Homicide Rate by Country — 2022 World Rankings

The intentional homicide rate measures the number of unlawful deaths purposefully inflicted by another person per 100,000 population. It is the most internationally comparable crime statistic because, unlike other crimes, homicide has a relatively consistent legal definition across countries and is difficult to conceal — most homicides produce a body that enters official records. The data comes from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) via World Bank compilation.

Latin America and the Caribbean account for roughly 35% of global homicides despite having only 8% of the world's population. This concentration is driven by a combination of factors: drug trafficking routes, gang violence, high inequality, weak judicial institutions, and widespread firearm availability. El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, and Venezuela have historically reported some of the highest rates in the world, though several of these countries have seen significant declines through aggressive (and sometimes controversial) security policies.

In contrast, East Asia, Western Europe, and Oceania have some of the lowest homicide rates globally — typically below 1 per 100,000. Japan's rate is approximately 0.2, reflecting deep social cohesion, strict gun control, and effective policing. When analyzing homicide data, it's important to note that some countries may underreport due to weak statistical systems, conflict-related deaths classified separately, or political incentives to minimize crime figures. The data also doesn't capture attempted murders or the broader context of violent crime.