I'd like to add a word about social order. In Japan, Switzerland and probably Germany, there is a very strong feeling that order is important so people adhere to rules, customs, taboos, etc. In the U.S., there is more of a disregard for these so there is less order. You also see more order in rural areas than urban ones. I don't think crime is linked to weaponery availability but how society views violatins of behavioural code. Many Canadians are denying that they are drifting in attitude towards something more American - I see the changes every day.