Stateless People by Country of Asylum
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports on the distribution of stateless people by country of asylum. This data highlights countries providing refuge to the highest numbers of stateless individuals, shedding light on global displacement and the need for inclusive policies.
Which countries host the largest populations of stateless people?
Bangladesh – 971,898
Ivory Coast – 930,978
Myanmar – 632,789
Thailand – 587,132
Latvia – 180,614
Syria – 160,000
Malaysia – 117,070
Russia – 92,209
Kuwait – 92,000
Cambodia – 75,000
Which countries host the smallest populations of stateless people?
Brazil – 5
Paraguay – 5
Uruguay – 5
Egypt – 10
Slovenia – 10
Mexico – 13
Mongolia – 17
Kyrgyzstan – 20
Bosnia and Herzegovina – 21
Argentina – 22
How does Europe compare in hosting stateless populations?
Latvia leads Europe with 180,614 stateless individuals, followed by Estonia with 65,944. Other European countries hosting significant populations include Ukraine (35,765), Germany (28,964), and Sweden (18,698). Meanwhile, countries like Iceland, Slovakia, and Ireland host fewer than 100 stateless people.
Where does the United States rank in stateless populations?
The United States is not listed among the top countries hosting stateless people, reflecting either lower reporting or a smaller recognized stateless population under UNHCR data.
Which regions face the largest challenges with stateless populations?
South and Southeast Asia host the highest numbers, with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand leading the list. This reflects ongoing displacement, complex citizenship laws, and the plight of Rohingya refugees and other marginalized groups.
What factors contribute to statelessness globally?
Statelessness often arises from discriminatory nationality laws, displacement due to conflict, and gaps in birth registration systems. Addressing this issue requires legal reforms, inclusive national policies, and international cooperation to provide pathways to citizenship.