Final answer:
Global homicide rates vary, with Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest rates, while Europe and East Asia have the lowest. Contributing factors include socioeconomic conditions, gun availability, and cultural aspects. Data patterns are complex and show that homicide rates are not solely determined by population size.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining homicide rates in large and diverse states outside the United States, it's evident that Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa experience some of the highest rates globally. In contrast, Europe and East Asia have notably low homicide rates. Factors contributing to these rates include socioeconomic conditions, the availability of firearms, law enforcement efficacy, and cultural aspects. The United Nations data suggests that the spatial patterns of crime are complex, with significant variation not only between countries but also within different regions and cities of individual countries.
For instance, within the United States, Southern states have higher murder rates compared to the 'Yankee' region, which is considered safer. This can be attributed to various factors such as poverty levels, educational attainment, and rates of gun ownership. Surprisingly, one analysis of U.S. data from 1960 showed a connection between higher education levels and higher crime rates, although this may also reflect higher reporting rates in more educated communities.