Europe's prison crisis deepens as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia lead in overcrowding

Prison populations across Europe continue to rise, with some countries facing significant overcrowding. Recent data shows Azerbaijan and Georgia among the top nations for incarceration rates, while Turkey leads the continent in inmates per capita. The latest figures also reveal shifts in prison demographics and density across the region. As of January, Council of Europe countries hold over 1.1 million prisoners. Turkey now ranks first in Europe for its prison population rate, with 458 inmates per 100,000 people. Azerbaijan follows closely in second place, having seen its rate climb from 208.7 per 100,000 in 2020 to 270.6 in 2025. Georgia sits fourth, with 232 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants.

Azerbaijan’s prisons are operating near capacity, housing 98 inmates for every 100 available spaces. The average sentence there lasts 36 months, with women making up 3.1% of the prison population. Georgia’s system is similarly strained, holding 90 prisoners per 100 spaces. Women account for 4.4% of its inmates. The data highlights growing pressures on correctional facilities in both countries. Overcrowding remains a persistent issue, particularly as incarceration rates continue to rise.

The latest figures place Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia among Europe’s most crowded prison systems. With over 1.1 million people detained across the continent, the numbers underscore ongoing challenges in managing correctional facilities. Both Azerbaijan and Georgia face high population densities, raising concerns about long-term capacity and conditions.