arts, ideas & societyanalysisOur World in Data

Twice as many young Brazilians die from homicide as from road injuries

the gist

In Brazil, homicide is a leading cause of death among young people, and far more of them die from it than from road crashes. Brazil has some of the highest homicide rates in the world, driven in large part by gang conflict over drug markets, the spread of firearms and high inequality in urban neighbourhoods. Young men are the main victims, while young people in poorer areas face the highest risk. Road deaths are also high, but they are not the biggest threat to young Brazilians.

so what

The figures show that violence, not traffic, is the main external danger to Brazilian youth, which shapes public health and policing debates. Comparing the two causes highlights where prevention resources may matter most.

Our World in Data · CC BY 4.0

Image: Our World in Data, CC BY 4.0