In 2023, Iran executed at least 853 people, but the number is likely to be higher according to the source. Saudi Arabia followed in second with 172 executions. Some countries intentionally conceal their death penalty practices while others do not maintain accurate records on the number of death sentences and executions carried out. For instance, executions were known to have been committed in for instance China, Afghanistan, and North Korea, but it was impossible for the source to find the exact figures.
Number of executions worldwide in 2023, by country
*The actual figures are likely to be higher according to Amnesty International. Executions were known to have been committed in China, Afghanistan, North Korea, Palestine, Syria, and Vietnam, but there was too much uncertainty surrounding the numbers for the source to include them.
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Amnesty International. (May 29, 2024). Number of executions worldwide in 2023, by country [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 13, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/267304/number-of-executions-worldwide/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Amnesty International. "Number of executions worldwide in 2023, by country." Chart. May 29, 2024. Statista. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/267304/number-of-executions-worldwide/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Amnesty International. (2024). Number of executions worldwide in 2023, by country. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/267304/number-of-executions-worldwide/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Amnesty International. "Number of Executions Worldwide in 2023, by Country." Statista, Statista Inc., 29 May 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/267304/number-of-executions-worldwide/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
Amnesty International, Number of executions worldwide in 2023, by country Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/267304/number-of-executions-worldwide/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed (last visited February 13, 2025)
Number of executions worldwide in 2023, by country [Graph], Amnesty International, May 29, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/267304/number-of-executions-worldwide/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed