In Sweden, questions about gun laws and ownership were raised this week following the country's worst-ever shooting incident.
The perpetrator, who was licensed to own four guns, had three of them near his body at the school where the attack occurred.
Key facts on gun ownership in Sweden:
- Swiss-based The Small Arms Survey reports around 2.3 million guns are owned by civilians in Sweden, equaling about 23 guns per 100 individuals. - By comparison, the United States has around 120 guns per 100 people, Norway 29 per 100, and Britain approximately 4.6 per 100, as of 2017.
- Most guns in Sweden are legally owned for hunting and target shooting purposes.
- An estimated 340,000 illegal guns exist in Sweden, mainly contributing to increased gang violence and making Sweden top European country in shooting deaths.
- Approximately 580,000 Swedes possess a weapons license out of a population of 10.5 million, allowing them to own a maximum of four guns without special permission.
- Applicants for licenses must be at least 18 years old, law-abiding, and justify the need for a gun to the police.
- For hunting licenses, Swedes must hold a hunting certificate and pass theory and practical tests.
- Around 280,000 Swedes have a hunting license, based on data from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
- To obtain a gun license for target shooting, applicants must be active members of an approved shooting club and pass a proficiency test.
- Special permission is required for fully automatic weapons used in target shooting, with applicants needing to be over 20 years old.
- Shotguns, handguns, and semi-automatic weapons are permitted for hunting, with restrictions on magazine capacities.
- Fully automatic weapons are prohibited for hunting purposes.
- There are no restrictions on the type of weapon for target shooting, but police emphasize secure storage of firearms when not in use.
- The weapons used in the Swedish attack have not been disclosed by the authorities.