International Centre For Prison Studies

The World Prison Brief (WPB) is an extensive online database that provides free access to information about prison systems worldwide. Launched in 2000, it offers detailed statistics on various aspects of prison populations, including total numbers, rates per 100,000 people, demographics of prisoners (such as women and juveniles), pre-trial detention rates, and prison overcrowding. The data is updated monthly and primarily sourced from official governmental reports. The WPB facilitates international comparisons through country-specific pages, trend data, and lists ranking countries by various metrics related to imprisonment. It serves as a vital resource for governments, researchers, journalists, and civil society organizations, aiding in policy development, human rights monitoring, and public discourse on criminal justice issues. Additionally, the WPB encourages contributions to improve its data accuracy and sustainability, as it operates without external funding. Users can also donate to support its ongoing work.