Number of executions worldwide 2023, by country

In 2023, Iran executed at least 853 people, but the number is likely to be higher according to the source. Saudi Arabia followed in second with 172 executions. Some countries intentionally conceal their death penalty practices while others do not maintain accurate records on the number of death sentences and executions carried out. For instance, executions were known to have been committed in for instance China, Afghanistan, and North Korea, but it was impossible for the source to find the exact figures.