There are 50 million refugees worldwide — the highest number ever recorded
According to the 2015 Global Peace Index report, there are currently more 50 million displaced people worldwide right now. This count, which includes refugees and internally displaced persons, marks the highest count since the detailed record-keeping began. Not since World War II has the number of refugees and displaced persons surpassed the 50 million mark.
That already astounding number keeps on growing: The current count translates to about 1 displaced person per every 133 people worldwide, and every day 45,000 more displaced or stranded persons are added to the count. The highest numbers are concentrated in the Middle East, namely Iraq and Syria. Perhaps more surprising is the uptick in internally displaced persons in Colombia, due to the government’s ongoing battle with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. At this point, the cost of displacement totals $100 billion annually, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.
While these numbers — and the associated cost — most obviously underline a growing, worldwide refugee crisis, they also underscore a rise in violence across the globe. The report also revealed that the world has become increasingly violent over the last eight years. A crisis, indeed.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published