Low estimate: 41 guns per 100 people
High estimate: 69
Finland has an estimated 2.9 million of the world’s civilian-owned guns – not a large number on its own, but large relative to its 5.2 million population. The country has relatively tight gun laws, and an article in Slate attributes the high rates of gun ownership to a culture that encourages hunting and shooting practice. According to the reporter, more than half of gun licenses are issued for hunting purposes. The article also notes that high rates of gun ownership have not led to an increase in instances of gun violence.
