From 1993-2000, the U.S. was the
leading supplier of conventional arms to the developing world,
with sales of USD 61.5 billion. In 1999, the U.S. manufactured
over four million firearms for domestic sale or export.
More than 300 U.S. companies produce arms and/or ammunition,
and the country is estimated to have one of the world’s
largest domestic markets for small arms. An estimated 34% of
the nation’s 280 million citizens own personal firearms,
and there are thought to be over 200 million firearms in private
hands.
Private gun ownership is generally not subject to either licensing
or registration. The private resale of guns is largely unregulated
in the United States, making it difficult to prevent their acquisition
by youth, criminals, and other prohibited individuals.
Guns are a significant cause of death among U.S. citizens, especially
urban minorities and youth. Firearm homicide and suicide rates
are the highest in the developed world. The majority of domestic
gun violence is attributable to handguns.
IANSA participants in the United States are working to:
- research the health and social impact of guns
- educate the public on the risks of firearm ownership
- promote policies to prevent criminal and youth access to guns
- apply consumer product regulations to the gun industry
- support international efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms
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