Venezuela: homicide rate 2014-2023
In 2022, there were nearly 40.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in the country, down from a homicide rate of 40.9 year earlier. Since 2017, when it peaked, the homicide rate in Venezuela has been decreasing year after year.
Falling homicide rate but still higher than the Latin American average
The country held the sixth position for the highest homicide rate in Latin America, recording 26.8 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, even after experiencing a steady decrease in the rate over the years. In line with this alarming rate, the Venezuelan city of Cumana was ranked as the 11th most dangerous city in the world in 2023, reporting a rate of 62.42. Among these homicide cases, the majority, approximately 5,800, are still under investigation, while the remainder falls into categories of closed cases, those resisting authority, or have been categorized as disappearances, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced in addressing violent crime.
Corruption in Venezuela
In the corruption index, which ranges from 0 representing the worst case to 100 signifying no corruption, Venezuela has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the most corrupt country in Latin America, with a meager score of 14 in 2023. Moreover, the estimated corruption control score has been steadily declining, reaching -1.61 in 2021, where lower numbers indicate a higher degree of corruption, painting a worrisome picture. To compound matters, the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing has persistently remained at a high level, recording a score of 7.63 during 2023.
