14 Countries Where Firearms Are Illegal
Firearm ownership is a contentious topic, but most countries allow it in some form. Only 14 countries completely forbid the practice, according to Wisevoter, and they may not be the places you expect.
1: Brunei
Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia. The government bans firearm ownership for its 445,000 residents, citing it as a way of ensuring public safety.
2: Cambodia
Cambodia’s history of conflict led its government to forbid firearm ownership. It’s their way of promoting peace and stability.
3: Comoros
The small island nation of Comoros doesn’t allow personal firearms because they view them as dangerous. Comoros leaders emphasize safety and harmony in their compact country.
4: East Timor
From 1976 to 1999, the East Timorese crisis claimed as many as 200,000 lives. Coming out of a period of extreme violence, the leaders of East Timor decided it was best to ban handguns entirely.
5: Eritrea
Eritrea’s government claims to outlaw firearms to prevent violence and protect citizens. However, per US state reports, Eritrea is run by a totalitarian regime responsible for widespread human rights violations and violence.
6: Guinea-Bissau
After witnessing political instability and armed conflict, the government of Guinea-Bissau implemented a firearm ban. Their goal in doing so was to reduce violence and promote peace.
7: Maldives
The tropical islands of the Maldives have a strict no-firearms rule. Leaders in the Maldives hope this will keep its idyllic waters peaceful for citizens and tourists alike.
8: Marshall Islands
Being a remote set of islands helps the Marshall Islands enforce its no-firearm policy. Without personal weapons, the islands are able to maintain peace and harmony for citizens.
9: Nauru
Nauru is a small island country within Micronesia. The government proactively prohibits firearms there to keep its citizens safe.
10: North Korea
The authoritarian state of North Korea bans firearms to ensure citizens remain under state control. This leads to a low firearm fatality rate, but authoritarianism creates an environment ripe for numerous human rights violations.
11: Palau
The Pacific island nation of Palau strictly prohibits firearms. The government there has adopted this stance to protect its people and promote tourism.
12: Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands experienced years of violence before banning firearms in 1992. However, in 2017, they chose to reinstate some firearms for trained police officers.
13: Somalia
Somalia’s history of armed conflict led its government to prohibit firearms. They hope it will bring about more peace and security for citizens.
14: Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest independent nation in the world, and its stance on violent weapons is predictable, given its religious nature. Notably, exceptions for the firearm prohibition exist for the Swiss Guard who protect the Pope and city.
Ongoing Conflict
Many of the countries that ban all firearms deal with ongoing conflicts and civil unrest. For example, Somalia and Eritrea may ban weapons to foster order and maintain public safety.
Political Concerns
Other countries on the list, like North Korea, ban weapons to prevent political instability and citizen uprisings. They use no-weapon policies to maintain control over their populations.
Limited Populations
Many of the countries that ban all citizen-owned firearms are small and have unique security threats. For example, the Maldives and Vatican City don’t allow handguns to help ensure safety and harmony for their citizens.
Firearms Allowed
According to Wisevoter, more than 175 countries allow their citizens to own firearms, though ownership regulations vary significantly depending on the nation.
With Restrictions
Of the 175 countries that allow firearms, the vast majority place restrictions on the type of weapon citizens can own, where citizens can carry them, and whether or not they need to be registered with the government.
The Right To Bear Arms
The United States, Guatemala, and Mexico are the only three countries where bearing a weapon is a constitutional right. Still, Guatemala and Mexico have constitutions that allow for more regulation than the US.
More Firearms Than Citizens
According to a global Small Arms Survey, the United States is the only nation that has more citizen-owned weapons than citizens. Performed in 2018, the survey suggested there were 120 firearms for every 100 US citizens.
Increasing Rates
In March of 2021, the FBI reported two million background checks for firearm weapons. It was the second-highest month on record for firearms sales.
Highest Firearm Homicide Rate
The number of firearm homicides in the US is about four for every 100,000 citizens, according to 2019 data. That puts the firearm homicide rate 18% higher than any other developed nation.
Related Statistics
Data shows that more access to firearms correlates with more firearm violence, including homicides and suicides. That’s not to say that countries that make firearms illegal are without conflict, though, some of which are arguably worse than what citizens in firearm-friendly countries experience.
How US Firearm Violence Compares With 14 High-Income Nations
The United States takes center stage in many of the wrong ways when it comes to global firearm violence. Data reveals stark differences in firearm trends in fellow high-income countries.
How US Firearm Violence Compares With 14 High-Income Nations
Firearm Ownership Rates by State Ranked From 1 to 50
Do you know which states have the highest and lowest rates of firearm ownership? Find out where your state stands.
