Other nations in the top ten include Serbia and Montenegro (each at 39.1), Canada (34.7), Uruguay (34.7), Cyprus (34.0), Finland (32.4), and Lebanon (31.9), according to the chart.

These numbers draw on estimates from the Small Arms Survey , which combines official registries, national surveys, expert estimates, and comparable-country analogies to calculate civilian firearm holdings.

As of the last comprehensive estimate, the Small Arms Survey places the global total of civilian-held firearms at 857 million out of over one billion firearms in circulation (including military and law enforcement).

The U.S. is estimated to account for nearly half of civilian firearms globally, with around 393 million held by private individuals.

These figures show vast variation in gun ownership across countries, shaped by legal regimes, cultural attitudes, historical factors, and governance systems.

The high concentration of guns in civilian hands, in particular in the U.S., has been central to recent debates around gun violence, mass shootings, and firearm regulation. Policies around background checks, safe storage, and limits on certain weapon types remain fiercely contested in American politics.

Internationally, parts of the Middle East and conflict zones are also under scrutiny. Yemen’s ranking reflects a society long affected by conflict, weak state structures, and permissive weapons access. In Yemen, for example, firearm carrying in rural areas is largely unrestricted, and licensing in urban areas is loosely enforced.

Meanwhile, as global security tensions intensify, from the war in Ukraine to tensions in East Asia , concerns about arms proliferation, illicit firearms trade, and civilian access to weapons are growing.

According to Newzoo’s Global Mobile Market Report , the United States continues to lead the world in smartphone penetration, with 81.6% of its population owning a smartphone. Japan follows closely at 78.6%, with Russia at 73.6%, while China and Indonesia hover around 68%.

Brazil, Mexico, and much of Latin America are also seeing strong adoption, whereas India (46.5%), Nigeria (38.1%), and Pakistan (31%) still represent massive growth markets.

This growth in smartphone penetration is not just about device adoption but about how people access the internet.

Semrush reports that over 63% of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices, marking a decisive shift away from desktop browsing.

The company’s data also shows that most Google searches are initiated on mobile, a critical insight for marketers and businesses as they adapt their digital strategies.

Industry analysts see this expansion as part of a larger story about global connectivity. IDC’s Q2 2025 Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker shows that smartphone shipments grew 1% year-over-year, reaching 295.2 million units despite sluggish demand in China and persistent economic headwinds.

The growth is being driven by affordable Android devices and increasing internet penetration in emerging markets.

However, in markets like India and Africa, cost remains a major barrier, meaning millions still rely on basic phones or shared devices. This creates unique opportunities for budget-friendly smartphone makers and mobile-first platforms.

Meanwhile, in mature markets like the U.S. and Japan, growth is driven by upgrades and demand for premium devices with AI-powered features, a trend that aligns with 2025’s push toward generative AI in everyday apps.

Featuring iconic destinations and hidden gems alike, the 2025 rankings, compiled by global travel experts and beach enthusiasts, celebrate natural beauty, accessibility, sustainability, and overall wow factor.

Let’s dive into some of the standout destinations that made waves this year, as visualised by World Visualized .

Cala Goloritzé (Italy)

A UNESCO-listed natural monument in Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé is famed for its jagged cliffs, bright blue waters, and hiking access. It’s a beach lover’s dream with an adventurous twist.

Entalula Beach ( Philippines )

A crown jewel of El Nido, Palawan, Entalula Beach captivates with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush limestone cliffs, and pristine white sands. Often accessible only by boat, this beach offers a secluded tropical paradise perfect for snorkelling and photography.

PK 9 Beach (French Polynesia)

PK 9 Beach, near Fakarava Atoll , stuns with its line of swaying palms and gentle lagoon tides. Renowned for its untouched beauty and biodiversity , this beach is a favourite for eco-tourists and snorkelers exploring French Polynesia’s marine sanctuaries.

Under the new directive, student(F-1.J-1), tourist(B-1), and business visas(B-2) from these countries have been downgraded to single-entry visas with a validity of three months , a significant reduction from the previously granted terms.

But is reciprocity really the reason?

Nigeria was quick to respond. The presidential spokesperson dismissed online claims that the country gives U.S. citizens only short-term visas, calling it “misinformation and fake news ” . He clarified that Nigeria still issues five-year, multiple-entry visas to U.S. passport holders. However, Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, suggested that the U.S. policy might have more to do with Nigeria’s growing BRICS alignment than any visa imbalance.

In Ghana, Foreign Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed concern and highlighted that Ghana offers multiple-entry visas to Americans, ranging from 3 months to 5 years .

Ethiopia and Cameroon have yet to comment on the issue. However, like Ghana and Nigeria, both countries reportedly offer multiple-entry visas to U.S. nationals, raising further doubts about whether reciprocity is indeed the true motivation behind these restrictions.

What could truly be behind these restrictions?