The world we live in can be extremely beautiful, but it can also be extremely violent, especially in these 10 countries that had the most gun violence in 2016.
There are many reasons why people use guns, although the lowest rates of gun violence have been noticed in countries where only law enforcement is allowed to carry. Shooting left and right, just because you can, will only lead to needless deaths, including among children who can often get their hands on improperly secured firearms.
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Generally speaking, the largest supporters of people’s right to carry guns are lobbyists, such as those pertaining to these 6 biggest gun manufacturers in the world. These are also the same people who are more than happy to supply guns to all conflict zones around the world, through a wide range of channels.
Our list of countries that had the most gun violence in 2016 is based on data from the Small Arms Survey, who put together statistics from a number of sources, including local statistics offices, World Health Organization, the Organization of American States, Health Ministries, or academic information, to name a few. The numbers mentioned below are homicide by firearms rates per 100,000 residents per year.
10. Trinidad and Tobago
Rate: 23.7
The government of Trinidad and Tobago have been working for years to reduce crime, but the issue seems to be too complex, involving an overburdened legal system, too much bureaucracy, high unemployment in marginal areas, gangs, drugs and a nasty economic recession.
Some success has been achieved, as the crime rate has decreased somewhat, but not enough to take the country off this top ten list. Data shows that in 2015, almost 81 percent of murders were committed by firearm. The latest statistics indicate that there are 23.7 deaths by firearm for every 100,000 residents. Given how there are 1.4 million people living here, that’s a rather nasty statistic.
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9. Bahamas
Rate: 24.8
The Bahamas is home to close to 400,000 people. Despite the rather low population size, it is estimated that the total number of guns held by civilians, both licit and illicit, is close to 75,000.
Furthermore, data shows that there are 24.8 deaths caused by gunfire for every 100,000 residents. Additionally, in 2014, 85% of homicides across the Bahamas were committed with a gun.
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8. Puerto Rico
Rate: 25.1
Things aren’t that much better in Puerto Rico, either. Although there are less than 3.5 million residents, there are an estimated 800,000 guns in the country, both legally and illegally owned.
Data indicates that for every 100,000 people living here, 25.1 die of gunfire, making up over 90% of all the country’s homicides.
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7. Colombia
Rate: 26.8
Colombia’s name is often associated with drug cartels, so it’s not really a big surprise that the country is up on this list. With a population of over 48 million, estimates indicate there are at least 3.2 million weapons held both legally and illegally across the country.
Data from the forensic institute indicate there are 26.8 deaths caused by firearms for every 100,000 residents.
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6. Belize
Rate: 29.7
Belize, the number 6 on our list of countries that had the most gun violence in 2016 is a beautiful nation, but the violence rates are quite high. The nation has some 360,000 residents, with nearly 30 people dying by firearm wounds for every 100,000 people.
Although tourism is one of the main sources of income for Belize, it has been reported that violent crimes are most often kept away from areas frequently visited by tourists. Instead, pickpocketing, burglary, as well as hotel room theft, is most often directed to those who are just vacationing.
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5. Guatemala
Rate: 29.9
Guatemala is next on our list of countries that had the most gun violence in 2016, with a firearm-related death rate of 29.9 per 100,000 population. The most dangerous city in the country by its murder rate is Guatemala City.
The 16.3 million people that live in Guatemala are estimated to have 1.6 million weapons, detained both legally and illegally. While the country’s Constitution protects the citizens’ right to own a gun, a license is still needed, and stricter gun control laws have been passed a few years ago in an effort to cut down the crime rates.
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4. Jamaica
Rate: 31.8
Up next on our list of countries that had the most gun violence in 2016, is Jamaica, a country with over 2.7 million residents. Unfortunately, the crime rates here are pretty high, with 31.8 deaths per 100,000 residents being caused by gunfire, making up 80% of all homicides.
It is estimated that the number of guns owned by civilians reaches 180,000. The country’s laws don’t guarantee a person’s right to own a firearm, and people must apply for a license before obtaining one, which includes providing a valid reason for needing a gun, as well as mental and criminal background checks.
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3. El Salvador
Rate: 48.8
El Salvador, the next one on the list of countries that had the most gun violence in 2016 is a beautiful place, but, unfortunately, the country has been facing a wave of criminal activity. Back in January 2017, the country’s officials announced they had the first day without murders in two years.
The country is home to some 6.2 million people, but there are an estimated 450,000 guns held by civilians. Out of all the homicides, over three quarters are caused by a firearm. In fact, for every 100,000 people, there are 48.8 people who die of gun wounds every year.
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2. Venezuela
Rate: 52
The second highest rate of firearm-related deaths is found in Venezuela, where every year 52 people die from gun wounds for every 100,000 people. With over 31 million residents, that makes for a rather large number of people who die every year in this way.
What’s more important, is also the fact that out of all homicides committed in the country, over 90% happen because of guns. It is estimated that there are over 3.2 million guns in Venezuela, owned both legally and illegally, despite the rather strict laws in place.
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1. Honduras
Rate: 67.2
At the top of our list is Honduras, a country that’s home to just over 8 million people. Unfortunately, this is also the place where the most gun-related deaths occur, namely 67.2 for every 100,000 people. In fact, nearly three-quarters of all homicides are committed with a firearm.
This has some connection with the history regarding gun laws in the country. Until the 80s, there were no laws regulating sale and possession of firearms whatsoever. Back in 1007, carrying weapons was made illegal, although citizens are still allowed to own up to 5 guns, but only carry them on private property.
That being said, these have been the countries that had the most gun violence in 2016.
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