5 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World

In this article, we take a look at the 5 most refugee-producing countries in the world. If you would like to view our detailed analysis of the world’s refugee crisis, you can go to the 20 Most Refugee-Producing Countries in the World. 

5. Myanmar

Number of Refugees: 1,253,111

Violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar started in 2017, and since then, almost 1.2 million refugees have fled the region. Nearly 90% of these refugees live in Bangladesh and Malaysia, and a considerable chunk are women, children, and newborn babies. The Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar is considered a stateless population.

4. South Sudan

Number of Refugees: 2,294,983

Around 151,300 refugees from South Sudan managed to return to the country in 2022, constituting one of the world’s largest returnee groups. Violent outbreaks are the biggest reasons why South Sudan is one of the most refugee-producing countries in the world. Almost 97% of South Sudanese refugees are hosted by Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

3. Afghanistan

Number of Refugees: 5,661,675

Afghanistan is among the three countries that constitute 52% of the world’s total refugee population, with over 5.6 million refugees currently in host countries around the globe. In 2022, 9,600 Afghan refugees managed to get resettled in Australia, but the rest are still awaiting their status. Pakistan and Iran currently host the highest populations of Afghan refugees.

2. Ukraine

Number of Refugees: 5,679,880

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, thrust the region into months of instability and violent attacks. European states have collectively granted temporary protection to millions of Ukrainians fleeing the country due to its dire crisis, making Ukraine one of the most refugee-producing countries in the world.

1. Syrian Arab Republic  

Number of Refugees: 6,547,818

2022 marked the 12th year of conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, which has left millions of individuals as refugees over the years. Around 131 countries host Syrian refugees around the globe, with 77% hosted by the neighboring countries of Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon. More than half of Syria’s total population is currently displaced internally and externally. 

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