Figures released by Statistics Canada show a general decline in the national homicide rate that began in the mid-1970s continued in 2007.

Across the country, there were 594 homicides, 12 — or three per cent — fewer than the previous year. One-third of the homicides in 2007 were stabbings, while one-third involved a firearm. One in five homicides was gang-related, police said.

Here's a look at homicides and homicide rates across the nation in 2007.