Top 5 countries with the most people in prison

In recent months, countries around the world have decided to release mass prisoners to address the mounting problem of overcrowded prisons. Nigeria freed 4,068 inmates in 2023, aiming to reduce its prison population. Similarly, the UK released 1,100 prisoners as part of its emergency plan to ease congestion in prisons across England and Wales in October.

These decisions underscore a pressing issue faced by several countries with high prison populations. Recently, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, urged state governors to approve a 30% reduction of the prison population in correctional centres nationwide. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top five countries with the most people in prison.

United States

The United States has the highest number of people in prison in the world due to several factors, such as harsh sentencing laws, mandatory sentences, the ongoing consequences of the war on drugs, and racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The country’s prisons have approximately 1.8 million people and a vast prison system that allows for the use of private prisons to house millions of inmates, making it one of the most incarcerated nations globally.

China

China follows the United States closely with approximately 1.7 million inmates due to its large population and high crime rate, which contribute to its high incarceration rate.

The high rate of human rights abuse has hindered the government’s efforts to reduce the number of crimes, overcrowding, and implementation of rehabilitation programmes.

Brazil

Brazil has seen a sharp rise in its incarceration rates, with nearly 850,000 prisoners, exacerbated by high crime rates and a lack of effective rehabilitation programmes. The large population of Brazil has extended to the prison system, with overcrowding combined with a lack of investment in prisons and rehabilitation programs.The Brazilian government’s investment in new prisons, improving conditions, and implementing rehabilitation programs also created more room for prisoners in the country.

India

India’s large population, high crime rate, and strict sentencing guidelines contribute to 573,000 people in prison.

The country’s prison system is faced with challenges such as overcrowding, poor conditions, and violence despite efforts to reform and improve conditions, rehabilitation programmes, and efforts to reduce overcrowding.

Russia

With more than 433,000 inmates, Russia completes the top five, mostly as a result of its history of political persecution and the high level of organised crime.

With roots in the Soviet Union’s totalitarian dictatorship, the nation’s jail system has a lengthy and intricate history. During that time, political dissidents and other people who resisted the government were frequently imprisoned.