No, not everyone owns a gun in Switzerland, but gun ownership is relatively high, with about 28 guns per 100 residents, stemming from its militia system where soldiers keep service weapons, though ownership is regulated with permits, training, and separate ammo storage for many. It's a cultural link to national defense and sports, not a right for everyone, and requires strict permits and background checks.
Some consider Switzerland's legal system to be too lenient on offenders. Those who are convicted of a crime are usually given shorter prison sentences compared to other countries. However, because Swiss law focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, Switzerland's crime rate continues to be low.
The United States leads by a wide margin, with more guns than people, averaging over 120 guns per 100 residents. Other high-ownership nations include Canada, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland, where firearm culture is often tied to hunting and national defense.
Yes every police officer in switzerland carries a pistol. Exceptions that could be mistaken for police, but aren't actually, are parking enforcement and SBB security (there is also SBB police, which do carry guns, but they are much rarer).
In fact, Swiss army recruits have to store their guns at home during their period of service. And after they retire from the military, they can keep their weapons. (This used to be free, but since 2003 their personal weapon has to be purchased, although for an extremely low price).
The comparison of the United States (USA) with Switzerland is informative, because - like Americans - the Swiss own a great number of guns. Due to the militia structure of the Swiss Army, all male Swiss citizens have to serve in the Army and are conscripted at age 18.
1. United States — The Gun Capital of the World. With over 393 million firearms owned by civilians, more than its population, the US tops the list by a massive margin. Gun rights are enshrined in the Second Amendment, and ownership ranges from hunting rifles to military-grade semi-automatics.
Gun culture in Switzerland. Switzerland has a strong gun culture compared to other countries in the world. Recreational shooting is widespread in Switzerland. Practice with guns is a popular form of recreation, and is encouraged by the government, particularly for the members of the militia.
Foreign nationals who do not possess a long-term residence permit require an acquisition permit for all types of weapons and their essential components.
Most police officers in the UK do not routinely carry firearms. Where firearms support is needed, it is carried out by specially trained and accredited firearms officers known as authorised firearms officers (AFOs). In the Met, firearms support is primarily provided by MO19 Specialist Firearms Command.
First on our list is the United States—a country where guns are deeply woven into its history and identity. The Second Amendment guarantees citizens' rights to bear arms, leading many states like Texas to adopt permissive laws regarding open carry and concealed weapons.
Firearms regulation in Finland incorporates the political and regulatory aspects of firearms usage in the country. Both hunting and shooting sports are common hobbies. There are approximately 300,000 people with hunting permits, and 34,000 people belong to sport shooting clubs.
The first firearms were invented in China, following the invention of gunpowder.
Like in any other country, many rules have been introduced to reinforce common sense. Rules that may be included in your rental contract, like 'no flushing and no shower after 10pm' are there to enforce common sense and stress the fact that you should not bother your neighbours.
Immigration and the free movement of persons (30%) and questions around asylum (27%) once again rank among the most pressing problems. Switzerland's relations with the EU (25%) are also clearly gaining importance.
The most common form of "theft" in Switzerland is on public transport - fare evasion. Generally speaking, respondents from French-speaking Switzerland were more honest than those from German-speaking Switzerland. Particularly at kiosks, people from German-speaking Switzerland were more likely to be thieves.
The Weapons Act governs who is allowed to own a weapon in Switzerland. Depending on the type of weapon, you will require a sales contract, a weapon acquisition permit or an exemption permit. Storing a firearm in the house increases the risk of an accident, a suicide or violent crime.
To buy a firearm in France, in line with the European Firearms Directive, a hunting license or a shooting sport license is necessary depending on the type, function and magazine capacity of the weapon.
Unlike the US, Switzerland has mandatory military service for men. All men between the ages of 18 and 34 deemed "fit for service" are given a pistol or a rifle and trained. After they've finished their service, the men can typically buy and keep their service weapons, but they have to get a permit for them.
In order to be granted a weapon licence you are required to be at least 18 years of age. There are some exceptions. You also need to be law-abiding and well-behaved, and must be able to certify the purpose of your need to possess a weapon. The most common purposes are hunting and target shooting.
The Swiss Armed Forces defends our country and people against a military attack. It supports the civilian authorities in dealing with natural disasters and in countering serious threats to internal security. And it assists within the context of international peace support and humanitarian aid.
To import a weapon into Switzerland you require a permit from fedpol. This applies also to a weapon's essential components, weapons accessories, ammunition and ammunition components.
Gun Violence by Country 2026
Finland is a country of hunters and gun enthusiasts. There are approximately 460,000 licence holders and slightly under 1.5 million licensed firearms in Finland.
The Small Arms Survey estimates that civilians in the U.S. owned about 393 million firearms by the end of 2017—roughly 46 percent of all civilian-held guns worldwide.