Prisons stand as symbols of societal justice and containment, designed to rehabilitate offenders while ensuring public safety. Across the globe, numerous correctional facilities vary in size, capacity, and operational standards. Among them, several stand out for their remarkable scale and capacity to incarcerate. Here, we delve into the world’s largest prisons, highlighting their significance and scale.
World’s Biggest Jail 2024
The New Bilibid Prison, located in Muntinlupa, Philippines, stands as the largest jail globally in 2024. Established in 1940, it initially served as an internment camp during the Japanese occupation. Designed for 6,345 inmates, it now grapples with severe overcrowding, accommodating a staggering 28,500 inmates. As the country’s primary maximum-security facility, it detains dangerous criminals. Recent years have seen the prison embroiled in controversies surrounding illegal drugs, weapons, corruption, and human rights violations.
Top-10 Biggest Jails in the World By 2024
The New Bilibid Prison, located in Muntinlupa, Philippines, with the total number of 28,500 inmates, claims the title of the biggest jail in the world followed by Silivri Prison, Klong Prem Central Prison, and Los Angeles County Jail.
Here is the list of top-10 largest prisons of the world by 2024:
| LARGEST PRISONS IN THE WORLD 2024 | |||
| Rank | Prison | Location | No. of Inmates |
| 1. | New Bilibid Prison | Muntinlupa, Philippines | 28,500 |
| 2. | Silivri Prison | Silivri, Turkey | 22,000 |
| 3. | Klong Prem Central Prison | Bangkok, Thailand | Up to 20,000 |
| 4. | Los Angeles County Jail | Los Angeles, USA | 19,836 |
| 5. | Tihar Jail | West Delhi, India | 19,500 |
| 6. | Rikers Island | New York City, USA | 13,849 |
| 7. | The Harris County Jail | Texas, USA | 10,044 |
| 8. | The Maricopa County Jail | Phoenix, Arizona, USA | 9,265 |
| 9. | Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 8,811 |
| 10. | Metro West Detention Centre | Miami, Florida, USA | 7,050 |
World’s Largest Prison – New Bilibid Prison
Location: Muntinlupa, Philippines
Total no. of inmates: 28,500
Establishment: 1940
The New Bilibid Prison, established in 1940 in Muntinlupa, Philippines, stands as the world’s largest prison. Originally an internment camp during the Japanese occupation, it now houses a staggering 28,500 inmates, far exceeding its intended capacity of 6,345. As the primary maximum-security facility in the country, it faces challenges including illegal drugs, weapons, corruption, and human rights violations.
Second Largest Jail in the World – Silivri Prison
Location: Silivri, Turkey
Total no. of inmates: 22,000
Silivri Prison stands as the world’s second-largest jail and Europe’s largest correctional facility, boasting modern, high-security structures. Initially designed for 11,000 inmates, it now accommodates a population far surpassing its capacity. The facility has drawn attention for detaining prominent figures like politicians and journalists, yet faces criticism for substandard living conditions and allegations of human rights violations.
Third Biggest Jail in the World – Klong Prem Central Prison
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Total no. of inmates: up to 20,000
Klong Prem Central Prison, established in 1944, ranks as the world’s third-largest jail and Thailand’s largest correctional facility. Housing inmates from diverse nationalities, approximately 30% of its population consists of foreigners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prison repurposed five buildings into field hospitals for infected inmates. Known for detaining high-profile individuals, it accommodates political prisoners, drug offenders, and various criminals.
