The death penalty worldwide in 2012: A news graphic from the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

“At least 21 countries were known to have carried out executions in 2012. However, it is unclear if executions were carried out in countries in turmoil, such as Syria, in 2012. In 2011, equally 21 countries were reported to have implemented death sentences. These figures represent a significant decrease from a decade ago; in 2003, 28 countries carried out executions.

“At least 682 executions were known to have been carried out worldwide, two more than in 2011. However, the 682 figure does not include the thousands of people who were believed to have been executed in China in 2011.” – SOURCE: Amnesty International