It is hard to determine exactly how many people have been murdered worldwide. It is estimated that in 2000, for example, that 520,000 people were murdered around the world. Murder rates in the Western world have declined a lot in the twentieth century. It is now estimated that there are between one and four cases per 100,000 people per year. The lowest rates are Ireland, Iceland and Japan, with the United States among the highest in developed countries.
Here are just some examples of estimated murders every year –
| Brazil |
55,000
|
| Russia |
30,000 |
| Venezuela |
11,000 |
El Salvador
|
6,000 |
| Jamaica |
1,600 |
| Columbia |
25,000 |
South Africa
|
20,000 |
United States
|
17,000 |
| Mexico |
15,000 |
In 2010, it was estimated that the world murder rate was 456,300. The statistics for murder rates tend to be more accurate than for other crimes. For example, it is unknown how many people have been raped as there can be cases where the person will not report the rape for fear of stigma or not being believed. As murder is often considered the most serious crime, it is thought that the statistics are more realistic.
The people committing the crimes tend to vary as well. It is estimated that 90% of murders in the United States are committed by males. Murder statistics are often broken down into social class, race, gender, and so on.
Murder is not the only crime that psychological profilers look at. But statistics such as these can be helpful in finding out more about the type of person who commits a crime. Some crimes may be committed by relatives or friends of the person who knows them. Others are random acts of violence.
If you are interested in learning more about psychology and behaviours take a look at our new short course Behaviour Profiling
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