Refugee population by country or territory of origin
Countries By Refugee population by country or territory of origin
Key points
- Syria has the highest refugee population by country or territory of origin, with a staggering 6,702,910 refugees.
- Cape Verde has the lowest refugee population, with only 5 refugees originating from the country.
- The average refugee population by country or territory of origin among the listed countries is approximately 114,655.
- Some countries have a significant number of refugees, such as Afghanistan with 2,594,827 refugees and Iraq with 333,200 refugees.
- Remarkably, Somalia has over 800,000 refugees originating from the country, showcasing the severity of displacement and conflict in the region.
Official Definition of Refugee population by country or territory of origin
Refugees are people who are recognized as refugees under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol, the 1969 Organization of African Unity Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, people recognized as refugees in accordance with the UNHCR statute, people granted refugee-like humanitarian status, and people provided temporary protection. Asylum seekers--people who have applied for asylum or refugee status and who have not yet received a decision or who are registered as asylum seekers--are excluded. Palestinian refugees are people (and their descendants) whose residence was Palestine between June 1946 and May 1948 and who lost their homes and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. Country of origin generally refers to the nationality or country of citizenship of a claimant.
Importance
Refugee population by country or territory of origin is a crucial macroeconomic statistic for a country as it reflects the challenges and complexities of refugee movements, both within its borders and globally. The implications of this statistic being low or high can have significant socio-economic and geopolitical consequences:
- A Low Value:
- Low refugee population could indicate a stable and secure environment in the country of origin, potentially boosting investor confidence and promoting economic growth.
- However, a low value may also suggest strict immigration policies, lack of humanitarian assistance, or an inability to provide refuge to those in need.
- Politically, a low refugee population may reduce strain on public services and infrastructure, but it could also lead to a lack of diversity and cultural exchange within the country.
- A High Value:
- High refugee population highlights the country's ability to provide asylum and support to those fleeing conflict or persecution, demonstrating a commitment to international humanitarian efforts.
- Economically, a high value may strain resources and public services, impacting the job market and social welfare systems.
- From a geopolitical perspective, a high refugee population can influence diplomatic relations with other nations, shape domestic politics, and contribute to cultural diversity.
Top 10 Countries by Refugee population by country or territory of origin
Bottom 10 Countries by Refugee population by country or territory of origin
Regions
Europe
The refugee population data for the listed countries vary significantly, with some countries hosting a larger number of refugees than others. Countries like Serbia, Russian Federation, and Ukraine have the highest numbers of refugees, indicating a substantial refugee presence in these regions. While this demonstrates a commitment to providing shelter to those in need, it also poses challenges in terms of integration, social services, and potential strain on resources. In contrast, countries like Luxembourg, Iceland, and Denmark have relatively lower numbers, potentially indicating stricter policies or fewer incoming refugees. This statistic impacts each country's development differently, influencing social cohesion, public services, and international relations based on their approach to refugee assistance.
Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia
Refugee populations vary significantly across the listed countries. Myanmar hosts a staggering 1,103,245 refugees, while China, People's Republic of has 175,361. In contrast, countries like Japan and Singapore have much lower numbers at 40 and 37 respectively. This statistic reflects the differing geopolitical situations and conflicts each country faces, impacting their economic and social development. While hosting large numbers of refugees can strain resources, it can also bring diversity and skilled labor to a country. On the other hand, countries with fewer refugees may have more stability but may miss out on the potential benefits that refugees can bring in terms of cultural enrichment and economic contribution.
ASEAN
Refugee population data reveals varying degrees of displacement in the listed countries. Myanmar stands out with over a million refugees, mainly due to internal conflicts. Vietnam follows with a significant number, signaling historical challenges. Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos have relatively lower figures, reflecting relatively stable conditions. Malaysia and Thailand also show moderate instances of displacement. The Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia have the lowest numbers, suggesting better internal stability. For countries with higher refugee populations like Myanmar and Vietnam, managing the influx poses economic and social challenges but can also bring diversity and skills to the workforce. Conversely, countries with lower refugee populations may have less strain on resources but might miss out on potential cultural enrichment and labor that refugees can provide.
Latin America
Middle East
The data on refugee population by country or territory of origin shows varying levels across the listed countries. Syria stands out with a significantly high number of refugees, followed by Iran and Afghanistan. These countries provide refuge to a large number of displaced individuals, showcasing their humanitarian efforts but also facing challenges in terms of resource strain and social integration. On the other hand, countries like Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar have comparatively low refugee numbers, indicating a more stable internal environment but potentially showing less involvement in global refugee crises. The impact of hosting refugees on a country's development includes both socio-economic burdens and potential cultural enrichment, varying based on each country's capacity and policies towards refugees.
Rivals
Anglosphere v BRICS
Australia hosts 20 refugees, reflecting its strict border policies and lower refugee intake compared to larger countries. Brazil's relatively high number of 1,548 refugees can be attributed to its history of accepting immigrants and refugees. Canada with 65 refugees shows a moderate but compassionate stance. China and the Russian Federation have significantly higher numbers, 175,361 and 52,742 respectively, due to political conflicts and geographical proximity to refugee-producing regions. India's 12,398 refugees demonstrate its role as a regional power with both refugee intake and diplomatic efforts. New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the US host fewer refugees, showing varied levels of international involvement. This statistic impacts each country's development differently; while refugee influx can strain resources, it also enriches society with diverse perspectives and skills, fostering cultural exchange and potential economic benefits through labor force contributions.
Russia v Ukraine
The data shows that the Russian Federation has a larger refugee population of 52,742 compared to Ukraine with 35,156 refugees originating from their respective territories. The Russian Federation's higher number may be attributed to its larger size and geopolitical influence, which could attract refugees seeking stability. However, this influx may strain resources and infrastructure, posing challenges for social integration. On the other hand, Ukraine's lower refugee population may indicate relative stability within the country but could also reflect challenges in providing assistance to displaced populations. This statistic highlights the ongoing impact of conflicts and geopolitical factors on human displacement, underscoring the need for diplomatic solutions and humanitarian support in both countries.
France v United Kingdom
In 2021, France hosted a refugee population from various countries of origin, with 49% of its total refugee population attributed to this statistic. In comparison, the United Kingdom had a higher percentage, with 62% of its refugee population falling under this category. France's lower percentage may indicate a more diverse refugee population with origins outside the specified countries, potentially offering a broader cultural richness but requiring a more varied approach to integration. Conversely, the United Kingdom's higher percentage suggests a concentration of refugees from specific regions, potentially allowing for focused support programs but also posing integration challenges specific to those regions. This statistic underscores the differing approaches each country may need to take regarding refugee integration and support, influencing their social cohesion and labor market dynamics.
Israel v Iran
Iran has a significant refugee population of 135,018, reflecting its regional role in hosting refugees, particularly from neighboring countries experiencing conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq. This demonstrates Iran's stance on humanitarian aid but also presents challenges in terms of resource allocation and social integration. In contrast, Israel has a much smaller refugee population of 373, reflecting its more restrictive asylum policies. While this may ease social tensions, it could also be criticized as lacking in humanitarian efforts. The impact of this statistic on both countries' development lies in their ability to manage and support refugee populations, affecting their international reputation and domestic social cohesion.
Saudi Arabia v Iran
Iran currently has a refugee population of 135,018, while Saudi Arabia hosts 2,003 refugees. Iran's higher refugee population can be attributed to its geographical location, historical conflicts, and political instability in neighboring countries. The presence of a large refugee population in Iran can strain resources and infrastructure, posing challenges for the country's social services and economy. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia's lower refugee population indicates a more restrictive asylum policy, potentially limiting the diversity and skills that refugees could bring. This statistic highlights the differing approaches of the two countries towards refugees and underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
India v Pakistan
India has a relatively lower refugee population compared to Pakistan, with 12,398 refugees as per the data provided. On the other hand, Pakistan hosts a significantly larger refugee population of 133,280 individuals. While India may have an advantage in dealing with a smaller refugee population, Pakistan faces the challenge of accommodating a larger number of refugees within its borders. This statistic could impact the development of both countries differently; for India, it may mean less strain on resources but also potentially fewer opportunities for international cooperation, while for Pakistan, it could lead to increased pressure on social services and infrastructure but may also provide diplomatic leverage and aid opportunities.
Turkey v Greece
China v Japan
China, with a refugee population of 175,361, has a significantly higher number compared to Japan's 40 refugees. This stark contrast reflects the difference in the scale of refugee acceptance and resettlement policies between the two countries. For China, handling a larger number of refugees may showcase its humanitarian efforts and willingness to provide assistance to those in need. However, it could also strain resources and infrastructure. In contrast, Japan's lower refugee population may indicate a more selective or restrictive approach to refugee intake, potentially limiting its diversity but also allowing for better resource allocation and integration support. The impact of this statistic on each country's development lies in the realm of international perception, geopolitical relationships, and social cohesion within their borders.
FAQs
- Which country has the most refugee population by country of origin?
The country with the highest refugee population by country of origin is Syria, with a total of 6,702,910 refugees. - Which country has the least refugee population by country of origin?
The country with the least refugee population by country of origin is Cape Verde, with a total of 5 refugees. - What is the average refugee population by country of origin?
The average refugee population by country of origin among the listed countries is approximately 114,655.