Top 5 countries with the lowest number of prisoners

However, a few nations stand out for their notably low prison populations. These countries, with their minimal prison populations, offer a unique perspective on justice and the rehabilitation of offenders.

Let's look at the top five countries with the lowest number of prisoners with an explanation of their approach to law enforcement and correctional policies, according to the 2023 report of the World Prison Brief.

Vatican

The Vatican City has no prisoners. This country is possibly the sole nation worldwide without a prison. It maintains several detention cells for holding individuals awaiting trial. Convicted individuals who are sentenced to incarceration fulfill their sentences in Italian prisons, by the Lateran Treaty. However, the Vatican government bears the expenses of imprisonment.

Liechtenstein

Another tiny European nation, Liechtenstein, boasts remarkably low incarceration rates. With a population of about 39,000, the country typically had 12 prisoners as of July 2023. Liechtenstein’s approach to criminal justice focuses heavily on rehabilitation and community service rather than incarceration, which has contributed to its low prison numbers.

Monaco

Monaco, known for its wealth and luxury, also has one of the lowest prison populations in the world. With a population of around 38,000, the Principality usually has a prison population of under 30 individuals. As of July 2023, the country had 14 prisoners. Monaco's high standard of living, rigorous law enforcement, and a strong focus on economic stability and social welfare contribute to its low crime and incarceration rates.

Seychelles

Seychelles' detention facilities, designed to accommodate 757 individuals, housed 285 detainees as of June 2021, according to the World Prison Brief, a nongovernmental organisation. This reflects a decrease in the prison population, which stood at 340 in 2020. Additionally, a distinct detention centre for male pretrial detainees is located in Victoria. However, as of July 2023, the country had 362 prisoners.

Luxembourg

In 2022, Luxembourg's prisoner count stood at 98.1 per 100,000 people, a slight rise from 87.8 per 100,000 in the preceding year. Over 12 years, the nation's incarceration rate has generally trended downward from a peak of 137.4 per 100,000 in 2010, with increases occurring only three times: from 2012 to 2013, from 2015 to 2016, and from 2021 to 2022. The year 2021 marked the lowest rate within this period, with 87.8 prisoners per 100,000 population. In July 2023, the country recorded 685 prisoners.