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Crime Stats: compare key data on Sweden & United States

Edsel.G

Author: Edsel.G

Sweden enjoys a safe environment with one of the smallest homicide rates in the world. In fact, in the entire EU community, Sweden ranks among the top countries with the least reported homicide cases. In regard to the totality of crimes, Swedish official statistical crime count indicates a significant increase in crime rates since the 1950s. This does not mean, however, that actual crime jumped, official research suggests that crime reporting by the population has caused the sharp spike in the number of reported crimes.

Assault-related crimes are ironically high in the country, although official results suggest that the numbers are not indicative that assault crimes are higher in Sweden than in any other country. The country actually has low tolerance for violence of any kind. That being said, even the least physical punishments by a parent to his or her child are, more often than not, reported to authorities. In many countries, even developed ones like Japan, minimal corporal punishment is tolerated.

Sex crimes in the country are by far the most serious. Rape and other related crimes have increased by 8% since 2008, and the cause for the trend is still debated upon.

In the US, violent crimes are by far more common and more serious. Being a much more diverse and much bigger country, physical -- and sometimes fatal -- confrontations between opposing parties from different racial groups are not uncommon.

The US is above Sweden by sheer number of crimes committed annually. However, the sophisticated jail system and efficient courts are effective in curtailing the number of crimes and in deterring commission of some crimes.

Definitions

  • Age of criminal responsibility: The age at which a person is no longer excluded from criminal liability.  The lowest age is indicated for countries where there isn’t a single age limit, for example where different states have different regulations (such as the USA) or there is different limits for boy and girls (such as in Iran). The spectrum is specifically wide for the USA and Mexico (both 6-12 years). Several US states do not stipulate any minimal age for criminal responsibility at all. For further qualifications, exceptions and other notes, please refer to notes.
  • Crime levels: Level of crime. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How serious you feel the level of crime is?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Drugs > Annual cannabis use: Estimate of percentage of 15-64 year old population who use Cannabis.
  • Drugs > Opiates use: Annual prevalence.
  • Murder rate: Homicide rate per year per 100,000 inhabitants in various countries.
  • Police officers: Number of police officers per 100,000 population.
  • Rape rate: Number of rape incidents per 100,000 citizens in different countries. Figures do not take into account rape incidents that go unreported to the police.
  • Total crimes: Note: Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Total crimes per 1000: Note: Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Violent crime > Gun crime > Guns per 100 residents: Number of privately owned small firearms per 100 residents.
  • Violent crime > Intentional homicide rate: Homicides per 100’000 residents. Homicide is the death of a person purposefully inflicted by another person (it excludes suicides) outside of a state of war. Homicide is a broader category than murder, as it also includes manslaughter. The exact legal definition varies across countries, some of which include infanticide, assisted suicide, euthanasia and deaths caused by dangerous driving.
  • Violent crime > Murder rate: Intentional homicide, number and rate per 100,000 population.
  • Violent crime > Murder rate per million people: Intentional homicide, number and rate per 100,000 population. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Violent crime > Rapes: The number of recorded rapes. Large numbers of rapes go unreported. South Africa is estimated to have 500,000 rapes per year, Egypt 200,000, China 32,000 and the UK with 85,000 rapes per year.
  • Violent crime > Rapes per million people: The number of recorded rapes. Large numbers of rapes go unreported. South Africa is estimated to have 500,000 rapes per year, Egypt 200,000, China 32,000 and the UK with 85,000 rapes per year. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Murders with firearms per million: Total recorded intentional homicides committed with a firearm. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Justice system > Punishment > Capital punishment (last execution year): Year of last use.
  • Violent crime > Murders per million people: Intentional homicide, number and rate per 100,000 population. Figures expressed per million people for the same year.
  • Violent crime > Murders: Intentional homicide, number and rate per 100,000 population.
  • Burglaries: Number of burglaries recorded by police in that country per 100,000 population.
  • Robberies: Number of robberies recorded by police in that country per 100,000 population.
  • Believes crime increasing in the past 3 years: Crime increasing in the past 3 years. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "In the past three years would you say the level of crime in your community has increased, stayed about the same, or decreased?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Fear of crime > Violent hate crime: Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin colour, ethnic origin or religion. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......being subject to a physical attack because of your skin colour, ethnic origin or religion?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > At night: Safety walking alone during night. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How safe do you feel walking alone in this city during the night?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Murders > Per 100,000 people: Intentional homicide rate is the estimate of intentional homicides in a country as a result of domestic disputes that end in a killing, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, inter-gang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. The term, intentional homicide, is broad, but it does not include all intentional killing. In particular, deaths arising from armed conflict are usually considered separately. The difference is usually described by the organisation of the killing. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas the killing in armed conflict is usually committed by more or less cohesive groups of up to several hundred members. Two main sources of data are presented: criminal justice (law enforcement) measures (this series), supplemented by data from national statistical agencies, and measures from public health sources (see other intentional homicide series). These various sources measure slightly different phenomena and are therefore unlikely to provide identical numbers."
  • Murders with firearms: Total recorded intentional homicides committed with a firearm. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Rape victims: People victimized by sexual assault (as a % of the total population). Data refer to female population only. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Prisoners: Total persons incarcerated
  • Assaults: Number of assaults recorded by police in that country per 100,000 population.
  • Punishment > Maximum length of sentence: Maximum length of sentence (under life).

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Auto theft: Number of motor vehicle thefts (car thefts) recorded by police in that country per 100,000 population.
  • Perceived problems > Problem violent crimes including assault and armed robbery: Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Murders > WHO: Intentional homicide rate is the estimate of intentional homicides in a country as a result of domestic disputes that end in a killing, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, inter-gang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. The term, intentional homicide, is broad, but it does not include all intentional killing. In particular, deaths arising from armed conflict are usually considered separately. The difference is usually described by the organisation of the killing. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas the killing in armed conflict is usually committed by more or less cohesive groups of up to several hundred members. Two main sources of data are presented: criminal justice (law enforcement) measures (this series), supplemented by data from national statistical agencies, and measures from public health sources (see other intentional homicide series). These various sources measure slightly different phenomena and are therefore unlikely to provide identical numbers."
  • Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > During the day: Safety walking alone during daylight. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How safe do you feel walking alone in this city during the daylight?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Assault victims: People victimized by assault (as a % of the total population). Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevelence.
  • Drugs > Lifetime cannabis use: Adult lifetime cannabis use.
  • Total crime victims: People victimized by crime (as a % of the total population). Data refer to people victimized by one or more of 11 crimes recorded in the survey: robbery, burglary, attempted burglary, car theft, car vandalism, bicycle theft, sexual assault, theft from car, theft of personal property, assault and threats. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Prisoners > Per capita: Data for 2003. Number of prisoners held per 100,000 population.
  • Punishment > Crimes possibly attracting life sentence: Possible other sentence.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Fear of crime > Worries about being attacked: Worries attacked. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......being physically attacked by strangers?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Software piracy rate: The piracy rate is the total number of units of pirated software deployed in 2007 divided by the total units of software installed.
  • Perceived problems > Property crimes including vandalism and theft: Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) property crimes such as vandalism and theft?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Drug offences: Drug offence cases per 100,000 population (2000).
  • Perceived problems > Illegal drugs: Problem people using or dealing drugs. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) people using or dealing drugs?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Perceived problems > Problem corruption and bribery: Problem corruption and bribery. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How much of a problem are...) corruption and bribery?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Sentence Length: Total average sentence length served
  • Punishment > Minimum life sentence to serve before eligibility for requesting parole: Minimum to serve before eligibility for requesting parole.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Fear of crime > Worries about being insulted: Worries being insulted. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......being insulted or pestered by anybody, while in the street or any other public place?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Fear of crime > Worries about being mugged or robbed: Worries being mugged or robbed. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......being mugged and robbed?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Frauds: Total recorded frauds. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Gun ownership > Guns per 100 residents > 2007: Number of guns owned per 100 residents in various countries. Following data relates to the year 2007.
  • Serious assaults: Number of major assaults recorded by police in that country per 100,000 population.
  • Prisoners per 1000: Total persons incarcerated. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Murders committed by youths: Homicide rates among youths aged 10–29 years by country or area: most recent year available (variable 1990–1999).
  • Punishment > Crimes requiring mandatory sentence: Mandatory sentence.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Judges: Number of professional judges per 100,000 population.
  • Property crime victims: People victimized by property crime (as a % of the total population). Includes car theft, theft from car, burglary with entry and attempted burglary. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Fear of crime > Worries about home break and enter: Worries home broken and things stolen. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "How worried are you about....having your home broken into and something stolen?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Drugs > HIV testing amongst drug users: Estimated percentage of injecting drug users who have been tested for HIV.
  • Robbery victims: People victimized by robbery (as a % of the total population). Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Prisoners > Female: Female prisoners, expressed as a percentage share of the total prison population. Data for 2003.
  • Suicide rates > Ages 15-24: Suicide rates per 100,000 people by given age group, late 1990s.
  • Judges and Magistrates: Number of Judges and Magistrates
  • Punishment > Life sentence under the age of 18 or 21: Under age of 18 (or 21).

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Punishment > Has life imprisonment: Life imprisonment.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Car thefts: Total recorded automobile thefts. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Car thefts per 1000: Total recorded automobile thefts. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Perception of safety > Walking in dark: Proportions in International Crime Victims Survey 2000 reporting that they feel safe walking in the dark.
  • Murders committed by youths per million: Homicide rates among youths aged 10–29 years by country or area: most recent year available (variable 1990–1999). Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Fear of crime > Worries about things from car being stolen: Worries things from car stolen. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......having things stolen from your car?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Punishment > Has indefinite sentence: Indefinite sentence (excl. preventive or psychiatric detainment).

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Adults prosecuted: Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Prosecutors: Number of prosecutors per 100,000 population.
  • Judges and Magistrates per million: Number of Judges and Magistrates. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Fear of crime > Worries about car being stolen: Worries car stolen. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. See this sample survey for the United States, respondents were asked "(How worried are you about)......having your car stolen?". The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country.
  • Believe in police efficiency: Proportion of people in international Crime Victims Survey 2000 who say police do a good job in controlling crime in their area.
  • Prison staff: Number of correction staff in adult prisons per 100,000 population.
  • Jails: Total number of adult prisons, penal or correctional institutions (excluding temporary jail lock-ups). Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Adults prosecuted per 1000: Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Perception of safety > Burglary: Proportions in International Crime Victims Survey 2000 reporting that they feel only a small risk of burglary.
  • Prisoners > Foreign prisoners: Prisoners who are foreign nationals, expressed as a percentage share of total prison population. Data for 2003.
  • Suicide rates > Ages 25-34: Suicide rates per 100,000 people in the given age group, late 1990s.
  • Prisoners > Share of prison capacity filled: The percentage of the offical prison capacity filled. This is obtained by comparing the number of prisoners in a nation to the offical capacity of the nation's prison system. Data for 2003.
  • Frauds per 1000: Total recorded frauds. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Bribery victims: People victimized by bribery (corruption) (as a % of the total population). Data refer to people who have been asked or expected to pay a bribe by a government official. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Embezzlements: Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
  • Jails per million: Total number of adult prisons, penal or correctional institutions (excluding temporary jail lock-ups). Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Embezzlements per million: Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Suicide rates > Ages above 75: Suicide rates per 100,000 people in the given age group, late 1990s.
  • Suicide rates > Ages 35-44: Suicide rates per 100,000 people in the given age group, late 1990s.
  • Reporting to police: Proportions in International Crime Victims Survey 2000 who feel they can report crimes to police - perception.
  • Prisoners > Pre-trial detainees: The percentage of the prison population that is being held pre-trial / on remand. Data for 2003.
  • Suicide rates > Ages 45-54: Suicide rates per 100,000 people in the given age group, late 1990s.
  • Suicide rates > Ages 65-74: Suicide rates per 100,000 people in the given age group, late 1990s.
  • Suicide rates > Ages 55-64: Suicide rates per 100,000 people in the given age group, late 1990s.
STAT Sweden United States HISTORY
Age of criminal responsibility 15
Ranked 15th. 3 times more than United States
6
Ranked 58th.
Crime levels 43.49
Ranked 51st.
55.84
Ranked 30th. 28% more than Sweden
Drugs > Annual cannabis use 1.2%
Ranked 20th.
13.7%
Ranked 1st. 11 times more than Sweden
Drugs > Opiates use 0.1%
Ranked 16th.
0.57%
Ranked 3rd. 6 times more than Sweden
Murder rate 0.89 5
Police officers 280.5
Ranked 24th. 15% more than United States
243.6
Ranked 27th.
Rape rate 63.5
Ranked 3rd. 2 times more than United States
27.3
Ranked 9th.

Total crimes 1.23 million
Ranked 16th.
11.88 million
Ranked 1st. 10 times more than Sweden
Total crimes per 1000 138.35
Ranked 2nd. 3 times more than United States
41.29
Ranked 22nd.
Violent crime > Gun crime > Guns per 100 residents 31.6
Ranked 10th.
88.8
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than Sweden
Violent crime > Intentional homicide rate 0.86
Ranked 41st.
4.7
Ranked 7th. 5 times more than Sweden

Violent crime > Murder rate 91
Ranked 61st.
12,996
Ranked 9th. 143 times more than Sweden

Violent crime > Murder rate per million people 9.7
Ranked 75th.
42.01
Ranked 43th. 4 times more than Sweden

Violent crime > Rapes 5,960
Ranked 7th.
84,767
Ranked 1st. 14 times more than Sweden

Violent crime > Rapes per million people 635.52
Ranked 3rd. 2 times more than United States
274.04
Ranked 9th.

Murders with firearms per million 6.5
Ranked 24th.
32.57
Ranked 10th. 5 times more than Sweden
Justice system > Punishment > Capital punishment (last execution year) 1,910
Ranked 30th.
2,014
Ranked 1st. 5% more than Sweden
Violent crime > Murders per million people 9.7
Ranked 75th.
42.01
Ranked 43th. 4 times more than Sweden

Violent crime > Murders 91
Ranked 61st.
12,996
Ranked 9th. 143 times more than Sweden

Burglaries 1,094.2
Ranked 5th. 53% more than United States
714.4
Ranked 9th.

Robberies 94.2
Ranked 17th.
146.4
Ranked 10th. 55% more than Sweden
Believes crime increasing in the past 3 years 63.01
Ranked 51st.
65.22
Ranked 44th. 4% more than Sweden
Fear of crime > Violent hate crime 34.93
Ranked 26th. 7% more than United States
32.55
Ranked 31st.
Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > At night 58.33
Ranked 34th. 39% more than United States
41.84
Ranked 60th.
Murders > Per 100,000 people 2.4
Ranked 87th.
5.9
Ranked 63th. 2 times more than Sweden
Murders with firearms 58
Ranked 26th.
9,369
Ranked 4th. 162 times more than Sweden
Rape victims 1.1%
Ranked 3rd. 3 times more than United States
0.4%
Ranked 13th.
Prisoners 5,920 prisoners
Ranked 91st.
2.02 million prisoners
Ranked 1st. 341 times more than Sweden
Assaults 845.2
Ranked 4th. 7% more than United States
786.7
Ranked 1st.
Punishment > Maximum length of sentence None None
Auto theft 566.7
Ranked 2nd. 45% more than United States
390.2
Ranked 6th.

Perceived problems > Problem violent crimes including assault and armed robbery 39.79
Ranked 42nd.
75.54
Ranked 10th. 90% more than Sweden
Murders > WHO 1.2
Ranked 149th.
5.6
Ranked 88th. 5 times more than Sweden
Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > During the day 79.33
Ranked 47th. 5% more than United States
75.24
Ranked 57th.

Assault victims 1.2%
Ranked 10th. The same as United States
1.2%
Ranked 9th.
Drugs > Lifetime cannabis use 12%
Ranked 1st.
51.6%
Ranked 1st. 4 times more than Sweden
Total crime victims 24.7%
Ranked 5th. 17% more than United States
21.1%
Ranked 15th.
Prisoners > Per capita 75 per 100,000 people
Ranked 108th.
715 per 100,000 people
Ranked 1st. 10 times more than Sweden
Punishment > Crimes possibly attracting life sentence Murder, kidnapping, arson, sabotage, devastation, hijacking, espionage, terror crimes, rebellion, endangering the public health by spread of contagion or poison, disloyalty when negotiating with foreign powers, dealing with anti-personnel mines, cluster bombs or chemical or nuclear weapons, unlawful nuclear explosion, treason, genocide and (the following in wartime only) mutiny, insubordination, undermining the will to fight, desertation, unauthorised capitulation, negligence of war preparations and negligence of battle duty; attempts, accessories, accomplices and incitements of all the above crimes might also be punished with life. Varies by state
Fear of crime > Worries about being attacked 38.19
Ranked 54th.
42.08
Ranked 43th. 10% more than Sweden
Software piracy rate 25%
Ranked 100th. 25% more than United States
20%
Ranked 106th.
Perceived problems > Property crimes including vandalism and theft 46.48
Ranked 57th.
57.93
Ranked 28th. 25% more than Sweden
Drug offences 38,005 per 100,000 people
Ranked 7th. 68 times more than United States
560.1 per 100,000 people
Ranked 41st.
Perceived problems > Illegal drugs 39.93
Ranked 62nd.
61.82
Ranked 19th. 55% more than Sweden
Perceived problems > Problem corruption and bribery 27.24
Ranked 81st.
42.45
Ranked 69th. 56% more than Sweden
Sentence Length 36
Ranked 28th. 24% more than United States
29
Ranked 30th.
Punishment > Minimum life sentence to serve before eligibility for requesting parole 18 years or never, but parole hearing may be held after 10 years served, thus fixing a much later date for release on parole 15 years minimum to infinite, or never (depending on crime and state)
Fear of crime > Worries about being insulted 37.33
Ranked 51st.
44.84
Ranked 33th. 20% more than Sweden
Fear of crime > Worries about being mugged or robbed 39.38
Ranked 53th.
45.01
Ranked 47th. 14% more than Sweden
Frauds 36,714
Ranked 14th.
371,800
Ranked 2nd. 10 times more than Sweden
Gun ownership > Guns per 100 residents > 2007 31.6
Ranked 9th.
88.8
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than Sweden
Serious assaults 52.8
Ranked 13th.
281.6
Ranked 1st. 5 times more than Sweden
Prisoners per 1000 0.663 prisoners
Ranked 116th.
7.02 prisoners
Ranked 2nd. 11 times more than Sweden
Murders committed by youths 16
Ranked 60th.
8,226
Ranked 3rd. 514 times more than Sweden
Punishment > Crimes requiring mandatory sentence None Varies by state
Judges 16.8%
Ranked 14th. 56% more than United States
10.8%
Ranked 3rd.

Property crime victims 8.4%
Ranked 10th.
10%
Ranked 7th. 19% more than Sweden
Fear of crime > Worries about home break and enter 36.15
Ranked 64th.
48.52
Ranked 39th. 34% more than Sweden
Drugs > HIV testing amongst drug users 37.99%
Ranked 29th.
46.8%
Ranked 12th. 23% more than Sweden

Robbery victims 0.9%
Ranked 9th. 50% more than United States
0.6%
Ranked 16th.
Prisoners > Female 5.4%
Ranked 39th.
8.5%
Ranked 9th. 57% more than Sweden
Suicide rates > Ages 15-24 9.4 per 100,000 people
Ranked 10th.
13.7 per 100,000 people
Ranked 7th. 46% more than Sweden
Judges and Magistrates 1,114
Ranked 27th.
29,023
Ranked 3rd. 26 times more than Sweden
Punishment > Life sentence under the age of 18 or 21 under 21 : no life imprisonment Yes ( de jure )
Punishment > Has life imprisonment Yes Yes
Car thefts 61,350
Ranked 13th.
1.25 million
Ranked 1st. 20 times more than Sweden
Car thefts per 1000 6.87
Ranked 3rd. 59% more than United States
4.33
Ranked 11th.
Perception of safety > Walking in dark 85%
Ranked 1st. 4% more than United States
82%
Ranked 2nd.
Murders committed by youths per million 1.81
Ranked 64th.
29.48
Ranked 16th. 16 times more than Sweden
Fear of crime > Worries about things from car being stolen 43.21
Ranked 67th.
59.02
Ranked 33th. 37% more than Sweden
Punishment > Has indefinite sentence Yes Yes
Adults prosecuted 91,064
Ranked 17th.
14.2 million
Ranked 1st. 156 times more than Sweden
Prosecutors 8.9%
Ranked 21st. 1% more than United States
8.8%
Ranked 1st.

Judges and Magistrates per million 124.82
Ranked 23th. 24% more than United States
100.91
Ranked 31st.
Fear of crime > Worries about car being stolen 35.42
Ranked 53th.
42.04
Ranked 45th. 19% more than Sweden
Believe in police efficiency 61%
Ranked 15th.
89%
Ranked 1st. 46% more than Sweden
Prison staff 81.2%
Ranked 16th.
138.3%
Ranked 1st. 70% more than Sweden

Jails 82
Ranked 27th.
1,558
Ranked 6th. 19 times more than Sweden
Adults prosecuted per 1000 10.2
Ranked 12th.
49.38
Ranked 2nd. 5 times more than Sweden
Perception of safety > Burglary 79%
Ranked 3rd. 1% more than United States
78%
Ranked 4th.
Prisoners > Foreign prisoners 27.2%
Ranked 20th. 54 times more than United States
0.5%
Ranked 77th.
Suicide rates > Ages 25-34 13.8 per 100,000 people
Ranked 13th.
15.3 per 100,000 people
Ranked 10th. 11% more than Sweden
Prisoners > Share of prison capacity filled 106.9%
Ranked 83th.
0.0
Ranked 126th.
Frauds per 1000 4.11
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than United States
1.29
Ranked 24th.
Bribery victims 0.1%
Ranked 15th.
0.2%
Ranked 12th. Twice as much as Sweden
Embezzlements 2,072
Ranked 26th.
17,300
Ranked 4th. 8 times more than Sweden
Jails per million 9.19
Ranked 14th. 70% more than United States
5.42
Ranked 24th.
Embezzlements per million 232.16
Ranked 24th. 4 times more than United States
60.15
Ranked 39th.
Suicide rates > Ages above 75 27 per 100,000 people
Ranked 8th. 23% more than United States
22 per 100,000 people
Ranked 10th.
Suicide rates > Ages 35-44 21 per 100,000 people
Ranked 7th. 37% more than United States
15.3 per 100,000 people
Ranked 12th.
Reporting to police 57%
Ranked 3rd. 10% more than United States
52%
Ranked 7th.
Prisoners > Pre-trial detainees 20.7%
Ranked 105th. 3% more than United States
20%
Ranked 106th.
Suicide rates > Ages 45-54 23 per 100,000 people
Ranked 9th. 61% more than United States
14.3 per 100,000 people
Ranked 13th.
Suicide rates > Ages 65-74 19.4 per 100,000 people
Ranked 9th. 27% more than United States
15.3 per 100,000 people
Ranked 11th.
Suicide rates > Ages 55-64 20.9 per 100,000 people
Ranked 9th. 57% more than United States
13.3 per 100,000 people
Ranked 13th.

SOURCES: Wikipedia: Defense of infancy (Ages of criminal responsibility by country); crime; https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2011/World_Drug_Report_2011_ebook.pdf, World Drug Report 2011, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 2011, p. 217.; Wikipedia: List of countries by prevalence of opiates use ("World Drug Report 2011" . United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2011. "World Drug Report 2006" . United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2006. http://www.unodc.org/documents/wdr/WDR_2009/WDR2009_eng_web.pdf); European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control International Statistics on Crime and Justice, 2011; UN Crime Stats; The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention); The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Annexe I of the Small Arms Survey 2007 ; Wikipedia: List of countries by intentional homicide rate by decade; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Source tables; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Source tables. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Statistics : Crime : Sexual Violence (UNODC) and Crime Statistics : Sexual Violence Against Children and Rape, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Statistics : Crime : Sexual Violence (UNODC) and Crime Statistics : Sexual Violence Against Children and Rape, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Capital punishment in Europe (Abolition); European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control International Statistics on Crime and Justice, 2011; UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UN Survey of Crime Trends, at http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/IHS-rates-05012009.pdf.; UNICRI (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute). 2002. Correspondence on data on crime victims. March. Turin; Wikipedia: Life imprisonment (Summary by country); World Health Organisation.; Mostly Table GPS-8 Part (i) ''Lifetime prevalence of drug use among all adults (aged 15 to 64 years old) in nationwide surveys among the general population'' EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction) unless otherwise referred on Wikipedia: Adult lifetime cannabis use by country; International Centre for Prison Studies - World Prison Brief; Fifth Annual BSA and IDC Global Software Piracy Study; The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention); Geneva Graduate Institute of International Studies: Small Arms Survey 2007 Part 2; World Health Organization: World report on violence and health, 2002; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Source tables; GECD Society at a Glance 2001, Statistical Annex Table D3; The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention); UN International Crime Victims' Survey; World Health Organization: World report on violence and health, 2002. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; The Eighth United Nations Survey on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2002) (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Centre for International Crime Prevention). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.

Citation

4

Sweden enjoys a safe environment with one of the smallest homicide rates in the world. In fact, in the entire EU community, Sweden ranks among the top countries with the least reported homicide cases. In regard to the totality of crimes, Swedish official statistical crime count indicates a significant increase in crime rates since the 1950s. This does not mean, however, that actual crime jumped, official research suggests that crime reporting by the population has caused the sharp spike in the number of reported crimes.

Assault-related crimes are ironically high in the country, although official results suggest that the numbers are not indicative that assault crimes are higher in Sweden than in any other country. The country actually has low tolerance for violence of any kind. That being said, even the least physical punishments by a parent to his or her child are, more often than not, reported to authorities. In many countries, even developed ones like Japan, minimal corporal punishment is tolerated.

Sex crimes in the country are by far the most serious. Rape and other related crimes have increased by 8% since 2008, and the cause for the trend is still debated upon.

In the US, violent crimes are by far more common and more serious. Being a much more diverse and much bigger country, physical -- and sometimes fatal -- confrontations between opposing parties from different racial groups are not uncommon.

The US is above Sweden by sheer number of crimes committed annually. However, the sophisticated jail system and efficient courts are effective in curtailing the number of crimes and in deterring commission of some crimes.

Posted on 06 Apr 2014

Edsel.G

Edsel.G

247 Stat enthusiast

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