Gun laws and policies vary widely across the world, from countries that allow civilians to own and carry firearms with few restrictions, to countries that prohibit or severely limit the possession and use of guns by private citizens. In this article, we will look at 10 countries that have some of the strictest gun laws in the world, according to various sources . We will also explore some of the reasons behind their regulations, and how they affect the rates of gun violence and crime in these countries.
Top 10 Countries with the Strictest Gun Laws
1. China
China is one of the few countries that have a “no-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, meaning that only the police and military are allowed to possess guns. The manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification and use of firearms by civilians are strictly prohibited, with harsh penalties for offenders. According to the Law on the Control of Firearms, anyone who illegally owns or sells guns can face up to seven years in prison, or even the death penalty in serious cases. The only exceptions are for hunting and sports shooting, but these require special permits and are subject to strict regulations.
China’s strict gun control policy is based on the principle of maintaining social stability and public security, as well as preventing armed rebellion against the government. The Chinese authorities argue that guns are dangerous weapons that can cause serious harm and death, and that restricting access to them can reduce crime and violence. However, some critics contend that China’s gun ban violates the human right to self-defense, and that it leaves citizens vulnerable to oppression and abuse by the state.
2. Japan
Japan is another country that has a “no-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, with very few exceptions. The possession of handguns is completely banned, while rifles and shotguns are only allowed for hunting and sports shooting purposes. However, obtaining a license for these firearms is extremely difficult and involves a rigorous process of background checks, mental health tests, safety courses, storage inspections and annual renewals. The number of guns per capita in Japan is one of the lowest in the world, with only about 0.3 guns per 100 people.
Japan’s strict gun control policy is rooted in its history and culture, as well as its desire to prevent gun-related crimes and accidents. Japan has experienced several incidents of mass shootings and assassinations involving guns in the past, such as the 1932 May 15 Incident and the 1960 Inejiro Asanuma Incident. These events shocked the nation and led to the enactment of more stringent laws to regulate firearms. Japan also has a strong sense of social harmony and respect for authority, which discourages people from owning or using guns.
3. Singapore
Singapore is a small city-state that has a “no-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, except for very limited cases. The Arms Offences Act prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or trafficking of firearms or ammunition by anyone other than authorized persons, such as police officers or military personnel. Anyone who commits an arms offense can face severe punishments, including mandatory imprisonment, caning or death. The only legal way for civilians to own guns is through licensed shooting clubs or associations, but these require strict vetting and supervision.
Singapore’s strict gun control policy is part of its overall approach to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety. Singapore has a reputation for being one of the safest and most orderly countries in the world, with low rates of crime and violence. The Singaporean government argues that restricting access to guns can prevent potential criminals from obtaining them easily, and deter others from committing crimes with them. However, some critics claim that Singapore’s gun ban infringes on individual freedom and autonomy and that it does not address the root causes of crime.
4. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a country that has a “may-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, meaning that local authorities have some discretion in granting or denying licenses for firearms. The possession of handguns is largely prohibited, except for certain categories of people such as antique collectors or veterinarians. The possession of rifles and shotguns is allowed for hunting, sport shooting or self-defense purposes, but requires a valid certificate from the police. The certificate applicant must demonstrate good reason for owning a firearm, pass a background check, undergo a safety training course and store the firearm securely .
The United Kingdom’s strict gun control policy is influenced by its history and culture, as well as its response to several mass shootings that occurred in the country. The most notable ones are the 1987 Hungerford Massacre and the 1996 Dunblane Massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 16 and 18 people, respectively . These tragedies sparked public outrage and led to the enactment of tighter laws to ban or restrict certain types of firearms. The British government argues that limiting access to guns can reduce the risk of gun violence and save lives. However, some critics contend that the UK’s gun ban violates the right to self-defense, and that it does not prevent criminals from obtaining illegal guns.
5. Australia
Australia is a country that has a “may-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, with different regulations in each state and territory. The possession of handguns is restricted to licensed individuals who belong to approved shooting clubs or associations, and who meet certain criteria such as age, training and background. The possession of rifles and shotguns is allowed for hunting, sport shooting or occupational purposes, but requires a valid license from the police. The license applicant must demonstrate a genuine reason for owning a firearm, pass a background check, undergo a safety training course and store the firearm securely .
Australia’s strict gun control policy is largely a result of its reaction to the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre, which claimed the lives of 35 people and wounded 23 others . The incident shocked the nation and prompted the federal government to introduce a nationwide gun reform program, which banned or restricted certain types of firearms, implemented a mandatory buyback scheme, and established a uniform licensing and registration system. The Australian government claims that its gun control policy has been effective in reducing gun violence and preventing mass shootings. However, some critics dispute the causal link between gun laws and crime rates, and argue that Australia’s gun ban infringes on individual liberty and choice.
6. Canada
Canada is a country that has a “may-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, with different classifications of firearms and licenses. The possession of handguns is restricted to licensed individuals who have a valid reason for owning them, such as target shooting or collecting. The possession of rifles and shotguns is allowed for hunting, sport shooting or self-defense purposes, but requires a valid license from the federal government. The license applicant must pass a background check, undergo a safety training course and store the firearm securely .
Canada’s strict gun control policy is influenced by its history and culture, as well as its response to several mass shootings that occurred in the country. The most notable ones are the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre and the 2017 Quebec City Mosque Shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 14 and six people, respectively . These events sparked public debate and led to the enactment of stricter laws to ban or restrict certain types of firearms, such as assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines. The Canadian government argues that its gun control policy can protect public safety and reduce gun violence. However, some critics challenge the effectiveness and constitutionality of Canada’s gun ban, and assert that it does not respect the rights and interests of law-abiding gun owners.
7. Germany
Germany is a country that has a “may-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, with different categories of firearms and permits. The possession of handguns is restricted to licensed individuals who have a proven need for owning them, such as sport shooting or hunting. The possession of rifles and shotguns is allowed for hunting or sport shooting purposes but requires a valid license from the local authorities. The license applicant must pass a background check, undergo a safety training course, take a psychological test and store the firearm securely .
Germany’s strict gun control policy is shaped by its history and culture, as well as its response to several mass shootings that occurred in the country. The most notable ones are the 2002 Erfurt Massacre and the 2009 Winnenden Massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 16 and 15 people, respectively . These incidents triggered public outcry and led to the enactment of tighter laws to ban or restrict certain types of firearms, such as semi-automatic weapons and large-capacity magazines. The German government argues that its gun control policy can prevent gun violence and save lives. However, some critics question the necessity and legality of Germany’s gun ban, and claim that it does not address the underlying causes of crime.
8. France
France is a country that has a “may-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, with different classifications of firearms and licenses. The possession of handguns is restricted to licensed individuals who have a legitimate reason for owning them, such as sport shooting or collecting. The possession of rifles and shotguns is allowed for hunting or sport shooting purposes, but requires a valid license from the local authorities. The license applicant must pass a background check, undergo a medical examination, take a safety training course and store the firearm securely .France’s strict gun control policy is influenced by its history and culture, as well as its response to several terrorist attacks that involved
firearms or explosives. The most devastating ones are the 2015 Paris attacks and the 2016 Nice truck attack, which killed 130 and 86 people, respectively. These attacks prompted the French government to declare a state of emergency, intensify its counter-terrorism efforts, and impose stricter controls on certain types of firearms, such as semi-automatic rifles and handguns. The French government argues that its gun control policy can combat terrorism and protect human rights. However, some critics accuse the French government of overreacting and violating civil liberties and suggest that its gun control policy is ineffective and counterproductive.
9. South Africa
South Africa is a country that has a “may-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, with different categories of firearms and licenses. The possession of handguns, rifles and shotguns is allowed for self-defense, hunting or sport shooting purposes, but requires a valid license from the South African Police Service. The license applicant must pass a background check, undergo a competency assessment, take a safety training course and store the firearm securely .
South Africa’s strict gun control policy is driven by its history and culture, as well as its response to its high levels of crime and violence. South Africa has one of the highest rates of homicide in the world, with 36.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019 . Many of these homicides involve firearms, which are often obtained illegally or stolen from legal owners. In 2000, the South African government enacted the Firearms Control Act, which aimed to reduce the availability of firearms and improve their regulation and management. The South African government claims that its gun control policy has contributed to the decline of firearm-related deaths and injuries. However, some critics dispute the impact of gun laws on crime reduction, and argue that South Africa’s gun control policy infringes on the right to self-defense and security.
10. New Zealand
New Zealand is a country that has a “may-issue” policy for civilian gun ownership, with different types of firearms and licenses. The possession of handguns is restricted to licensed individuals who belong to approved pistol clubs or associations, and who meet certain criteria such as age, fitness and character. The possession of rifles and shotguns is allowed for hunting or sport shooting purposes, but requires a standard license from the police. The license applicant must pass a background check, undergo a safety training course and store the firearm securely .
New Zealand’s strict gun control policy is influenced by its history and culture, as well as its response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, which killed 51 people and wounded 40 others . The incident shocked the nation and led to the enactment of stricter laws to ban or restrict certain types of firearms, such as semi-automatic weapons and large-capacity magazines. The New Zealand government also implemented a buyback scheme to compensate owners who surrendered their prohibited firearms. The New Zealand government argues that its gun control policy can prevent mass shootings and save lives. However, some critics question the necessity and legality of New Zealand’s gun ban, and claim that it does not respect the rights and interests of law-abiding gun owners.
Conclusion
As we have seen, different countries have different approaches to regulating firearms, depending on their historical, cultural, political and social contexts. Some countries have very strict gun laws that prohibit or severely limit civilian gun ownership, while others have more lenient gun laws that allow or facilitate civilian gun ownership. There is no clear consensus on whether stricter or looser gun laws are more effective in reducing gun violence and crime, or protecting human rights and freedoms. However, what is clear is that gun laws alone are not enough to address these complex issues. They need to be complemented by other measures such as education, enforcement, prevention and intervention.
10 Most Asked Questions About Gun Laws
Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about gun laws around the world:
- What country has the most guns per capita? According to the Small Arms Survey 2018, the United States has the most guns per capita in the world, with an estimated 120.5 guns per 100 people. The next countries are Yemen (52.8), Montenegro (39.1), Serbia (39.1), and Canada (34.7).
- What country has the least guns per capita? According to the Small Arms Survey 2018, Japan has the least guns per capita in the world, with an estimated 0.3 guns per 100 people. The next countries are Singapore (0.5), China (0.6), Indonesia (0.6) and Tunisia (0.7).
- What country has the most gun deaths per capita? According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, El Salvador has the most gun deaths per capita in the world, with an estimated 39.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2017. The next countries are Venezuela (38.7), Guatemala (32.3), Honduras (29.1) and Jamaica (27.1).
- What country has the least gun deaths per capita? According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Singapore has the least gun deaths per capita in the world, with an estimated 0.1 deaths per 100,000 people in 2017. The next countries are Japan (0.2), Qatar (0.2), Hong Kong (0.3) and South Korea (0.3).
- What country has the most mass shootings per capita? According to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more people are shot or killed, not including the shooter, the United States has the most mass shootings per capita in the world, with an estimated 0.12 mass shootings per 100,000 people in 2019. The next countries are Norway (0.05), Switzerland (0.04), Finland (0.04), and Canada (0.03).
- What country has the least mass shootings per capita? According to the Gun Violence Archive, many countries have zero or very few mass shootings per capita in the world, such as China, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and many others.
- What country has the best gun laws? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different countries have different gun laws that suit their specific contexts and needs. However, some possible criteria to evaluate gun laws are:
- How well they balance the rights and responsibilities of gun owners and non-owners
- How well they prevent and reduce gun violence and crime
- How well they protect human rights and freedoms
- How well do they comply with international standards and norms
- How well they are implemented and enforced
- What country has the worst gun laws? There is no definitive answer to this question either, as different countries have different gun laws that may have positive or negative effects on their societies. However, some possible criteria to evaluate gun laws are:
- How poorly do they balance the rights and responsibilities of gun owners and non-owners
- How poorly they prevent and reduce gun violence and crime
- How poorly they protect human rights and freedoms
- How poorly they comply with international standards and norms
- How poorly they are implemented and enforced
- What are the benefits of stricter gun laws? Some possible benefits of stricter gun laws are:
- They can limit the availability and accessibility of firearms to potential criminals and terrorists
- They can reduce the risk of accidental or intentional misuse of firearms by legal owners or unauthorized users
- They can deter or discourage people from committing crimes or acts of violence with firearms
- They can increase public safety and security
- They can save lives and prevent injuries
- What are the drawbacks of stricter gun laws? Some possible drawbacks of stricter gun laws are:
- They can infringe on the right to self-defense and security of law-abiding citizens
- They can create a black market for illegal firearms that may be more dangerous and untraceable
- They can be costly and difficult to implement and enforce
- They can be ineffective or counterproductive if not accompanied by other measures such as education, prevention, and intervention
- They can create resentment and resistance among gun owners and advocates.