As of February 2025, El Salvador had the highest prisoner rate worldwide, with over 1,600 prisoners per 100,000 of the national population. Cuba, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, and the United States, rounded out the top five countries with the highest rate of incarceration. Homicides in El Salvador Interestingly, El Salvador, which long had the highest global homicide rates, has dropped out of the top 20 after a high number of gang members have been incarcerated. A high number of the countries with the highest homicide rate are located in Latin America. Prisoners in the United StatesThe United States is home to the largest number of prisoners worldwide. More than 1.8 million people were incarcerated in the U.S. at the beginning of 2025. In China, the estimated prison population totaled 1.69 million people that year. Other nations had far fewer prisoners. The largest share of the U.S. prisoners in federal correctional facilities were of African-American origin. As of 2020, there were 345,500 black, non-Hispanic prisoners, compared to 327,300 white, non-Hispanic inmates. The U.S. states with the largest number of prisoners in 2022 were Texas, California, and Florida. Over 160,000 prisoners in state facilities were sentenced for rape or sexual assault, which was the most common cause of imprisonment. The second most common was murder, followed by aggravated or simple assault.

At the beginning of 2025, the United States had the highest number of incarcerated individuals worldwide, with around 1.8 million people in prison. China followed with around 100,000 fewer prisoners. Brazil followed in third. The incarceration problem in the U.S. The United States has an incredibly high number of incarcerated individuals. Therefore, the incarceration problem has become a widely contested issue, because it impacts disadvantaged people and minorities the most. Additionally, the prison system has become capitalized by outside corporations that fund prisons, but there is still a high cost to taxpayers. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the amount of private prisons that have been created. For-profit prison companies have come under scrutiny because of their lack of satisfactory staff and widespread lobbying. Violent offenses are the most common type of offense among prisoners in the U.S. Incarceration rates worldwide El Salvador had the highest rate of incarceration worldwide, at 1,659 prisoners per 100,000 residents as of February 2025. Cuba followed in second with 794 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants. The incarceration rate is a better measure to use when comparing countries than the total prison populations, which will naturally have the most populous countries topping the list.

As of December 2022, there was a total of 139,631 prisoners in the state of Texas, the most out of any state. California, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio rounded out the top five states with the most prisoners in the United States.

In 2022, the incarceration rate of African Americans in local jails in the United States was *** incarcerations per 100,000 of the population -- the highest rate of any race or ethnicity. The second-highest incarceration rate was among American Indians/Alaska Natives, at *** incarcerations per 100,000 of the population.

Overview

The Marshall Project, the nonprofit investigative newsroom dedicated to the U.S. criminal justice system, has partnered with The Associated Press to compile data on the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in prisons across the country. The Associated Press is sharing this data as the most comprehensive current national source of COVID-19 outbreaks in state and federal prisons.

Lawyers, criminal justice reform advocates and families of the incarcerated have worried about what was happening in prisons across the nation as coronavirus began to take hold in the communities outside. Data collected by The Marshall Project and AP shows that hundreds of thousands of prisoners, workers, correctional officers and staff have caught the illness as prisons became the center of some of the country’s largest outbreaks. And thousands of people — most of them incarcerated — have died.

In December, as COVID-19 cases spiked across the U.S., the news organizations also shared cumulative rates of infection among prison populations, to better gauge the total effects of the pandemic on prison populations. The analysis found that by mid-December, one in five state and federal prisoners in the United States had tested positive for the coronavirus -- a rate more than four times higher than the general population.

This data, which is updated weekly, is an effort to track how those people have been affected and where the crisis has hit the hardest.

Methodology and Caveats

The data tracks the number of COVID-19 tests administered to people incarcerated in all state and federal prisons, as well as the staff in those facilities. It is collected on a weekly basis by Marshall Project and AP reporters who contact each prison agency directly and verify published figures with officials.

Each week, the reporters ask every prison agency for the total number of coronavirus tests administered to its staff members and prisoners, the cumulative number who tested positive among staff and prisoners, and the numbers of deaths for each group.

The time series data is aggregated to the system level; there is one record for each prison agency on each date of collection. Not all departments could provide data for the exact date requested, and the data indicates the date for the figures.

To estimate the rate of infection among prisoners, we collected population data for each prison system before the pandemic, roughly in mid-March, in April, June, July, August, September and October. Beginning the week of July 28, we updated all prisoner population numbers, reflecting the number of incarcerated adults in state or federal prisons. Prior to that, population figures may have included additional populations, such as prisoners housed in other facilities, which were not captured in our COVID-19 data. In states with unified prison and jail systems, we include both detainees awaiting trial and sentenced prisoners.

To estimate the rate of infection among prison employees, we collected staffing numbers for each system. Where current data was not publicly available, we acquired other numbers through our reporting, including calling agencies or from state budget documents. In six states, we were unable to find recent staffing figures: Alaska, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Utah.

To calculate the cumulative COVID-19 impact on prisoner and prison worker populations, we aggregated prisoner and staff COVID case and death data up through Dec. 15. Because population snapshots do not account for movement in and out of prisons since March, and because many systems have significantly slowed the number of new people being sent to prison, it’s difficult to estimate the total number of people who have been held in a state system since March. To be conservative, we calculated our rates of infection using the largest prisoner population snapshots we had during this time period.

As with all COVID-19 data, our understanding of the spread and impact of the virus is limited by the availability of testing. Epidemiology and public health experts say that aside from a few states that have recently begun aggressively testing in prisons, it is likely that there are more cases of COVID-19 circulating undetected in facilities. Sixteen prison systems, including the Federal Bureau of Prisons, would not release information about how many prisoners they are testing.

Corrections departments in Indiana, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin report coronavirus testing and case data for juvenile facilities; West Virginia reports figures for juvenile facilities and jails. For consistency of comparison with other state prison systems, we removed those facilities from our data that had been included prior to July 28. For these states we have also removed staff data. Similarly, Pennsylvania’s coronavirus data includes testing and cases for those who have been released on parole. We removed these tests and cases for prisoners from the data prior to July 28. The staff cases remain.

About the Data

There are four tables in this data:

• covid_prison_cases.csv contains weekly time series data on tests, infections and deaths in prisons. The first dates in the table are on March 26. Any questions that a prison agency could not or would not answer are left blank.

• prison_populations.csv contains snapshots of the population of people incarcerated in each of these prison systems for whom data on COVID testing and cases are available. This varies by state and may not always be the entire number of people incarcerated in each system. In some states, it may include other populations, such as those on parole or held in state-run jails. This data is primarily for use in calculating rates of testing and infection, and we would not recommend using these numbers to compare the change in how many people are being held in each prison system.

• staff_populations.csv contains a one-time, recent snapshot of the headcount of workers for each prison agency, collected as close to April 15 as possible.

• covid_prison_rates.csv contains the rates of cases and deaths for prisoners. There is one row for every state and federal prison system and an additional row with the National totals.

Queries

The Associated Press and The Marshall Project have created several queries to help you use this data:

Get your state's prison COVID data: Provides each week's data from just your state and calculates a cases-per-100000-prisoners rate, a deaths-per-100000-prisoners rate, a cases-per-100000-workers rate and a deaths-per-100000-workers rate here

Rank all systems' most recent data by cases per 100,000 prisoners here

Find what percentage of your state's total cases and deaths -- as reported by Johns Hopkins University -- occurred within the prison system here

Attribution

In stories, attribute this data to: “According to an analysis of state prison cases by The Marshall Project, a nonprofit investigative newsroom dedicated to the U.S. criminal justice system, and The Associated Press.”

Contributors

Many reporters and editors at The Marshall Project and The Associated Press contributed to this data, including: Katie Park, Tom Meagher, Weihua Li, Gabe Isman, Cary Aspinwall, Keri Blakinger, Jake Bleiberg, Andrew R. Calderón, Maurice Chammah, Andrew DeMillo, Eli Hager, Jamiles Lartey, Claudia Lauer, Nicole Lewis, Humera Lodhi, Colleen Long, Joseph Neff, Michelle Pitcher, Alysia Santo, Beth Schwartzapfel, Damini Sharma, Colleen Slevin, Christie Thompson, Abbie VanSickle, Adria Watson, Andrew Welsh-Huggins.

Questions

If you have questions about the data, please email The Marshall Project at info+covidtracker@themarshallproject.org or file a Github issue.

To learn more about AP's data journalism capabilities for publishers, corporations and financial institutions, go here or email kromano@ap.org.

Private Prison Service Market Outlook

The global private prison service market size was valued at approximately USD 8 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach USD 12.5 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by several factors, including increasing prison populations, government policies favoring privatization, and a focus on cost-efficiency and specialized services provided by private entities.

One of the primary growth factors of the private prison service market is the escalating prison population globally. Over the years, many countries have experienced a steady rise in incarceration rates due to stricter law enforcement policies and an increase in crime rates. This surge has led to overcrowded public prison facilities, prompting governments to seek alternatives to manage the burgeoning inmate numbers. Private prisons have emerged as a viable solution to this issue, providing additional capacity and thus driving market demand.

Another significant factor contributing to the growth of the private prison service market is the cost-efficiency and specialized services offered by private operators. Governments are increasingly outsourcing prison management to private entities to reduce operational costs and improve service quality. Private prisons often employ advanced technologies and management practices that lead to better resource utilization, enhanced security measures, and improved inmate rehabilitation programs. These factors make private prisons an attractive option for governments looking to manage prisons more effectively.

The increasing focus on rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates is also bolstering the private prison service market. Unlike traditional public prisons, many private facilities emphasize rehabilitation and education programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates. Private prison operators often provide comprehensive healthcare, vocational training, and educational programs tailored to the needs of inmates. These initiatives not only help in the personal development of inmates but also contribute to a safer society, which, in turn, drives the demand for private prison services.

From a regional perspective, North America holds the largest share in the global private prison service market, primarily driven by the United States, which has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. Government policies favoring privatization and the presence of major private prison operators further strengthen the market in this region. However, other regions such as Asia Pacific and Europe are also showing significant potential due to increasing crime rates and shifting governmental policies towards privatization.

Service Type Analysis

The private prison service market is segmented by service type into security, rehabilitation, healthcare, education, and others. The security segment holds the largest market share due to its critical role in maintaining order and safety within prison facilities. Private prison operators invest heavily in advanced security technologies such as surveillance systems, biometric access controls, and perimeter security solutions. These investments ensure a secure environment for both inmates and staff, thereby making security services a pivotal component of the private prison market.

The rehabilitation segment is gaining traction as governments and private operators recognize the importance of reducing recidivism rates. Rehabilitation services include a range of programs such as behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training designed to help inmates reintegrate into society. With growing awareness about the social and economic benefits of rehabilitation, this segment is expected to see substantial growth in the coming years.

Healthcare services are another critical component of private prison services. Inmates often have complex health needs that require specialized medical care. Private prison operators provide comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, mental health services, and emergency medical treatment. The healthcare segment is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and mental health issues among the incarcerated population.

Educational services are also an essential part of the private prison service market. These services aim to equip inmates with the knowledge and skills needed to secure employment upon release. Educational programs range

Introduction

Prison Statistics: Prisons serve as critical institutions within global justice systems, reflecting societal approaches to punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation. As of 2024, approximately 11.5 million individuals are incarcerated worldwide, with about 10.8 million men and 700,000 women. This represents a 5.5% increase since 2012, indicating a persistent reliance on incarceration.

Incarceration rates vary significantly across regions. North America has the highest rate, with 489 prisoners per 100,000 people in 2022, down from 647 in 2012. In contrast, Southern Asia reported rates below 100 per 100,000 population. El Salvador leads globally with 1,086 prisoners per 100,000 people, followed by Cuba at 794 and Rwanda at 637.

The female prison population has surged by 57% since 2000, outpacing the 22% increase in the male prison population. This rise is often linked to factors such as poverty, discriminatory laws, and limited access to legal resources. Notably, one in three incarcerated individuals globally is held in pre-trial detention, highlighting concerns about legal processes and the presumption of innocence.

Understanding these demographics is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of incarceration as a tool for justice and rehabilitation. It also underscores the need for reforms that address systemic issues contributing to high incarceration rates. Let's explore some intriguing statistics about prisoners in the United States.

As of 2022, Black people were more likely than those of other races to be imprisoned in the United States. In that year, the rate of imprisonment for Black men stood at 1,826 per 100,000 of the population. For Black women, this rate stood at 64 per 100,000 of the population.

Correctional facilities have suffered from a mixture of policy changes at the federal and local levels, coupled with broader support for rehabilitative solutions to the broader issue of crime. The implementation of a ban on private prison contract renewals with the DOJ in 2021 cut off a considerable revenue stream across BOP and USMS clientele. While the order was reversed in January 2025, facilities were forced to pivot to alternative revenue streams, namely community centers and rehabilitative service provision. Demand is uniquely separate from the broader economic climate, since revenue growth is primarily influenced by crime and incarceration rates. Falling approval of for-profit prisons also influenced statewide restrictions on private correctional facilities. Revenue fell at a CAGR of 3.6% to an estimated $9.0 billion, including an estimated 3.5% decline in 2025 alone, as profit reached an estimated 12.4%. Decreasing national crime and incarceration rates have been the primary contributing factors influencing revenue. A sharp 7.6% collapse in the national incarceration rate over the past five years was influenced by a conscious effort by the US government to reduce prison overcrowding. Since private correctional facilities charge fixed, per-diem rates based on occupancy, a reduction in the inmate population not only lowers demand for facility, but also raises fixed costs that eat into their profit margin. However, stricter immigration enforcement, caused agencies such as ICE to contract correctional facilities to provide detention and processing centers for new arrivals. In February 2025, major company GEO Group signed off on a contract with ICE for a new processing facility in Newark, New Jersey, providing a crucial revenue stream that offset larger losses. Moving forward, correctional facilities face an uncertain future. Continued slippage in public opinion regarding for-profit prison systems will force facilities to invest capital in rehabilitative services aimed at reentry and reduction of recidivism. Reputational problems stemming from reports of inadequate medical care, excessive use of solitary confinement and unsanitary conditions may lead to financial penalties or full-on closures. A continued retreat in national incarceration and crime rates will continue shrinking the potential marketplace for correctional facilities. Revenue is expected to sink at a CAGR of 3.6% to an estimated $7.5 billion over the next five years.

Among the founding NATO nations, the United States was the country with the highest incarceration rate of *** per 100,000 population in 2021. The United Kingdom was second on the list, with *** prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants.

Investigator(s): Bureau of Justice Statistics The National Jail Census was conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Excluded from the census were federal- or state-administered facilities, including the combined jail-prison systems in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Data include jail population by reason being held, age (juvenile or adult) and sex, maximum sentence that can be served in the facility, available services, type of security available, facility capacity, age, construction and renovation of the facility, employment, and operating expenditures.Years Produced: Every 5 years

Correctional System Market Outlook

The global correctional system market size was valued at approximately USD 5.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.6 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is primarily driven by technological advancements and the increasing need for efficient prison management systems. The adoption of innovative technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing within correctional facilities is expected to streamline operations, enhance security measures, and improve rehabilitation programs, thus contributing to market expansion.

One of the primary factors fueling the growth of the correctional system market is the rising emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency and security within correctional facilities. As prison populations continue to grow, there is an increased need for systems that can manage inmate information, monitor activities, and ensure compliance with regulations. Advanced software solutions that offer real-time data analytics and automation are becoming essential tools for governmental agencies and private operators alike. Furthermore, the integration of AI and machine learning technologies is aiding in predictive analytics, helping authorities to anticipate and prevent potential security breaches.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing focus on rehabilitation and community corrections programs. Modern correctional systems are gradually shifting from punitive approaches to rehabilitative and restorative justice models. This shift necessitates the implementation of comprehensive rehabilitation programs that can effectively address the psychological, educational, and vocational needs of inmates. Consequently, there is a growing demand for software and services designed to manage these programs, track progress, and measure outcomes. Additionally, community corrections, which involve supervised probation and parole, are gaining traction, requiring robust systems to manage and monitor individuals outside traditional prison environments.

The expansion of cloud-based solutions is also playing a pivotal role in driving market growth. Cloud deployment offers numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ease of access to data from multiple locations. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale correctional facilities and government agencies that manage multiple prisons. By leveraging cloud technology, these institutions can ensure seamless communication, data sharing, and real-time updates across different facilities. Moreover, the shift towards cloud-based solutions is supported by advancements in data security measures, which are crucial for handling sensitive inmate information.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the correctional system market, driven by substantial investments in prison infrastructure and technology adoption. The United States, in particular, is a major contributor due to its large prison population and stringent regulatory requirements. Europe follows closely, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France focusing on modernizing their correctional facilities and enhancing rehabilitation efforts. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, attributed to growing government initiatives to improve prison management and the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in countries like China, India, and Japan.

Component Analysis

In the correctional system market, the component segmentation involves hardware, software, and services. Each of these components plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and security of correctional facilities. The hardware segment includes surveillance systems, biometric devices, and communication systems. Surveillance systems, such as CCTV cameras and motion detectors, are essential for maintaining security within prisons. Biometric devices, including fingerprint scanners and facial recognition systems, are increasingly being adopted to ensure accurate identification and reduce the risk of impersonation. Communication systems, such as inmate telephone services and video conferencing, facilitate secure communication between inmates and their families, legal representatives, and prison staff.

The software segment encompasses management software, inmate tracking systems, and rehabilitation management software. Management software is designed to streamline various administrative tasks, such as inmate record-keeping, incident reporting, and resource allocation. Inmate tracking systems utilize tec

The Central American nation with the highest prison population rate was El Salvador, with over 1,000 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Panama with 522 prisoners. The lowest prison population rate of the region was found in Guatemala, with 123 prisoners per 100,000 people.

Data in this collection examine the processing of federal offenders. The Cases Terminated files (Parts 1-3 and 25-28) contain information about defendants in criminal cases filed in the United States Federal District Court and terminated in the calendar years indicated. Defendants in criminal cases may either be individuals or corporations, and there is one record for each defendant in each case terminated. Information on court proceedings, date the case was filed, date the case was terminated, most serious charge, and reason for termination is included. The Docket and Reporting System files (Parts 4-7, 31-34, and 42) include information on suspects in investigative matters that took an hour or more of a United States Attorney's time with one of the following outcomes: (1) the United States Attorney declined to prosecute, (2) the case was filed in Federal District Court, or (3) the matter was disposed by a United States magistrate. Codes for each disposition and change of status are also provided. The Pretrial Services data (Parts 8, 22, 43, and 47) present variables on the circuit, district, and office where the defendant was charged, type of action, year of birth and sex of the defendant, major offense charge, and results of initial and detention hearings. The Parole Decisions data (Part 9) contain information from various parole hearings such as court date, appeal action, reopening decision, sentence, severity of sentence, offense, and race and ethnicity of the defendant. The Offenders Under Supervision files (Parts 15-16 and 37-40) focus on convicted offenders sentenced to probation supervision and federal prisoners released to parole supervision. The Federal Prisoner files (Parts 18 and 20) supply data on when an offender entered and was released from confinement, as well as the amount of time served for any given offense. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts data files (Parts 44, 52, and 53) contain records of defendants in criminal cases filed in Federal District Court and terminated in the calendar years indicated. There is one record for each defendant in each case. Variables include the date the case was filed, offense level, AO (Administrative Office) codes, and disposition date. The Bureau of Prisons data (both the Master and Detail files, Parts 45, 46, and 54-57 -- formerly known as the Federal Prisoner files) contain records of sentenced prisoners admitted to or released from federal prison during 1992-1994. These files consist of separate records for each prisoner's commitment to federal prison, and for each sentence imposed on a prisoner for a given commitment to federal prison. The Central System (CS) and Central Charge (CC) files of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) include information about suspects in criminal matters and defendants in criminal cases in 1993-1994. Each defendant in a criminal matter has a master Central System record (Parts 50 and 51) and may have one or more Central Charge records (Parts 48 and 49). The Federal Probation/Supervision Data files (Parts 58 and 59) provide information on supervision procedures and the sequence of events and proceedings in 1992-1994 from the time a case was opened for supervision until the case was terminated. These include reports of parole violations, transfers of supervision to other districts, and case removals due to, for example, rearrest or hospitalization. The Sentencing Commission data (Parts 60 and 61) contain information on federal criminal cases sentenced in 1992-1994 under the Sentencing Guidelines and Policy Statements of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984.

This census provides information on county and municipal jails facilities in the United States and their administration. For all jails, the data include number of prisoners and their reason for being held, age and sex of prisoners, maximum sentence that could be served in the facility, facility capacity and age, types of security available, and operating expenditures. For jails in counties and municipalities with populations of 25,000 or more, data are supplied on quarterly jail population, age of cells, and availability of service facilities and programs for inmates.

In 2024, Haiti had a 302 percent level of occupancy in their prison system, being the country with the highest occupancy rate in the Latin America and the Caribbean. It was followed by Guatemala, with almost 300 percent occupancy rate. Among the top ten countries with the most overcrowded national prison system, Panama had the lowest rate, at 163.1 percent. Regarding prison population, El Salvador and Cuba were the Latin American and Caribbean countries that had the largest rates, both with over 500 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants.

The 2012 Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities (CSFCF) was the eighth enumeration of state institutions and the fifth enumeration of federal institutions sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and its predecessors. Earlier censuses were conducted in 1974, 1979 (ICPSR 7852), 1984 (ICPSR 8444), 1990 (ICPSR 9908), 1995 (ICPSR 6953), 2000 (ICPSR 4021), and 2005 (ICPSR 24642). For each facility in the 2012 census, information was provided on security level, facility operator, sex of inmates housed, one-day counts by sex, percentage of inmates authorized to leave the facility, and anticipated changes to or closures of the facility. The census counted prisoners held in the facilities, a custody count. Some inmates in custody in one jurisdiction may be held for a different jurisdiction. The custody count is distinct from a count of inmates under a correctional authority's jurisdiction, which includes all inmates over whom a correctional authority exercises control, regardless of where the inmate is housed. A jurisdictional count is more inclusive than a prison custody count and includes state and federal prisoners housed in local jails or other non-correctional facilities.

There were about 87,784 female prisoners under the jurisdiction of state or federal correctional authorities in the United States as of December 2022. This is an increase from the previous year, when there were 83,651 female prisoners in the country.

Abstract (en): This survey of inmates in five California prisons was conducted by the RAND Corporation with a grant from the National Institute of Justice. Researchers distributed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire to groups of 10-20 inmates at a time. Using the self-report technique, the survey obtained detailed information about the crimes committed by these prisoners prior to their incarceration. Variables were calculated to examine the characteristics of repeatedly arrested or convicted offenders (recidivists) as well as offenders reporting the greatest number of serious crimes (habitual criminals). The variables include crimes committed leading to incarceration, rates of criminal activity, and social-psychological scales for analyzing motivations to commit crimes, as well as self-reports of age, race, education, marital status, employment, income, and drug use. ICPSR data undergo a confidentiality review and are altered when necessary to limit the risk of disclosure. ICPSR also routinely creates ready-to-go data files along with setups in the major statistical software formats as well as standard codebooks to accompany the data. In addition to these procedures, ICPSR performed the following processing steps for this data collection: Checked for undocumented or out-of-range codes.. Male prisoners who were incarcerated in five California state adult correctional institutions in July and August of 1976. 2005-11-04 On 2005-03-14 new files were added to one or more datasets. These files included additional setup files as well as one or more of the following: SAS program, SAS transport, SPSS portable, and Stata system files. The metadata record was revised 2005-11-04 to reflect these additions. Funding insitution(s): United States Department of Justice. Office of Justice Programs. National Institute of Justice (83-IJ-CX-0006).

Iceland was the most peaceful country in the world in 2024 with an index value of 1.1. Ireland, Austria, and New Zealand followed behind.What is the Global Peace Index? The Global Peace Index is an effort by the Institute for Economics and Peace to measure the degree of peacefulness in countries across the world and rank them accordingly. The first list was created in 2007 and has since then been published annually. The index includes a number of indicators relating to both domestic and international peacefulness. International indicators In regards to international affairs the majority of indicators relate to involvement in military conflict or the efforts of the state in question to resolve conflict and ensure the safety of those affected. For example those states that give more financial support to UN peacekeeping missions are considered to be more peaceful while those who have a higher military expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) are considered to be less peaceful. The United States never reached the top 20 of the list, in part due to it having a high level of military spending as a percentage of GDP. Domestic factors Domestic indicators focus on both the amount of violence and crime in addition to incarceration rates. Again, the United States fails to reach levels akin to other countries. The country’s incarceration rates are significantly higher than in other OEDC countries. Moreover, the number of deaths from gun violence also contributes to the relatively low peacefulness ranking of the United States.