Crime in the Asia-Pacific region - statistics & facts
As a region comprised of many different countries and territories, criminal justice systems and methods of policing vary greatly across the Asia-Pacific region. China had by far the highest number of prisoners, over three times the number imprisoned in India, the second most populous country in the region. In terms of incarceration rate, Thailand had the highest share of its population in prison. Index scores measuring the adherence to the rule of law show New Zealand, Australia, and Japan to be the countries that adhere the most to the law. In contrast, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Cambodia had the lowest index scores in the region.
Drug abuse was also typically higher in regions that have experienced social unrest, while countries with more developed economies, jobs, and educational opportunities recorded lower drug abuse. Oceania had the lowest number of drug users across the Asia-Pacific region.
Other crimes committed across the region include intentional homicide and robbery. Although the intentional homicide rate in South Asia has decreased in recent years, the rate remains higher than in East and Southeast Asia.
Piracy has plagued the region for many years. The number of piracy and armed robbery incidents has fluctuated over the past decade. With access to several lucrative commercial trade routes, along with seas being difficult to police, pirates have sought opportunities and targeted ships known to have valuable cargo aboard. Alongside piracy, cargo theft of goods while still on land has seen a notable rise throughout the region.
Crime across the region
Many countries across the Asia-Pacific region have a history of social unrest which, in some cases, can correlate with the level of crime. Myanmar has one of the lowest corruption perception index scores in APAC, indicating high levels of perceived corruption. Following a military coup in early 2021, the Southeast Asian country has been facing an ongoing civil war.Drug abuse was also typically higher in regions that have experienced social unrest, while countries with more developed economies, jobs, and educational opportunities recorded lower drug abuse. Oceania had the lowest number of drug users across the Asia-Pacific region.
Other crimes committed across the region include intentional homicide and robbery. Although the intentional homicide rate in South Asia has decreased in recent years, the rate remains higher than in East and Southeast Asia.
Piracy has plagued the region for many years. The number of piracy and armed robbery incidents has fluctuated over the past decade. With access to several lucrative commercial trade routes, along with seas being difficult to police, pirates have sought opportunities and targeted ships known to have valuable cargo aboard. Alongside piracy, cargo theft of goods while still on land has seen a notable rise throughout the region.
