In this article, we will discuss the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world. If you want to skip our analysis, you can proceed to the section highlighting the 5 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World.
According to the United Nations, a refugee is defined as an individual who is unable to seek shelter in their country of origin and faces serious life threats based on factors such as race, religion, war, conflicts, disasters, affiliation with a particular social group, or political beliefs. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), global trends report published in June 2023, 52% of all refugees came from wars and conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
Global Defense Spending Reached $2.2 Trillion in 2023
Global defense expenditures rose substantially last year, reaching an all-time high of over $2.2 trillion, according to a February 2024 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The sizable increase of nearly 9% was fueled by spending among NATO member states responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In Ukraine, Russian equipment losses continue on a large scale. Analysts assess that its full-scale invasion has cost Russia more than 3,000 military battle tanks.
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: 2024 Updates
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, forced 5.7 million Ukrainians to flee for their lives and cross into neighboring countries in search of shelter. Ukraine faces significant challenges in competing militarily with Russia, primarily due to a low defense budget that constrains Ukraine’s ability to match Russia’s might. On March 3, Reuters reported that Russia’s military destroyed 47 Ukrainian drones in the southern region of Rostov oblast, which is a strategic center for Russian forces to conduct operations in Ukraine.
Without substantial assistance from allies in the West, Ukraine struggles with military resources and capabilities. Western partners have become critical for Ukraine’s armed forces. On March 8, Reuters reported that Ukraine expects to receive $17.51 billion from the European Union within the next two months, with $4.92 billion scheduled in March and $1.64 billion in April 2024.
Following a meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in Vilnius, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba appealed to the country’s Western allies to supply arms of all kinds without restrictions. Kuleba also said,
“If things continue as they currently happen, it’s not going to end well for all of us, What is required is an unrestricted and timely supply of all types of weapons and ammunition to ensure that Ukraine beats Russia and the war in Europe does not spill over.”
On March 8, Reuters reported that French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that France is planning to have some of its arms manufacturers collaborate with Ukrainian companies to produce military equipment on Ukrainian soil to help the country in its war against Russia.
The Israel-Hamas Conflict
The conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been ongoing for several decades, however, escalation began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. Following the expulsion of Hamas militants from Israeli territory, the Israeli military initiated extensive aerial bombardments of the Gaza Strip, and a large-scale ground invasion commenced on October 27, 2023. As of February, UNFPA reports that over 2.2 million people in Gaza are internally displaced. The health system is significantly affected, and hunger is widespread among the population.
On March 3, the Associated Press reported that the United States carried out emergency humanitarian airdrops in Gaza to alleviate the severe crisis. Thousands of meals were dropped by the U.S. military, aiming to provide essential supplies to residents. On March 9, The Guardian reported that Sweden and Canada decided to resume aid to UNRWA for Palestinians, with Sweden announcing an initial funding of $20 million.
Demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, Houthi militants in Yemen attacked and seized various countries’ merchant vessels in the Red Sea. In response, the United States on December 19, 2023, announced a coalition of 10 countries to combat Houthis and protect trade in the Red Sea. On January 12, Al Jazeera reported that the United States and the United Kingdom, aided by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, have conducted multiple cruise missile strikes and airstrikes targeting over 30 locations in Yemen.
An Analysis of Global Defense Spending in 2024
The United States Department of Defense proposed a budget of $842 billion for 2024, up from $816 billion from the previous year. The UK also allocated an additional $6.34 billion to the defense budget 2024/25 in response to escalating global threats, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs report, more than 50% of the annual Department of Defense budget is spent on defense companies. Payments to contractors increased from around $140 billion in 2001 to approximately $370 billion in 2019, which represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.68%.
According to a report by Research and Markets, the global defense market has experienced rapid growth, rising from $575.33 billion in 2023 to $616.32 billion in 2024. It is anticipated to further expand to $772.49 billion in 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. This growth is fueled by governmental backing, military modernization initiatives, the adoption of lightweight materials, and increased usage of drones and military helicopters.
As ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, and Israel intensify, the demand for services and products of major defense companies continues to rise. Defense companies including Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) are supplying a wide range of equipment, weaponry, and technology to countries across the globe.
During the financial year 2023, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) delivered a total of 124 aircraft and 69 helicopter programs. On March 1, contracts totaling over $1.09 billion were awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense to Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) for missile systems, logistics support, and modifications. Given the uncertainty in Ukraine, European nations near Russia are purchasing F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), on January 29, Czechia signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition of 24 F-35 aircraft. Lockheed Martin delivered the initial four S-70 Black Hawks to Romania in November 2023 and plans to deliver eight more in the next four years. Additionally, in July 2023, Israel approved the purchase of another 25 F-35 jets worth $3 billion, as reported by Reuters, on July 2, 2023.
RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX), previously known as Raytheon Technologies, is one of the world’s largest defense companies. In January, RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) secured contracts valued at $345 million from the U.S. Air Force and contracts of $154 million from the U.S. Army. On February 12, the U.S. Army awarded another $75 million contract for 600 radar-guided Coyote 2C interceptors. Recent contracts from the Pentagon, funded by Ukraine security assistance funds, allocated $192 million for delivery of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles from RTX.
Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense corporations in the world. On January 31, Reuters reported that the company has supplied advanced ground-launched, GPS-guided bombs to Ukraine as part of the latest U.S. arms package. These new weapons, including the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB), aim to increase Ukraine’s military capabilities with its 100-mile strike range. In February 2024, Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) secured significant contracts with the U.S. government, including a $405 million modification contract for the U.S. Air Force and a contract valued at $1.61 billion for providing guidance system support at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
The refugee crisis has continued to escalate in both 2023 and 2024, as conflict, violence, and fear of persecution forced millions of people out of their homes. Wars and geopolitical conflicts have had a major role in global displacements and refugee crises over the ages. With this context, let’s take a look at the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world.
Our Methodology
To make our list of the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world, we utilized the data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in their Global Trends Report 2022. We cross-referenced this with data from the World Bank and statistics provided by the European Commission. We then compiled a list of the most refugee-hosting countries in the world. Here are the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world ranked in ascending order of their refugee population as of 2022, sourced from the World Bank.
Note: We have excluded Russia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Gaza and Sudan from our ranking.
20 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World
20. Egypt
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 294,632
Egypt has been a leading example for hosting refugees. Egypt is the main recipient of people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The Sudan crisis has prompted an emergency response at Egypt’s southern border.
19. Italy
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 296,181
Italy provides accommodation within reception facilities for immigrants. Additionally, they offer access to various services, including social and psychological assistance, healthcare, legal support, and language courses. Most of the refugees originate from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine.
18. Spain
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 317,751
Spain has implemented several support programs for refugees. The government provides housing and accommodation facilities, refugees can stay in these facilities for up to 18 months. Refugees primarily come from Syria, Mali, and Venezuela.
17. United Kingdom
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 328,989
The United Kingdom has a proud history of offering safety and sanctuary to those in need. The United Kingdom hosts refugees fleeing from war-torn regions such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Refugees play a vital role in enriching local communities and contributing economically.
16. United States
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 363,059
The United States has welcomed vulnerable refugees, including those at risk due to violence, torture, or medical needs. Most of the refugees come from Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Syria. Refugees contribute positively to society, integrating into communities across all states.
15. Czechia
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 435,212
Czechia has seen an increase in the number of refugees seeking asylum, with many refugees coming from Ukraine. The government has received some criticism for its management of the refugee crisis however, it is now striving to offer support and opportunities for refugees.
14. Cameroon
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 473,887
Cameroon hosts around 473,887 refugees and asylum seekers. The refugees mostly come from the Central African Republic and Nigeria. Most refugees live in towns and villages along Cameroon’s eastern border, with approximately 120,000 Nigerian refugees residing in the Far North Region of Cameroon.
13. Kenya
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 504,473
Kenya hosts refugees primarily originating from Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Burundi. Refugees cannot leave the camps due to the encampment policy, and their access to services and aid relies on international assistance.
12. Chad
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 592,764
Chad is also one of the least developed countries that hosts refugees. Chad accommodates refugees originating from conflicts in Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon. Additionally, more than 125,000 refugees and asylum seekers from the Central African Republic have sought refuge in Chad, fleeing various waves of violence since 2005.
11. France
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 612,934
France provides legal protection and assistance to refugees through various support programs. These refugees often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural adjustment, and accessing education and employment opportunities. The French law entitles asylum seekers to accommodation in a state reception center. The main countries of origin are Afghanistan, Syria, Sri Lanka, Russia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
10. Ethiopia
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 930,000
Ethiopia hosts over 930,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with the majority coming from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea as of July 2023. Refugees across Ethiopia are suffering from an extreme lack of food and require international assistance.
9. Bangladesh
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 952,384
Bangladesh hosts Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who reside in 33 extremely congested camps in Cox’s Bazar district and on Bhasan Char, an island located 60 km from the Bangladesh mainland.
8. Poland
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 971,129
Poland is the biggest country in central Europe, which borders Ukraine and Belarus. Following the invasion, over 900,000 Ukrainians sought refuge in Poland, while others were citizens of Russia and Belarus.
7. Lebanon
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 1,306,143
Lebanon is the world’s largest refugee-hosting country by number of refugees per capita and per square kilometer. Refugee communities in the country have been especially affected by rising poverty caused by a severe economic crisis. Disruptions across supply chains have led to constrained access to essential services such as food, healthcare, education, and basic necessities.
6. Uganda
Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 1,463,523
Uganda is the most refugee-hosting country in Africa. The majority of refugees originate from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Burundi. These refugees predominantly reside in settlements spread across twelve districts, coexisting with host communities, which poses economic and environmental difficulties.
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Disclosure: None. 20 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World was originally published at Insider Monkey.
