The Small Arms Survey 2018 analysed the number of weapons in circulation in 230 countries and found that about 857 million firearms are in civilian hands. This figure is 32 per cent higher than a previous estimate in 2006. 40 per cent of the global total – an estimated 393 million weapons – are owned by Civilians in the United States India has the second-highest number of privately owned firearms with just over 70 million, while China in third place with almost 50 million.

When you break down the figures to 100 inhabitants, however, the situation looks completely different. Last year, the USA owned 120.5 firearms per 100 inhabitants, putting it far ahead of second-placed Yemen (52.8). With 39.1 each, Serbia and Montenegro share third place. It looks completely different in Japan and Indonesia. In both countries, there is less than one gun per 100 inhabitants.