We check out the well equipped in this list of the 11 countries with the highest rates of gun ownership in the world. Unlike most objects, the gun was invented primarily as a weapon. Whether it is for self-defense, warfare or peacekeeping, no one can deny that guns are lethal. Guns have had their benefits. For some it provides a sense of security. It’s also a weapon that can keep the owner at a safer distance due to its longer range compared to melee weapons. The problem for guns is that even criminals have easy access to them. There are also some people who would’ve never been provoked to violence if they did not own a gun in the first place.
Whatever is the case, for some countries in the world gun ownership has become normal. For many it would be better to be equipped than have nothing at all in times of danger. In order to own a gun legally, one has to acquire a license ensuring safe handling and good knowledge of the weapon’s use. Interestingly the numbers on this list account for both registered and illicit gun owners.
Some would say that just possessing a weapon can provoke violence, create an unhealthy environment. To see the other side of the spectrum check out our list of Country-by-Country Life Expectancy: The World’s 15 Healthiest Countries.
In order to accurately figure out the rates of gun ownership, we have to measure it by capita. For this list we consider the number of gun owners for ever y 100 people in the country. Let’s go to the first country in this list:
11. France
31.2 gun owners per 100 people
France has very strict gun laws despite their relatively high percentage of gun ownership. Mostly, people acquire guns for hunting or shooting as a sport. They even have a limit to the amount of rounds a person can have in his house.
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10. Norway
31.3 gun owners per 100 people
Much like France, Norway has a lot of gun owners due to hunting and the shooting sport. Guns are strictly regulated and they even have specific sections of the law that pertain to gun ownership. Interestingly suppressors are not regulated by the government and can be purchased freely.
9. Sweden
31.6 gun owners per 100 people
There is no Swedish law that bans gun ownership. The difference in Sweden is that everyone has to have a permit to carry any weapon, even a pepper spray. Civilians can been given special permits to carry firearms depending on the case. You also have to get the license from a local police station.
8. Uruguay
31.8 gun owners per 100 people
The high rates of gun ownership in Uruguay causes concern for most citizens. Guns can be found both legally and illegally in the country. Many NGOs and government officials have expressed concern due to the rates of gun ownership similar to a war-torn country.
7. Iraq
34.2 gun owners per 100 people
Gun ownership rates in Iraq have increased because of the recent conflicts in the country. With most of the country still suffering from terrorist and rebel attacks, it’s not unusual for people to carry guns. Aside from locals, foreign military troops also increase this rate.
6. Saudi Arabia
35 gun owners per 100 people
Obtaining a gun license in Saudi Arabia is a quick process. The requirements however may be difficult depending on the person. One needs a medical certificate from a psychologist. Then they would have to justify why they need a gun. The process takes about a week or so.
There are more countries to mention with even more guns. Let’s continue this list of 11 countries with the highest rates of gun ownership in the world.
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5. Cyprus
36.1 gun owners per 100 people
All types of guns even airguns are prohibited in Cyprus. What is interesting though is that citizens may acquire a license for a shotgun. Only double-barreled shotguns are allowed to be sold and most of these are used for hunting. A person may own up to 10 shotguns at a time.
4. Switzerland
45.7 gun owners per 100 people
One of the reasons why Switzerland has a high rate of gun ownership is because people are allowed to keep their service firearm. Whether they’ve served in the military or police, they are allowed to keep their weapon after service. They are however not allowed to have ammunition. Ammunition in Switzerland is strictly regulated.
3. Yemen
54.8 gun owners per 100 people
Guns have become cultural in Yemen because of the consistent war crisis in the country. You’ll find bargain shops and small stores selling a variety of guns as if they were clothes.
2. Serbia
69.7 gun owners per 100 people
Serbia also has a culture heavy on gun ownership. They even have a civilian gun and ammunition industry. To acquire a license in Serbia is difficult as one wrong merit can cause you any chance of acquiring a weapon.
1. United States
88.8 gun owners per 100 people
Part of the US Constitution is the right for people to keep and bear arms. Gun laws in the states are vastly different. Some strictly prohibit guns while others issue licenses with consent. There are even some states that allow guns to be owned freely.
There you have our list of the 11 countries with the highest rates of gun ownership in the world. May this knowledge be useful whether you’re a gun enthusiast or just want to be aware.
