Most executions by far still occur in China. AI estimates that thousands of people were executed. However, the Chinese authorities do not publish official figures.
Iran has the second deadliest justice system in place, followed by Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan. The United States executed 23 people last year.
Amnesty International is campaigning for a worldwide abolition of the death sentence, especially for minors.
In 142 countries the death penalty is either abolished by law or effectively abolished by custom.