less than half this figure. 

Key findings from the data include:

• The United States leads the world in civilian gun ownership, with a rate of 120.5 firearms per 100 people.
• The next closest country is Yemen, approximately half that of the U.S, with 52.8 firearms per 100 individuals.
• Even though Canada is geographically close to the United States, its rate of gun ownership is significantly lower, standing at 34.7 per 100 people, reflecting differing legislative and societal attitudes towards firearms.
• Interestingly, countries with a history or ongoing issues of conflict, like Iraq and Afghanistan, have lower rates of civilian gun ownership than might be expected, with 19.6 and 12.5 guns per 100 people, respectively.
• A considerable proportion of European nations like Serbia, Switzerland, and Finland also exhibit relatively high rates of civilian gun ownership, ranging from 39.1 to 32.4 guns per 100 individuals.

This data underscores the contrasting global attitudes and regulations surrounding firearms. As we delve further into the topic, we are confronted with the dilemma of balancing individual rights, public safety, and the societal impact of gun ownership, a question that each country must address within its unique context.

Topping the list of countries with the highest civilian gun ownership rates is the United States, with an astonishing figure of 120.5 guns owned per 100 individuals. This is followed by Yemen, which claims the second spot with a significantly lower 52.8 guns owned per 100 individuals. 

Next, New Caledonia comes in third place with 42.5 guns per 100 individuals, with Serbia and Montenegro both sharing the fourth spot as they each have an average of 39.1 guns per 100 individuals. 

Further down the list, Canada and Uruguay both boast an ownership rate of 34.7 guns per 100 individuals, whereas Cyprus follows closely behind with an average of 34.0 guns per 100 individuals. 

Concluding the list of the top ten countries with the highest rates of civilian gun ownership are Finland, with an average of 32.4 guns per 100 individuals and Lebanon, averaging at 31.9 guns per 100 individuals.

10 Countries with the Highest Civilian Gun Ownership are:

1. United States - 120.5 guns per 100 individuals
2. Yemen - 52.8 guns per 100 individuals
3. New Caledonia - 42.5 guns per 100 individuals
4. Serbia - 39.1 guns per 100 individuals
5. Montenegro - 39.1 guns per 100 individuals
6. Canada - 34.7 guns per 100 individuals
7. Uruguay - 34.7 guns per 100 individuals
8. Cyprus - 34.0 guns per 100 individuals
9. Finland - 32.4 guns per 100 individuals
10. Lebanon - 31.9 guns per 100 individuals.

The ten countries with the lowest rates of gun ownership are Solomon Islands, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Singapore, Benin, Malawi, North Korea, Japan, Eritrea, and Turkmenistan. Both Solomon Islands and South Korea rank as the countries with the lowest rates of gun ownership, with only 0.2 civilian guns owned per 100 people. Timor-Leste, Singapore, Benin, Malawi, North Korea, and Japan all follow, reporting an average ownership of 0.3 civilian guns per 100 people. Eritrea and Turkmenistan close the list, each with an average rate of 0.4 civilian guns owned per 100 people. 

10 Countries With Lowest Gun Ownership

1. Solomon Islands - 0.2 guns owned per 100 people 
2. South Korea - 0.2 guns owned per 100 people
3. Timor-Leste - 0.3 guns owned per 100 people
4. Singapore - 0.3 guns owned per 100 people
5. Benin - 0.3 civilian guns owned per 100 people
6. Malawi - 0.3 civilian guns owned per 100 people
7. North Korea - 0.3 civilian guns owned per 100 people
8. Japan - 0.3 civilian guns owned per 100 people 
9. Eritrea - 0.4 civilian guns owned per 100 people
10. Turkmenistan - 0.4 civilian guns owned per 100 people

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.