Violent Crime Rates by Country

Introduction

Violent crime rates around the world have been steadily increasing in recent years, creating a worrying trend. In many countries, murder and armed robbery rates have more than doubled since 2000, with some regions currently facing homicide rates higher than at any time in decades. Certain cities and states have found themselves at the forefront of this crisis, with their murder rate surpassing even that of some war-torn countries. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that almost half a million homicides – including both intentional and unintended killings – occur worldwide each year.

This alarming number has resulted in an average global homicide rate of 6.2 per 100,000 inhabitants for 2018. Such figures are particularly concerning in Latin America and the Caribbean, where 23 out of 25 countries have homicide rates that exceed the world average by a wide margin; notably Honduras reported 43 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2018, being one of the worst affected countries with a homicide rate six times higher than the global average. Other contributing factors to high violent crime include urban poverty levels, gang activity and organized crime networks as well as socioeconomic disparity between individuals or communities. Governments must address these issues and take action to reduce their citizens’ exposure to violence and danger if they want to improve their safety situation.

What is a violent crime?

Violent crimes are any criminal offense that involve the use or threat of physical force. They can range from simple assault and battery to murder, and the consequences can be devastating for both the victim and perpetrator. Violent crimes often involve a weapon such as a firearm or blunt instrument, but they can also occur without one. The psychological effects of violent crimes may last long after the incident has occurred and often leave victims feeling scared, helpless, depressed, and hyper-vigilant. Research has shown that there is a high correlation between substance abuse/addiction and violent crime; people who struggle with substance abuse are more likely to engage in violent behavior due to their altered mental state. Additionally, certain populations may be at higher risk for violent crime; for example, young people between the ages of 15-24 account for half of all violent crimes committed each year. Violent crime rates are decreasing due to improved law enforcement tactics and preventative measures, but it is still an issue with serious consequences across all demographics.

Countries with Highest Violent Crime Rate

The countries with the highest violent crime rates on the list are El Salvador, Venezuela, Lesotho, Colombia, Guatemala, South Africa, Honduras, Brazil, The Bahamas, and Haiti. El Salvador has the highest rate of violent crimes, with a rate of 44.95 homicides per 100,000 people. Venezuela is the second country with the highest number of violent crimes, with a rate of 38.99 homicides per 100,000 people. Lesotho comes in third place, with a homicide rate of 35.95, while Colombia comes fourth with a rate of 35.71 homicides per 100,000 people. The fifth country with the most violent crimes is Guatemala, with a homicide rate of 35.4, while South Africa ranks sixth highest in violent crimes with a rate of 34.4 homicides per 100,000 people. Honduras follows closely behind, in seventh place, with a rate of 33.84 homicides per 100,000 people. Brazil ranks eighth with 30.42 homicides per 100,000 people, and the Bahamas come ninth, with a rate of 29.4 per 100,000. Finally, Haiti rounds off this list of the countries with the highest violent crimes, with a homicide rate of 28.38 per 100,000.

Countries with Most Violent Crimes

1. El Salvador – 48.71
2. Venezuela – 38.99
3. Lesotho – 35.95
4. Colombia – 35.71
5. Guatemala – 35.4
6. South Africa – 34.4
7. Honduras – 33.84
8. Brazil – 30.42
9. The Bahamas – 29.4
10. Haiti – 28.38

Country with Most Violent Crimes

El Salvador is the country with the most violent crimes in the world, with an average of 48.71 homicides per 100,000 people. This staggering figure translates to approximately 6,648 murders occurring each year in El Salvador, with most of these being attributed to gangs and organized crime syndicates vying for control and influence. The current state of violence in El Salvador is due largely to several decades of conflict between rival drug gangs and paramilitary forces operating within the country’s borders. This has resulted in a culture of fear and despair that plagues many residents of El Salvador each day, who are faced with random acts of violence on a regular basis. The government has implemented several measures to try and combat this problem, including introducing stricter gun control laws and more rigorous law enforcement practices. However, it is yet to be seen if these measures will have any lasting effects in curbing this extremely high level of violence in El Salvador.

Countries with Lowest Violent Crime Rates

Singapore, Monaco, San Marino, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Japan, Andorra, Norway, Switzerland, and Ireland are the countries with the ten lowest rates of violent crime in the world. Singapore has the lowest amount of violent crimes with a rate of 0.44 homicides per 100,000 people. Monaco is also very safe as it has a rate of only 0.46 homicides per 100,000 people. San Marino follows closely behind at 0.5, while the UK trails in fourth place with a rate of 0.51 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Egypt is the fifth country with lowest violent crime rate, with an average of 0.52 homicides per 100,000 people, while Japan ranks sixth with a homicide rate of 0.56. In seventh place comes Andorra, with a rate of 0.57 homicides per 100,000 people, Norway in eighth position with a rate of 0.61 homicides, and Switzerland ranks ninth country with the least violent crimes, at a rate of 0.62. Finally, the tenth country on the top 10 list for countries with the least violent crimes is Ireland, with a rate of 0.64 homicides per 100,000 people.

Lowest Violent Crime Rates in the World

1. Singapore – 0.44
2. Monaco – 0.46
3. San Marino – 0.5
4. United Kingdom – 0.51
5. Egypt – 0.51
6. Japan – 0.56
7. Andorra – 0.57
8. Norway – 0.61
9. Switzerland – 0.62
10. Ireland – 0.64

Lowest Violent Crime Rate in the World

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world, boasting the lowest violent crime rate in the world, with only 0.44 homicides per 100,000 people. The nation-state has achieved this by keeping strict security controls and enforcing strict punishments for any form of criminal activity. This includes harsh penalties such as caning or long prison sentences for those convicted of serious crimes, while minor offenses such as littering can even incur hefty fines. Singapore’s commitment to fighting crime is further exemplified by its high-tech surveillance system which covers public places like streets and parks, allowing authorities to keep a watchful eye on potential criminals. In addition to these measures, Singapore also has a strong emphasis on education and community engagement which helps create a safe environment for its citizens. With all these elements in place, Singapore continues to be one of the most secure countries in the world with exceptionally low levels of violent crime.