Much of the global firearms are owned privately, at an estimated 857 million in 2017. Amid conversations concerning gun laws and firearm policies, several countries stand out with high gun-ownership ratios.

1. United States

Though this may not come as a surprise to experts on firearm policy, the United States boasts the highest rate of civilian gun ownership at a rate of 120.5 guns per 100 people. This means that against a population of over 326 million, the total number of civilian-owned firearms exceeds 393 million. The United States has more civilian-owned guns than it does people.

2. Falkland Islands

Coming in second, the Falkland Islands has a rate of 62.10 guns for every 100 individuals, around half that of the United States. The Falkland Islands Government reports a population of more than 3,200. In contrast to the total population, the total number of civilian firearms is about 2,000. 

3. Yemen

With almost 15 million civilian-owned firearms, Yemen comes in third. This number is alarming since the number of military firearms pales in comparison, coming down to just 28,500. Yemen has a gun ownership rate of 52.80 per 100 people. 

4. New Caledonia

This French overseas territory, situated in the heart of the Pacific, has a high gun ownership rate of a whopping 42.5 for every 100 people. The total number of civilian firearms is about 115,000, while the total population is about 271,000.

5. Serbia

For every 100 people in Serbia, there are 39.10 civilian-owned firearms. This landlocked country in Southeast Europe has 2.7 million firearms owned by civilians. Once again, the difference is vast compared to 384,422 military firearms and 53,100 law enforcement firearms. 

6. Montenegro

With a gun ownership rate of 39.10 per 100 people, the total number of civilian firearms in Montenegro comes out to about 245,000. In contrast, the total number of military firearms is only 5,396, while law enforcement firearms stand at around 8,000.

7. Canada

According to Public Safety Canada, gun laws in the country have seen a shift after Bill C-21 as penalties for smuggling and trafficking firearms have surged, and a national handgun freeze has been codified. However, as of 2017, Canada had a gun ownership rate of 34.70 for every 100 people, translating to 12.7 million civilian-owned firearms.

8. Uruguay

With a gun ownership rate of 34.70 for every 100 people, Uruguay is placed 8th on the list. This rate translates to about 1.2 million civilian-owned firearms in contrast to 62,130 military firearms and 30,000 law-enforcement firearms.

9. Cyprus

Tying with Uruguay, Cyprus also boasts a gun ownership rate of 34.70. This translated to a total of 285,000 civilian-owned firearms. On the contrary, the number of military firearms is about 99,000, while law-enforcement guns come out to 11,000.

10. Finland

With 32.40 guns owned per 100 people, Finland has the 10th highest gun ownership in the world. Around 1.8 million firearms are owned by civilians, while military guns come out to 475,030, and law-enforcement firearms are estimated to be 14,000.

Source: World Population Review.

20 Crucial Supplies for Surviving a Societal Collapse

In the face of uncertainty, being well-prepared gives you at least some degree of control and security. The thought of a societal collapse, while extreme, prompts us to consider how we might endure without the conveniences of our current lifestyle. Here’s a list of 20 essential items that could prove indispensable in such a scenario. This guide isn’t about succumbing to fear but embracing preparedness and resilience.

14 Essential Canned Goods for Your Emergency Pantry

I firmly believe in keeping a well-stocked emergency pantry. While fresh food is ideal, in a survival situation, we may not be that lucky. So, for my family, even though we grow a lot of our own food, canned goods play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. They offer a reliable source of nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. The goods you stockpile should be affordable, easy to store, and full of nutrition.

Best Regions in the U.S. to Escape to When Society Collapses

Choosing a refuge in the event of societal collapse involves weighing the pros and cons of each location against your personal preparedness goals and abilities. Whether you’re drawn to the solitude of the desert or the protective heights of the mountains, the key is finding a place that offers safety and the opportunity for growth and renewal.