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Armed Violence and Guns in North Africa

While their reported rates of civilian gun possession tend to be above the global average, the seven nations of North Africa record the lowest homicide rates on the continent.

Estimated civilian gun possession rates in North Africa range from Africa’s lowest, Tunisia (0.1 firearms per 100 people), to one of Africa’s highest, Libya (15.5). The remainder range from 3.5 in Egypt to 7.6 in Algeria – excluding Western Sahara, for which no figures are available.1

Homicide rates are highest in conflict-ridden Sudan, which experienced 4.6 direct conflict deaths per 100,000 people in 2007, and a homicide rate of 28.6 per 100,000 in 2004. The remaining North African states have estimated homicide rates ranging from as low as 1.1 in Morocco, to 9.6 in more heavily armed Algeria.1

Egypt is the only known manufacturer of arms in the region, and in 2001 was categorised as a 'medium' size weapon producer.2

For more detailed figures and gun control laws in each North African country, search Find Gun Policy Facts in the left hand column.

Short References

1.

GDAV.2010.‘Armed Violence Map (AVMAP).’ Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.Geneva:Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development Secretariat,10 May. (Q1804)Full Citation

2.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation