Countries Where Guns Are Illegal 2023 - Wisevoter (2024)

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Introduction

In a select group of fourteen countries around the world, handguns are strictly prohibited. These nations are Brunei, Cambodia, Comoros, East Timor, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, North Korea, Palau, Solomon Islands, Somalia, and Vatican City. Although diverse in terms of geography, history, and culture, these countries share some common patterns when it comes to firearm regulations.

Firstly, many of these countries that don’t allow guns are characterized by political stability concerns or ongoing conflicts. Nations like Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Somalia, and North Korea have experienced internal strife, civil unrest, or political instability, leading to stringent gun control measures to maintain order and public safety.

Additionally, several of the countries where guns are illegal are island nations or small territories with limited populations. Places such as Brunei, Comoros, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, and Vatican City have unique security challenges due to their relatively small size and vulnerability to external threats. Implementing strict gun control measures helps these countries maintain social harmony and ensure the safety of their citizens.

Furthermore, ideological factors also play a role in handgun prohibition. North Korea, for instance, has a tightly controlled regime where the possession of firearms by civilians is heavily regulated. Similarly, Vatican City, as the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has stringent gun control policies to ensure the safety of religious leaders and visitors.

It is important to note that the reasons for handgun prohibition in these countries are multifaceted, often influenced by historical, cultural, political, and security factors unique to each nation. However, the common thread among them is the prioritization of public safety and the prevention of potential risks associated with firearms over individual liberties around gun ownership.

List of Countries Where Guns Are Illegal

CountryGun ProhibitionGun Death Rate
BruneiYes0.07 per 100k
CambodiaYes0.95 per 100k
ComorosYes3.16 per 100k
East TimorYes0.89 per 100k
EritreaYes4.11 per 100k
Guinea-BissauYes3.43 per 100k
MaldivesYes0.15 per 100k
Marshall IslandsYes1.07 per 100k
NauruYes1.18 per 100k
North KoreaYes0.12 per 100k
PalauYes0.78 per 100k
Solomon IslandsYes1.91 per 100k
SomaliaYes5.06 per 100k
Vatican CityYes

Countries That Ban Guns

The fourteen countries that ban handguns are :

1. Brunei
2. Cambodia
3. Comoros
4. East Timor
5. Eritrea
6. Guinea-Bissau
7. Maldives
8. Marshall Islands
9. Nauru
10. North Korea
11. Palau
12. Solomon Islands
13. Somalia
14. Vatican City

Countries Where Guns Are Illegal

Countries Where Guns Are Illegal 2023 - Wisevoter (1)

Brunei

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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0.07 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#183

Located in Southeast Asia, Brunei is one of the countries that strictly prohibits handguns. The nation's government has implemented stringent laws to maintain social order and safety. This small yet prosperous country values stability and ensures that firearms remain out of reach for its citizens.

Countries Where Guns Are Illegal 2023 - Wisevoter (2)

Cambodia

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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0.95 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#90

In Cambodia, the possession of handguns is strictly forbidden. The country has a complex history of armed conflict, and its government has prioritized disarmament efforts to promote peace and prevent violence. Striving for stability and security, Cambodia enforces stringent regulations to ensure firearms remain out of civilian hands.

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Comoros

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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3.16 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#46

The small island nation of Comoros, situated off the eastern coast of Africa, has adopted a strict stance against handguns. Recognizing the potential dangers associated with firearms, Comoros has implemented comprehensive legislation to maintain public safety and preserve social harmony.

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East Timor

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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0.89 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#92

East Timor, a Southeast Asian nation, emerged from a turbulent past and has since prioritized the restriction of handguns. The country's government has taken significant steps to create a safe environment for its citizens, implementing measures to prevent the proliferation of firearms and promote peace.

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Eritrea

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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4.11 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#33

Situated in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea is another country where handguns are illegal. The government of Eritrea has deemed firearm prohibition necessary to prevent violence and maintain social order. The strict regulations on firearms are part of a broader strategy to safeguard the well-being of its population.

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Guinea-Bissau

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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3.43 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#42

Guinea-Bissau, located on the west coast of Africa, has adopted a comprehensive ban on handguns. The country has witnessed political instability and armed conflict, prompting the government to enact strict firearms legislation. By prohibiting handguns, Guinea-Bissau aims to curtail violence and promote national security.

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Maldives

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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0.15 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#167

As a picturesque archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has taken a firm stance against handguns. This tropical paradise has implemented stringent regulations to protect its citizens and maintain peace. By outlawing handguns, the Maldivian government aims to ensure the safety and tranquility of its people.

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Marshall Islands

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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1.07 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#80

The Marshall Islands, a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, has embraced a complete prohibition on handguns. The government recognizes the potential risks associated with firearms and has implemented strict measures to prevent their possession. This approach contributes to the nation's commitment to maintaining a peaceful and secure society.

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Nauru

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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1.18 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#78

Nauru, a small island country in Micronesia, has prohibited handguns to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. By restricting firearms, Nauru aims to maintain social harmony and prevent the misuse of weapons. The government's proactive measures emphasize the importance of peace and security on the island.

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North Korea

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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0.12 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#172

In North Korea, handguns are illegal for civilian possession. The government has maintained strict control over firearms as part of its overall strategy for maintaining social order. North Korea's approach to handgun prohibition aligns with its centralized governance structure, ensuring a controlled and regulated society.

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Palau

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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0.78 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#100

The Pacific island nation of Palau has embraced a firm stance against handguns, enacting stringent regulations to ensure public safety. With its stunning natural landscapes and tourism industry, Palau places great importance on maintaining a peaceful environment. Prohibiting handguns plays a vital role in achieving this objective.

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Solomon Islands

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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1.91 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#62

The Solomon Islands, situated in the South Pacific, has implemented comprehensive handgun prohibition. The government recognizes the potential dangers associated with firearms and aims to create a safe and peaceful society for its citizens. Stricter regulations contribute to the nation's ongoing efforts to maintain stability and prevent violence.

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Somalia

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

Gun Death Rate

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5.06 per 100k

Ranked in the World

#27

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has a complex history of armed conflict and instability. The country prohibits handguns to address the security challenges it faces and to foster a safer environment for its population. The government's stringent approach to firearm regulation reflects its commitment to maintaining social order and stability.

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Vatican City

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Gun Prohibition

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Yes

As the smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City holds a unique position in terms of handgun prohibition. While possessing firearms is generally prohibited, exceptions exist for the Swiss Guard, the ceremonial military force responsible for protecting the Pope and Vatican City. The strict regulations emphasize the Vatican's commitment to maintaining a secure environment within its borders.

FAQs

What countries ban guns ?

The countries that ban guns are Brunei, Cambodia, Comoros, East Timor, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, North Korea, Palau, Solomon Islands, Somalia, and Vatican City.

Countries Where Guns Are Illegal 2023 - Wisevoter (2024)

FAQs

Countries Where Guns Are Illegal 2023 - Wisevoter? ›

In some countries, including Cambodia, Eritrea, and the Solomon Islands, ownership of firearms by civilians is completely prohibited with exceptions for private security companies, militias and paramilitary groups.

Which countries have successfully banned guns? ›

In some countries, including Cambodia, Eritrea, and the Solomon Islands, ownership of firearms by civilians is completely prohibited with exceptions for private security companies, militias and paramilitary groups.

What country has the loosest gun laws? ›

Finland is famous for its hunting tradition and many individuals can obtain a gun license for the purpose of hunting, making Finland one of the countries with the easiest gun laws in the world. However, in order to get a gun license, one needs to go through rigorous background checks and should have no criminal record.

What guns are banned in 2023? ›

(Pen. Code, § 32310.) Category One: California bans assault weapons by type, series, and model. For example, California bans the following assault weapons by name: Beretta AR-70, Springfield Armory BM59 and SAR-48, Steyer AUG, Sterling MK-6, and the Bushmaster Assault Rifle.

Are guns illegal in Japan? ›

(A) Firearms and Swords Control Law

Aim. The Law (promulgated on March 10 1958, Law No. 6) aims to prohibit, in principle, the possession of firearms and swords. Of firearms, the import of handguns, military rifles, machine guns and guns is also prohibited, in principle.

Are guns banned in Canada? ›

Canada has much stricter gun laws than the United States, but Canadians are allowed to own firearms providing they have a licence. Restricted or prohibited firearms, like handguns, must also be registered. Canadians must be over 18 and pass a firearms safety course to hold a licence, which is renewed every five years.

Can you own a gun in China? ›

With the exception of individuals with hunting permits and some ethnic minorities, civilian firearm ownership is restricted to non-individual entities. Law enforcement, military, paramilitary, and security personnel are allowed to use firearms.

What country is most gun friendly? ›

The United States has the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in the world — in fact, nearly double that of the second-place country, with 120.5 civilian-owned firearms per 100 people. There are many U.S. residents who don't own guns at all, whereas many others own multiple firearms.

Can you own a gun in Mexico legally? ›

Sales and ownership. Private ownership of firearms is restricted to the home only. Only Mexican citizens and foreign legal residents of Mexico (FM2 holders) may purchase and keep firearms in their place of residence.

Can you own a gun in Russia? ›

Firearms may be acquired for self-defense, hunting, or sports activities, as well as for collection purposes. Carrying permits may be issued for hunting firearms licensed for hunting purposes.

What state has the most gun violence 2023? ›

States With Highest Gun Violence
  • Mississippi – 28.6 per 100k.
  • Louisiana – 26.3 per 100k.
  • Wyoming – 25.9 per 100k.
  • Missouri – 23.9 per 100k.
  • Alabama – 23.6 per 100k.
  • Alaska – 23.5 per 100k.
  • New Mexico – 22.7 per 100k.
  • Arkansas – 22.6 per 100k.

What states have the strictest gun laws? ›

Take California for example, which has the strictest gun laws in the United States and has the seventh lowest rate of death by gun violence despite being the most populous state. Other states with some of the strictest gun laws include New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Connecticut.

What guns are banned in America? ›

Semi-automatic rifles able to accept detachable magazines and has two or more of the following:
  • Folding or telescoping stock.
  • Pistol grip.
  • Bayonet mount.
  • Flash hider or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one.
  • Grenade launcher.

Are guns legal in Italy? ›

General regulations

To legally purchase firearms in Italy, one must either obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto), which allows the holder to purchase and own a firearm, but not to carry or use it.

What state is most gun friendly? ›

57.7% of households in Alaska own guns, ranking first in the United States. Arkansas has around 65 firearm-related violent crimes per 100,000 people. Idaho, with its gun-friendly laws, has an ownership rate of 56.9%. With a favorable view on guns, West Virginia has a firearm death rate of 14.6 per 100,000 as of 2021.

Are guns illegal in England? ›

In the United Kingdom, access by the general public to firearms is subject to strict control measures. Members of the public may own rifles and shotguns, however, they must be properly licensed. Most handguns have been banned in Great Britain since the Dunblane school massacre in 1996.

Is there any place in US where guns are banned? ›

Federally designated areas where weapons are banned, even with a permit: Federal Courthouses* Federal Buildings* Any Building Owned, Leased or Rented by the Federal Government — This includes buildings in national forests which are property of the federal government.

Is there any other country that allows guns? ›

The purpose of gun rights is for self-defense, as well as hunting and sporting activities. Countries that guarantee the right to keep and bear arms include Albania, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Ukraine, Mexico, the United States, Yemen, and Switzerland.

Does Sweden allow guns? ›

In order to be granted a weapon licence you are required to be at least 18 years of age. There are some exceptions. You also need to be law-abiding and well-behaved, and must be able to certify the purpose of your need to possess a weapon. The most common purposes are hunting and target shooting.

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