Countries with the 10 highest murder rates
Murder rates are rising around the world. Developing countries in Latin America and Africa are the hardest hit by these fatalities, a fact linked to their social and economic development. Even in developed countries, such as the US and England, these crimes are increasing in cities and neighborhoods with extreme social and economic inequalities. A successful preventive policy has been outlined that focuses on the biggest problem areas and risk communities. Ensuring effective legal systems, complete with efficient investigations and fair trials, is another solution to the murder problem facing the world today. The solution requires commitment at the International and local level. Governments around the world must make protecting human life a priority.
Countries with the 10 highest murder rates
1. El Salvador (108.64 per 100,000)
El Salvador has the highest murder rate in the world at 108.64 murders per 100,000 people. Estimates indicate that about 60% of these incidents are related to gang activity. In addition, El Salvador is still experiencing instability, much of which is a relic of a destructive civil war that lasted until 1979 from 1992.
2. Honduras (63.75 per 100,000)
Honduras has the world’s second highest homicide rate, with 63.75 homicides out of 100,000 people. San Pedro Sula, in the northwest of the country, is at the center of much of the violence of this small Central American country. Unfortunately, Honduras also has the highest incidence of gun-related deaths in the world.
3. Venezuela (57.15 per 100,000)
Venezuela has the third highest number of homicides in the world. The country annually loses 57.15 people per 100,000 for murder. Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. In fact, it is considered the second most murderous city in the world. With increasing political unrest, this number has increased.
4. Jamaica (43.21 per 100,000)
Jamaica has the fourth highest murder rate in the world. Unfortunately, this is a position Jamaica has held consistently for many years. The latest measurement of 43.21 people per 100,000 is actually a decrease from the highest murder rate of 58 people per 100,000, which was experienced in 2005. Most murders in Jamaica are the result of organized crime.
5. Lesotho (38 per 100,000)
Lesotho is a small country found in Southern Africa. The murder rate is 38 murders out of 100,000 people, the fifth highest in the world. Most crimes in Lesotho are confined to the urban areas of the country. It is suspected that the capital Maseru is particularly dangerous for both residents and tourists.
6. Belize (34.4 per 100.00)
Although Belize is a popular destination for tourists, it does have one of the highest murder rates in the world, at 34.4 per 100,000 people. Aside from murder, general crime is also a problem in Belize.
7. South Africa (34.27 per 100,000)
South Africa has a murder rate of 34.27 per 100,000 people. Factors contributing to the country’s murder rates include wealth inequality, widespread corruption, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of infrastructure.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis (33.55 per 100,000)
The small Caribbean country of Saint Kitts and Nevis has the eighth highest murder rate in the world. Crime rates in Saint Kitts and Nevis, which have increased in recent years, are mostly related to organized crime.
9. Guatemala (31.21 per 100,000)
Guatemala has 31.21 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Gang violence is a major concern in the country. Trafficking of illegal drugs and a high rate of firearms both contribute to the high crime rate.
10. Trinidad and Tobago (30.88 per 100,000)
Unfortunately, the number of murders in Trinidad and Tobago has increased in recent years. Today, there are 30.88 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Most homicides in Trinidad and Tobago are firearms.