The Balkan countries Montenegro and Albania have the highest murder rates with cases involving firearms in Europe. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Sweden came third. The Scandinavian country has seen increasing levels of gang-related violence in recent years.

In Europe, the Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania had the highest and third highest homicide rates respectively in 2022. Latvia had the highest rate at over four per 100,000 inhabitants. Meanwhile, the lowest homicide rate was found in Liechtenstein, with zero murders The most dangerous country worldwide Saint Kitts and Nevis is the world's most dangerous country to live in in terms of murder rate. The Caribbean country had a homicide rate of 65 per 100,000 inhabitants. Nine of the 10 countries with the highest murder rates worldwide are located in Latin America and the Caribbean. Whereas Celaya in Mexico was listed as the city with the highest murder rate worldwide, Colima in Mexico was the city with the highest homicide rate in Latin America, so the numbers vary from source to source. Nevertheless, several Mexican cities rank among the deadliest in the world when it comes to intentional homicides. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in countries such as Ukraine or the DR Congo. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly.

The average for 2017 based on 35 countries was 1.7 homicides per 100,000 people. The highest value was in Russia: 9.2 homicides per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Luxembourg: 0.3 homicides per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

From 2013 to 2019, the United States had a gun homicide rate of 4.38 per 100,000 residents, the most out of any other G7 country. In comparison, Canada had a gun homicide rate of 0.67 per 100,000 residents while France had a gun homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 residents.

European Union crime rate per 100K population for 2015 was 1.00, a 0% increase from 2014.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>European Union crime rate per 100K population for 2014 was <strong>1.00</strong>, a <strong>9.09% decline</strong> from 2012.</li>
<li>European Union crime rate per 100K population for 2012 was <strong>1.10</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from .</li>
<li>European Union crime rate per 100K population for was <strong>0.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from .</li>
</ul>Intentional homicides are estimates of unlawful homicides purposely inflicted as a result of domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, intergang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded.

This table contains figures on the number of registered crimes per month and per year. These are broken down by type of crime and by district and neighbourhood. Attempts are also included in the recorded crimes. For some crimes (e.g. murder/homicide), this results in a much higher number than just the number of completed crimes. The data per district and neighbourhood are presented for all years according to the classification of 1 January 2024.

Since July 2018, it is no longer possible to record multiple offences, which are related to each other (concurrence), in one registration. An example of this is a street robbery in which a firearm (gun possession) is used. If several offences occur in one registration, only the most serious offence was counted before July 2018. As a result of this adjustment, a number of offences show an increase compared to 2018. This mainly concerns trespassing, special laws including money laundering, arms trafficking including possession of weapons, drug trafficking, violation of public order and other social integrity including insults. The increase was therefore mainly visible in the last 6 months of 2018. This adjustment has only a limited impact on the total number of crimes. For the whole of 2018, this causes an increase of approximately 1.0%. Since 30 April 2020, it is possible to report WhatsApp fraud via the Internet (also known as friend-in-emergency fraud). This was immediately used extensively. In the months of May to December 2020, approximately 20,000 reports of WhatsApp fraud were made.

The number of registered crimes fireworks 2023 is not final. In the first half of 2024, many incidents with retroactive effect will still be classified as a criminal offence and included in the census.

Declarations concern registered crimes for which a Pv of declarations has been drawn up. Several reports can be made per crime. Internet reporting can only be done for a selected number of offences and only if there is no detection indication.

Data available from: 2012

Status of figures: The figures in this table are regularly updated. This may result in minor differences with previous publications. Updating the figures is necessary, for example, in order to be able to retroactively process the reclassification of municipalities or the adjustment of coding.

Changes as of 15 November 2024: Figures for October have been added.

When will there be new figures? The figures for November are added on 16 December.

Despite fluctuations, namely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of homicides in Portugal has generally decreased. In 2024, the Portuguese police registered 89 homicides consummated in the country, down from 97 manslaughter cases reported two years earlier. There were 322 involuntary homicides due to traffic accidents in Portugal, and 24 homicides that happened under other circumstances, such as negligence. Manslaughter cases and incarceration rates in Portugal Portugal had one of lowest homicide rates in Europe as of 2022, at 0.72 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The county of the nation’s capital, Lisbon, registered 23 voluntary manslaughter cases in 2024, which represented an increase in comparison to the previous year, but a decrease when compared to pre-pandemic times. In Portugal, the incarceration rate has also overall been on a downward trend. In 2023, there were 118 people incarcerated per 100,000 inhabitants. This rate, however, has risen since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was in 2015 that the incarceration rate peaked at 137.1. Despite decreasing homicide numbers, domestic violence is increasing in Portugal Domestic violence, which triggers multiple manslaughter cases in Portugal, has been increasing over recent years. In 2023, there were almost 30,500 recorded incidences of domestic violence, which represents a rise compared to pandemic and pre-pandemic years. This type of crime takes place in the domestic environment and between people with a degree of kinship. In 2023, 28 percent of cases occurred between spouses or partners, while seven percent of recorded occurrences concerned ex-spouses or ex-partners. In the same year, 27 percent of domestic violence victims were children or stepchildren of the accused, while the parents or stepparents of the alleged criminals were the victims of domestic violence in over seven percent of cases.

Knives or other sharp objects were involved in ** percent of homicides in England and Wales in 2023/24, the most of any method of killing. Homicides which involved hitting or kicking without a weapon made up **** percent of homicides, while shootings were identified as the method in *** percent of homicides. Overall, there were *** homicides in this reporting year, which was slightly lower than in the previous year, when there were ***, but noticeably higher than in 2014/15, when there were ***. Firearm homicides rare in England and Wales In 2023/24, there were *** knife homicides in England and Wales, compared with *** in 2021/22, which was the highest figure recently. By comparison, homicides which involved the use of a firearm were far less common, with just ** in the 2023/24 reporting year. Due to strict gun laws and low levels of ownership, the UK contrasts starkly with the United States, which has struggled with high levels of gun violence. Although some specialist police officers in England and Wales are licensed to carry firearms, the majority of police officers are unarmed. In 2023/24, for example, there were just ***** armed police, out of around ******* police officers. Overall knife crime on the rise Like many other types of crime, knife crime offences in the ***** started to decline at the start of the decade before creeping up again from 2014 onwards, reaching almost ****** in 2019/20. In London, where much of the media’s attention on knife crime is focused, there were ****** knife crime offences alone in 2019/20. Although this fell during subsequent reporting years, which were influenced by COVID-19 restrictions, it remains to be seen if the trend will continue. In 2023/24, the number of knife offences in the capital was higher than in any other year since 2019/20.

Mortality rate from firearms includes homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, deaths by law enforcement, and deaths for which intent was undetermined. Mortality rate is based on the location of residence and has been age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. ICD 10 codes used to identify firearm deaths are W32-W34, X72-X74, X93-X95, Y22-Y24, Y35.0, and U01.4. Single-year data are only available for Los Angeles County overall, Service Planning Areas, Supervisorial Districts, City of Los Angeles overall, and City of Los Angeles Council Districts.Violence is a public health crisis in the US, with gun violence being a major driver. In the US, the age-adjusted homicide rate from firearms is more than 20 times higher than in the European Union or in Australia. Significant disparities by age, sex, and race and ethnicity exist, with young adults (ages 15-34 years), males, and Black individuals most disproportionately impacted. Firearm-related suicides disproportionately impact older, White men. Comprehensive prevention strategies should work to address underlying physical, social, economic, and structural conditions known to increase risk.For more information about the Community Health Profiles Data Initiative, please see the initiative homepage.

Turks and Caicos Islands saw a murder rate of ***** per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the most dangerous country for this kind of crime worldwide as of 2024. Interestingly, El Salvador, which long had the highest global homicide rates, has dropped out of the top 29 after a high number of gang members have been incarcerated. Meanwhile, Colima in Mexico was the most dangerous city for murders. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in Afghanistan or Syria. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly in some countries. Causes of death Also, noteworthy is that murders are usually not random events. In the United States, the circumstances of murders are most commonly arguments, followed by narcotics incidents and robberies. Additionally, murders are not a leading cause of death. Heart diseases, strokes and cancer pose a greater threat to life than violent crime.

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. Out of each G7 nation, Japan had the lowest rate with 0.23 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

crime rate per 100K population for 2015 was 6.40, a 12.28% increase from 2014.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li> crime rate per 100K population for 2014 was <strong>5.70</strong>, a <strong>1.72% decline</strong> from 2012.</li>
<li> crime rate per 100K population for 2012 was <strong>5.80</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from .</li>
<li> crime rate per 100K population for was <strong>0.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from .</li>
</ul>Intentional homicides are estimates of unlawful homicides purposely inflicted as a result of domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, intergang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded.

The global home defense gun market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and home security. This surge in demand is fueled by factors such as rising crime rates in several regions, escalating instances of home invasions, and a growing awareness of self-protection measures. The market is segmented by application (daily defense, shooting training, others) and type (light guns, heavy guns), with the daily defense segment dominating due to the primary focus on personal safety. Light guns, owing to their ease of handling and maneuverability within confined spaces, are particularly popular for home defense purposes. Key players in this market include established firearms manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Beretta Holding, and Ruger & Co., alongside newer entrants focusing on innovative designs and advanced technologies. Geographic distribution shows significant market penetration in North America, particularly the United States, due to a strong gun culture and readily available purchasing options. However, growth is also observed in other regions like Europe and Asia-Pacific, albeit at a slower pace, reflecting varying gun control regulations and cultural attitudes towards firearm ownership. The market is expected to maintain a steady growth trajectory over the forecast period (2025-2033), although regulatory changes and economic fluctuations could influence its overall performance. Competition remains intense, with manufacturers constantly striving to innovate in terms of weapon design, safety features, and ammunition technology to meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers. The restraints in this market primarily involve strict gun control regulations and licensing requirements varying significantly across different regions. These restrictions limit market expansion in certain areas, particularly in Europe and certain parts of Asia. Further hindering factors include the rising cost of firearms and ammunition, which could potentially deter some potential buyers. However, the overall market is likely to remain resilient due to its underlying drivers, which include the enduring desire for personal safety and home security in an increasingly uncertain world. The continuous introduction of improved firearm designs, enhanced safety features, and specialized training programs further supports the growth and expansion of the home defense gun market. A strategic approach by manufacturers focusing on specific regional requirements and regulatory compliance will be pivotal for success in this dynamic and evolving market.

This feature layer represents Sustainable Development Goal indicator 16.1.1 'Number of Victims of Homicide per 100,000 Population' for Ireland. The layer was created using recorded crime statistics 2016 produced by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and NUTS 3 boundary data produced by Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi). Note that the NUTS 3 boundary refers to the former Regional Authorities established under the NUTS Regulation (Regulation (EU) 1059/2003). These boundaries were subsequently revised in 2016 through Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/2066 amending annexes to Regulation 1059/2003 (more info).

In 2015 UN countries adopted a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to help achieve the goals set out in the agenda by 2030. Governments are committed to establishing national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 Goals and to review progress using accessible quality data. With these goals in mind the CSO and OSi are working together to link geography and statistics to produce indicators that help communicate and monitor Ireland’s performance in relation to achieving the 17 sustainable development goals.The indicator displayed supports the efforts to achieve goal number 16 which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

The home defense gun market, a significant segment within the broader firearms industry, is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and home security. The market's expansion is fueled by several factors, including rising crime rates in certain regions, escalating geopolitical instability, and a growing awareness of the need for self-protection. This has led to increased demand for firearms specifically designed for home defense, particularly handguns and shotguns favored for their maneuverability and stopping power within confined spaces. The market is segmented by gun type (light and heavy guns) and application (daily defense, shooting training, and others). Light guns, encompassing smaller handguns and shotguns, currently dominate the market due to their ease of handling and storage, catering to a wide range of users. However, the heavy guns segment is expected to witness notable growth, driven by users seeking greater stopping power and those involved in more intensive training exercises. Technological advancements are also impacting market dynamics. The introduction of innovative features like improved ergonomics, enhanced accuracy, and safer handling mechanisms are enhancing the appeal of home defense firearms. Furthermore, the rise of personalized training programs and increased accessibility to shooting ranges are contributing to market growth. However, stringent regulations concerning firearm ownership and usage, particularly in certain regions, pose a significant restraint. The regulatory landscape varies considerably across different countries, impacting market penetration and sales volumes. The market is geographically diverse, with North America and Europe holding substantial market shares due to established firearm cultures and higher levels of gun ownership. However, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and parts of Africa are expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by rising disposable incomes and increasing awareness of personal security issues. The competitive landscape comprises both established manufacturers like Beretta Holding, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger & Co., and newer entrants who are introducing innovative product offerings.

The global small arms market is a dynamic and significant sector, driven by factors such as escalating geopolitical instability, rising crime rates, and increasing demand for self-defense weapons among civilians. The market, segmented by weapon type (revolvers & pistols, rifles & carbines, assault rifles, sub-machine guns, light machine guns) and application (civil, military, law enforcement), exhibits robust growth, estimated at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2025 to 2033. While precise market sizing data is unavailable, industry reports suggest a 2025 market valuation in the tens of billions of dollars, with North America and Europe holding the largest market shares due to established gun cultures and robust law enforcement budgets. Key players such as Smith & Wesson, Sturm, Ruger & Co., and Colt’s Manufacturing dominate the landscape, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and technological innovations to enhance weapon performance and appeal to diverse customer segments. Growth is further propelled by continuous technological advancements, leading to the development of more accurate, reliable, and lightweight small arms. However, the market faces significant restraints, primarily stringent government regulations on firearm sales and ownership, particularly in certain regions, and growing public awareness of gun violence. Furthermore, economic fluctuations can impact consumer spending on firearms, especially in the civilian segment. The ongoing evolution of the market necessitates a strategic approach from manufacturers focusing on product diversification, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships to navigate regulatory hurdles and maintain competitiveness in a fiercely competitive global arena. Regional variations in market growth will be shaped by local regulations, socio-political climates, and economic conditions, with regions experiencing conflicts or political unrest showing higher demand for military and law enforcement applications.

Home Office response to the consultation on the proposed changes to collection of recorded crime statistics. This summarises the response from users to the consultation and the subsequent advice the Crime Statistics Advisory Committee gave to the Home Secretary on the issue. The outlined changes to the classifications used for the collection of police recorded crime will come into effect on 1 April 2012.

Gun Safes Lock Market Outlook

The global gun safes lock market size was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 4.3 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing concerns over firearm safety, rising instances of gun theft, and growing regulations aimed at ensuring secure storage of firearms.

One of the primary factors contributing to the growth of the gun safes lock market is the increasing awareness and implementation of stringent gun safety regulations across various countries. Governments are increasingly emphasizing the importance of securely storing firearms to prevent accidents, misuse, and unauthorized access. This regulatory push has significantly boosted the demand for advanced locking mechanisms in gun safes. Furthermore, manufacturers are developing innovative lock systems that comply with these regulations, thereby driving market growth.

Another major growth factor is the rising incidence of gun theft and firearm-related crimes globally. The need to protect firearms from unauthorized access has become paramount, particularly in regions with high crime rates. Advanced lock systems in gun safes offer a reliable solution to this problem by ensuring that firearms are accessible only to authorized users. This has led to an increased adoption of high-security locking mechanisms such as biometric and electronic locks, which offer enhanced security compared to traditional mechanical locks.

The growing emphasis on personal and home security is also a significant driver of market growth. With increasing concerns over personal safety and security, more individuals are investing in firearms for self-defense purposes. Consequently, the demand for reliable and secure storage solutions has surged. Gun safes equipped with advanced locking systems are considered essential for ensuring the safety of firearms within households. This trend is especially prevalent in regions such as North America and Europe, where firearm ownership rates are relatively high.

In the context of ensuring secure storage, Storage Combination Locks have emerged as a popular choice among gun owners. These locks offer a blend of traditional security with modern convenience, allowing users to set a personalized combination that only they know. Unlike biometric or electronic locks, combination locks do not require batteries or power sources, making them a reliable option in situations where power might be a concern. They are particularly favored by those who appreciate the tactile feedback and simplicity of a mechanical system. As manufacturers continue to innovate, combination locks are being integrated with other security features, enhancing their appeal in the market.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the gun safes lock market, driven by high firearm ownership rates, stringent gun safety regulations, and increased consumer awareness regarding firearm security. The United States, in particular, is a major contributor to the market's growth. Europe is also witnessing substantial growth, attributed to stringent regulations and rising concerns over firearm safety. The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period, fueled by increasing personal security concerns and the adoption of advanced locking technologies.

Type Analysis

The gun safes lock market is segmented into four main types: mechanical locks, electronic locks, biometric locks, and others. Mechanical locks have been the traditional choice for gun safes, known for their reliability and simplicity. These locks operate without the need for power sources and are less prone to technical malfunctions, making them popular among conservative users. However, the market share of mechanical locks is expected to gradually decline as consumers shift towards more advanced locking mechanisms that offer higher security and convenience.

Electronic locks, on the other hand, are gaining traction due to their ease of use and enhanced security features. These locks often come with programmable keypads, allowing gun owners to set and change access codes as needed. Electronic locks also offer additional features such as time delay settings and audit trails, which can be useful for monitoring access to the safe. The growing preference for electronic locks is driven by their user-friendly

The civilian self-defense rifle market is a dynamic sector experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and home security. While precise market sizing data is unavailable, considering the substantial presence of major firearms manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Ruger & Co., and Sig Sauer, alongside a diverse range of smaller players, the global market likely exceeded $2 billion in 2025. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for this segment, while not explicitly provided, is conservatively estimated at 5-7% based on broader firearm market trends and increasing consumer demand for self-defense solutions. Key drivers include rising crime rates in certain regions, heightened political instability in some areas, and an increasing awareness of the need for personal preparedness, particularly in the aftermath of major events or crises. The market is segmented by rifle type (light, standard, heavy) and application (primarily self-defense, but also including hunting and sport shooting, with self-defense forming the largest segment). North America, particularly the United States, currently commands the largest market share, followed by Europe. However, growth is expected in emerging markets of Asia-Pacific and parts of Africa driven by rising disposable income and a growing middle class. Market restraints include stringent gun control regulations varying significantly by region and country, along with potential economic downturns that can impact discretionary spending on firearms and related accessories. The competitive landscape is intensely competitive, with both established manufacturers and smaller niche players vying for market share. Innovation plays a crucial role, with companies continually developing new firearm designs, incorporating advanced technologies like improved ergonomics, accuracy-enhancing features, and enhanced safety mechanisms. This ongoing innovation fuels market growth as consumers seek advanced self-defense tools. Future projections for the market suggest sustained growth throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), albeit at a potentially slightly moderated pace compared to previous years due to potential regulatory impacts. The development of innovative and effective self-defense solutions coupled with increasing consumer demand will continue to shape market dynamics. The strategic moves of major players, including mergers, acquisitions, and product diversification, will also influence the competitive landscape in the coming years.