Prison population per 100,000 — all countries

Prison population per 100,000 — South America

Prison population per 100,000 in South America in 2020 — 292.9 per 100k. Since 2000, the indicator has risen by 138.7%.

2020 292.9 per 100k +1.94% vs 2018
World rank
Period maximum 292.9 per 100k2020
Period minimum 122.7 per 100k2000

Trend over time

2000–2020 · per 100,000 people

Prison population per 100,000 — South America, 2000–2020100150200250300200020022004200620082010201220142016201820202000: 122.7 per 100k2002: 126.9 per 100k2004: 158.7 per 100k2006: 170.3 per 100k2008: 188.1 per 100k2010: 207.2 per 100k2012: 230.7 per 100k2014: 260 per 100k2016: 289.8 per 100k2018: 287.4 per 100k2020: 292.9 per 100k
Change over the period: +170.2 (+138.69%) Average annual rate: 4.45 %
Prison population per 100,000 — South America, by year South America All countries CSV XLSX
Year per 100k Change Change, %
2020 292.9
2018 287.4
2016 289.8
2014 260
2012 230.7
2010 207.2
2008 188.1
2006 170.3
2004 158.7
2002 126.9
2000 122.7

About the indicator

The number of persons held in correctional institutions and pretrial detention facilities per 100,000 people. The indicator covers both the convicted and those under investigation — in a number of countries the second group makes up more than half. UNODC data, collected from national prison services.

Important: The indicator does not measure the level of crime. A high value is just as likely to reflect harsh judicial practice as an actual crime problem.

Source: UNODC Crime Statistics, license UN data: free to use with attribution.