Top 10 Countries With Most People in Prison 2023

A prison, also commonly referred to as a jail, serves as a specialized institution designed to house individuals who have been convicted of committing crimes. It operates as a controlled environment where inmates, or prisoners, are physically confined against their will as a consequence of their unlawful actions. Within the confines of a prison, individuals are subjected to a range of restrictions and limitations on their personal freedoms, as determined by the governing authority of the state. These restrictions can include limitations on movement, communication, privacy, and access to certain privileges, aiming to deter further wrongdoing and ensure public safety.

Below I am going to show you Top 10 countries that hold the most inmates as of now.

10. The tenth place goes to Iran with 189,000 inmates.

It is worth noting that the types of crimes and their prevalence can vary over time and across different regions. Common crimes that can lead to imprisonment generally include offenses such as theft, drug-related offenses, assault, murder, fraud, and other violations of the law. The specific statistics and breakdown of crimes in Iran may be available from official government sources or through recent reports from reputable news organizations and research institutions. Crime in Iran is present in a variety of forms, and may include the following offences: murder, theft, kidnapping, fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, alcohol smuggling, oil smuggling, terrorism , tax evasion, not wearing “proper” hijab, eating and drinking during Ramadan, drinking alcohol , and many other offences.

9. The ninth place goes to Mexico with 220,866 inmates.

Mexico, like any other country, experiences a range of criminal activities. Some common crimes that occur in Mexico include: Drug-related offenses, people of this country have been plagued by drug cartels and organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking, leading to crimes such as drug possession, drug distribution, and drug-related violence.

Robbery and theft have also been present, street robberies, home burglaries, and vehicle thefts are prevalent in Mexico’s urban areas. This includes crimes like mugging, pick pocketing, and armed robberies.

Mexico has also witnessed instances of kidnappings, both for ransom and for other criminal motives.

Extortion or “pizzo” as it is locally known in Mexico, especially in areas with a strong presence of organized crime. Criminal groups may demand money from people in exchange for protection or to avoid harm.

Mexico also faces challenges with violent crimes, including assaults and homicides. This includes cases of interpersonal violence, domestic violence, and armed confrontations between criminal gangs.

Corruption is a known issue in Mexico and can be present in various forms, including bribery, fraud, and abuse of public office for personal gain. Corruption can undermine faith in public institutions and obstruct the overall rule of law.

8. The Eighth place goes to Indonesia with 266,259 inmates

Indonesia, like any other state, experiences a variety of criminal activities. Some common crimes that happen in Indonesia are as follows:

Crimes relating to stealing and robbery, such as pick pocketing, burglary, and armed robberies, are common in this country, particularly in crowded public spaces and tourist destinations.

Indonesia faces challenges with drug trafficking and drug abuse. Drug-related crimes, including possession, distribution, and trafficking of illicit substances, are prevalent.

Different forms of fraud, including online scams, investment fraud, and identity theft, are reported in Indonesia. These crimes often target innocent individuals for financial gain.

Bribery is a significant issue in Indonesia and can occur in various sectors, such as government, law enforcement, and business. Bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power are some common forms of corruption.

With the growth of digital technology, cybercrime has become a concern in Indonesia. This includes activities like hacking, scamming, phishing, online fraud, and identity theft.

7. The seventh place goes to Turkey with 291,198 inmates

Turkey experiences a diverse range of criminal activities that affect different parts of the country. Common crimes include theft, robbery, fraud, drug-related offenses, violence and assault, cybercrime, terrorism, and human trafficking. These criminal activities are not limited to specific regions and can occur in both urban and rural areas.

Theft and robbery, such as pick pocketing and armed robberies, are frequently reported in crowded places like markets, transportation hubs, and popular tourist destinations. Deceitful schemes and scams, including online scams and identity theft, target individuals through various means, including electronic communication and financial transactions. Drug-related offenses, involving the possession, distribution, and trafficking of illicit substances, present ongoing challenges within Turkish society.

Instances of violence and assault, ranging from interpersonal conflicts to domestic violence, occur in different settings, including public spaces and private homes. Cybercrime has emerged as a growing concern in Turkey, encompassing activities such as hacking, phishing, online fraud, and identity theft, often targeting individuals’ personal and financial information.

Turkey has faced security issues related to terrorism, with sporadic incidents of bombings, attacks, and targeted violence carried out by extremist groups. Efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety remain a priority for law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, Turkey grapples with cases of human trafficking, serving as both a transit and destination country. Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals, particularly for labor or sexual purposes, with measures in place to combat this heinous crime.

6. The sixth place goes to Thailand with 309,282 inmates

Thailand is known to have various common crimes that can affect both locals and tourists. These crimes include theft, scams, drug-related offenses, assault, property-related crimes, cybercrime, and traffic violations.

Theft is a prevalent crime in Thailand, with pick pocketing and snatch theft being common in crowded areas like markets, tourist attractions, and public transportation. Tourists should be cautious with their belongings and keep an eye on their personal belongings at all times.

Scams are also a real issue, targeting both locals and visitors. These scams can range from touts selling overpriced or fake merchandise to elaborate schemes aimed at extracting money or personal information.

Thailand faces challenges related to drug trafficking. Crimes associated with drug possession, distribution, and trafficking are taken seriously by law enforcement agencies, and efforts are made to combat the illegal drug trade.

Incidents of assault can occur in Thailand, including physical altercations, street fights, and domestic violence. It is advisable for both locals and tourists to exercise caution, avoid confrontations, and stay in well-lit and populated areas, particularly during the night.

Property-related crimes such as burglaries, home invasions, and motor vehicle thefts are reported in Thailand same as in Brazil. It is important to take necessary precautions to secure personal property, such as locking doors and windows, using safes, and avoiding leaving valuables unattended.

With the advancement of technology, cybercrime has become a concern in Thailand as well. Online scams, identity theft, hacking, and phishing attempts are among the common cybercrimes reported in the country. It is essential to learn how to stay safe online, such as using secure websites and being cautious with sharing personal information online.

Thailand also experiences traffic violations, including reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and failure to follow traffic regulations.

While crime rates and prevalence may vary across different regions in Thailand, it is always advisable to stay informed, follow local guidelines, and be informed by reliable sources such as government reports, law enforcement agencies, or highly regarded news organizations for the most accurate and up-to-date information on crime trends in the country.

5. The fifth place goes to Russia with 471,490

Russia faces a wide array of prevalent crimes that impact various regions within the country. These criminal activities encompass theft, fraud, drug-related offenses, assault and violence, cybercrime, corruption, organized crime, and terrorism.

Instances of theft and robbery, including burglaries, and armed robberies, are widespread across all the country, tourist destinations, and crowded locales. Fraudulent schemes and scams, both online and offline, aim to exploit individuals for financial gain or acquire personal information.

The country also struggles with drug-related offenses, encompassing crimes associated with drug possession, distribution, and trafficking. Law enforcement agencies actively combat the illicit drug trade and address the challenges posed by drug abuse.

Acts of assault and violence occur in diverse settings throughout Russia, ranging from physical altercations to domestic violence and street fights.

The growing concern of cybercrime includes activities such as hacking, phishing, online fraud, and data breaches. Remaining vigilant and practicing secure online behavior are crucial to safeguard against cyber threats.

Corruption remains a significant issue within Russia, affecting multiple sectors of society. Instances of bribery, cheating, and abuse of power are reported, necessitating comprehensive efforts to combat corruption at all levels.

Organized crime groups operate within the country, engaging in illicit activities such as extortion, money laundering, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.

Terrorism presents an ongoing security challenge, with incidents involving bombings, attacks, and threats.

It’s important to note that crime rates and prevalent crimes can vary across different regions in Russia due to its vast size and diverse population.

4. The fourth place goes to India with 554,034

In the country of India, a variety of crimes are commonly observed throughout the country. Theft and robbery rank among the most prevalent offenses as in the most other countries, encompassing activities like pick pocketing, burglaries, and robberies that frequently occur in urban areas, public transport systems, and crowded locations. Markets and tourist destinations are often targeted by thieves seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

Another common type of crime in India involves fraud and scams. This includes a wide range of deceptive practices, both online and offline, designed to defraud individuals of their money or personal information. Instances of online fraud, financial scams, identity theft, and pyramid schemes are reported, requiring increased awareness and vigilance to safeguard against such criminal activities.

India also faces challenges related to assault and violence, occurring in various settings and contexts. Instances of physical altercations, domestic violence, and street fights are observed, posing risks to public safety. These incidents can take place in community spaces, crowded events, and within domestic environments, necessitating efforts to deal with and prevent such acts of violence.

3. The third place goes to Brazil with 811,707

In Brazil, there are several common types of crimes. Theft is one of them. It includes stealing from homes, cars, or even snatching personal belongings. Another common crime is robbery, using threats or violence. This often occurs in public places and sometimes involves weapons.

Assault is also prevalent in Brazil. It involves physically harming or threatening someone to cause fear or injury. This can happen during street fights or domestic disputes. Drug-related offenses are a significant challenge as well, with crimes related to drug possession, distribution, and abuse being frequently reported. Fraud, which includes identity theft, financial scams, and online fraud, is another type of crime that affects people in Brazil.

Other common crimes include homicide, corruption, and car theft. It’s important to note that crime rates and the types of crimes can vary in different parts of Brazil. It is advisable to rely on trustworthy sources like government reports or law enforcement agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information on crime.

2. The second place goes to China with 1,690,000 inmates

In China, a range of criminal activities are frequently encountered. Among them, theft emerges as a prevailing offense, encompassing incidents of unauthorized appropriation of others’ property. Statistics indicate that theft accounts for a significant portion of reported crimes, with thousands of cases documented annually.

Fraudulent practices also pose a notable challenge in China, with deceptive schemes aimed at procuring financial gain. These fraudulent activities encompass a wide array of tactics, including online scams, financial swindling, and identity theft. Recent data reveals a rising trend in fraud-related offenses, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of fraudulent techniques employed by offenders.

Regrettably, instances of assault persist throughout the country. Assault involves acts of physical harm or the threat thereof, causing distress and harm to individuals. Official statistics indicate that assault remains a prevalent crime, with substantial numbers of reported cases registered annually.

Additionally, drug-related offenses continue to be a concern as in other countries, in China too. The illicit drug trade, encompassing drug production, trafficking, and use, poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies. Authorities diligently combat these activities, striving to dismantle drug networks and prevent the spread of narcotics.

1.The first place goes to U.S.A with 2,068,800

In the United States, the common crimes for which individuals are incarcerated can vary. However, some of the most prevalent offenses include:

Drug-related offenses contribute significantly to the inmate population. According to some available statistics, approximately 46% of federal prisoners were incarcerated for drug offenses. This highlights the impact of the ongoing struggle against illegal drugs and the efforts to address and fight drug trafficking and possession.

Violent crimes also contribute to the inmate population. Statistics indicate that in 2019, about 52% of state prisoners were serving sentences for violent offenses, such as murder, assault, and robbery. These offenses typically result in longer sentences due to their serious nature and potential harm to individuals and communities.

Property crimes, including theft and burglary, also contribute to the inmate population. According to data, property offenses accounted for approximately 15% of state prisoners in 2022. These crimes involve the unlawful acquisition or destruction of someone else’s property and can vary in severity and scale.

Public order offenses, which disturb public peace and include acts like disorderly conduct and public intoxication, contribute to the inmate population as well. While specific statistics on public order offenses in the inmate population are not readily available, these offenses can lead to incarceration, particularly for repeat offenders.

White-collar crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement, are another category of offenses seen in the inmate population. While precise statistics on white-collar crimes in prisons are not readily accessible, high-profile cases and convictions demonstrate the impact of such offenses on the justice system and the need for deterrence and accountability.