Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Global Female Incarceration Surges, US Tops List
There are now over 733,000 women and girls in prisons around the world.
This number has grown a lot, about 57%, since the year 2000.
The United States has the most women in jail, followed by China.
Other countries with many female inmates include Thailand, Brazil, and Russia.
Experts say this increase is because many women are poor and get in trouble for small crimes or breaking laws that mostly affect women.
These laws can be about things like drugs, money, or even personal choices.
Many people think this is a big problem and want changes to help these women and their families.
Over 733,000 women and girls are incarcerated worldwide, a 57% increase since 2000.
The US has the highest number of female inmates (174,607), followed by China (145,000).
Top five countries also include Thailand, Brazil, and Russia; India ranks sixth.
Female incarceration has grown three times faster than male incarceration (22% increase).
Experts attribute the rise to poverty-related offenses and gender-specific laws, calling for reform.
- Who
- Women and girls worldwide, with the highest numbers in the US and China
- What
- A significant increase in female incarceration rates globally
- When
- Since 2000, with data from 2024
- Where
- Worldwide, with the US and China having the highest numbers
- Why
- Due to socioeconomic disparities, poverty-related offenses, and gender-specific laws
- Total Female Inmates
- 733,000
- Top Country (US)
- 174,607
- Second Country (China)
- 145,000
- Increase Since 2000
- 57%
- Male Incarceration Increase
- 22%
- Women as % of Inmates
- 6.8%
- Countries with Highest Increase
- El Salvador, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey
- Common Reasons for Incarceration
- Poverty-related offenses, drug offenses, informal economic activity