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 The World in Maps and state wildlife regulations, only a few states permit the ownership of kangaroos without a permit. These include Wisconsin, West Virginia, and South Carolina. In these states, exotic animal restrictions are looser, though owners must still comply with animal welfare laws.

Some states allow kangaroo ownership with permits, usually issued through state wildlife or agriculture departments. These include Texas , Washington, Idaho, Maine, and New Hampshire. Permits typically require proof of proper enclosures, veterinary care, and safety measures.

The majority of U.S. states—including California, New York, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio— ban private kangaroo ownership outright. Wildlife agencies cite reasons such as animal welfare, public safety, and ecological risks.

For example, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits kangaroos and wallabies under its restricted species laws, classifying them as exotic and potentially dangerous animals.

Experts say kangaroos are not domesticated animals and require specialised care. The Humane Society of the United States warns that exotic pets like kangaroos can face health issues in captivity and pose risks to humans due to their powerful legs and unpredictable behaviour.

Kangaroos are also protected under international wildlife trade agreements, including CITES, which regulates the import of exotic species.