The global landscape of firearm ownership varies significantly from country to country, reflecting cultural, legal, and historical factors. In the United States, guns are deeply embedded in the national identity, whereas Japan’s stringent laws result in minimal firearm possession.
Each nation’s approach to gun control and ownership reveals a complex relationship between regulation and tradition.
Examining these statistics offers a telling glimpse into the diverse attitudes toward firearms around the world.
United States
The United States has the highest rate of firearm ownership in the world. With approximately 120.5 guns per 100 residents, Americans own nearly half of the world’s civilian guns. This high rate reflects the country’s strong gun culture and Second Amendment rights.
Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its high rate of firearm ownership, with about 27.6 guns per 100 people. The country’s militia system requires male citizens to keep their military-issued firearms at home. Despite high ownership rates, Switzerland has relatively low gun violence.
Finland
Finland has a firearm ownership rate of 32 guns per 100 people. Hunting is a popular activity, and firearms are commonly used for sport shooting. The country’s strict gun laws require thorough background checks and training for all firearm purchases.
Canada
Canada’s firearm ownership rate stands at about 34.7 guns per 100 people. The country has rigorous gun control laws, including mandatory safety courses and background checks. Most registered firearms are used for hunting and sport shooting.
Sweden
Sweden has approximately 23.1 guns per 100 residents, with hunting being a significant cultural activity. The country has stringent regulations requiring gun owners to obtain licenses and pass background checks. Sweden’s firearm-related death rates are relatively low.
Norway
In Norway, the firearm ownership rate is around 28.8 guns per 100 people. Hunting is a common pastime, and citizens must pass background checks and safety courses to own firearms. Norway maintains strict control over firearm access, contributing to its low crime rates.
Germany
Germany’s firearm ownership rate is about 19.6 guns per 100 people. The country enforces strict gun laws, including mandatory background checks, psychological evaluations, and firearm training. Registered firearms are typically used for hunting and sport shooting.
France
France has an estimated 19.6 guns per 100 people. The country’s gun laws require registration and strict background checks for all firearm purchases. Firearms are mainly owned by hunters and sport shooters.
Italy
Italy’s firearm ownership rate is around 11.9 guns per 100 residents. The country’s laws require background checks and firearm licenses for ownership. Most registered firearms are used for hunting and sport shooting activities.
New Zealand
New Zealand has a firearm ownership rate of approximately 26.3 guns per 100 people. The country has implemented stricter gun control measures following the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. New Zealanders primarily use firearms for hunting and agricultural purposes.
Austria
Austria’s firearm ownership rate stands at about 30.4 guns per 100 people. The country has comprehensive gun laws requiring background checks and registration. Firearms are mainly owned by hunters and sport shooters.
Australia
Australia has a firearm ownership rate of around 13.7 guns per 100 residents. The country’s strict gun control laws, implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, require rigorous background checks and registration. Most firearms are used for hunting and sport shooting.
Israel
Israel has a firearm ownership rate of about 7.3 guns per 100 people. The country’s stringent gun control laws require extensive background checks and training. Firearms are typically registered for security purposes and by those in specific professions.
South Africa
South Africa’s firearm ownership rate is approximately 12.7 guns per 100 residents. The country enforces strict gun control measures, including background checks and licensing. Firearms are primarily owned for self-defense and hunting.
Brazil
Brazil has a firearm ownership rate of about 8.3 guns per 100 people. The country’s strict gun laws require background checks and registration. Despite these measures, Brazil struggles with high rates of gun violence.
Mexico
Mexico’s firearm ownership rate is around 15 guns per 100 residents. The country’s strict gun laws require military approval for firearm ownership. Despite legal restrictions, illegal firearms contribute significantly to the country’s violence.
Russia
Russia has an estimated firearm ownership rate of 12.3 guns per 100 people. The country’s strict gun control laws include background checks and registration. Firearms are mainly owned for hunting and sport shooting.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s firearm ownership rate is about 4.6 guns per 100 residents. The country has some of the strictest gun control laws globally, requiring extensive background checks and licensing. Firearms are primarily used for hunting and sport shooting.
Japan
Japan’s firearm ownership rate is extremely low, at approximately 0.3 guns per 100 people. The country’s stringent gun control laws include rigorous background checks, mental health evaluations, and extensive training. Japan has one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the world.
South Korea
South Korea has a firearm ownership rate of about 1.1 guns per 100 residents. The country’s strict gun laws require background checks and limit gun ownership to specific purposes such as hunting. Firearms are stored at local police stations and can only be accessed under strict conditions.
China
China’s firearm ownership rate is very low, at approximately 0.5 guns per 100 people. The country’s strict gun control laws prohibit civilian ownership of firearms, with few exceptions for hunting and sport shooting. Illegal firearm possession is severely punished, contributing to low gun ownership rates.
