Abolitionist and Retentionist Countries

Information accurate as of December 31, 2025, courtesy of Amnesty International.

Abolitionist for All Crimes

Countries whose laws do not provide for the death penalty for any crime

Abolitionist for “Ordinary Crimes” Only

Countries whose laws provide for the death penalty only for exceptional crimes such as crimes under military law or crimes committed in exceptional circumstances

Abolitionist in Practice

Countries which retain the death penalty for ordinary crimes such as murder but can be considered abolitionist in practice in that they have not executed anyone during the past 10 years and are believed to have a policy or established practice of not carrying out executions. The list also includes countries which have made an international commitment not to use the death penalty

Retentionist Countries

Countries which retain the death penalty for ordinary crimes