Top 3 Countries Producing Refugees

February 4, 2020 • Mohamed Malim

Which countries on this map produce the most refugees?

Which Countries Produce the Highest Number of Refugees?

Throughout the world there are millions of refugees looking for a new home outside of their native country. They are searching for one that is safe, hospitable, economically stable and one where they can return to a sense of normalcy.

All of these desires stem from what is lacking in their current home.

Refugees do not move simply because of the desire to see another part of the globe, but out of the necessity for their families to survive and thrive. These individuals are facing unimaginable trials and need to make life changing decisions.

Why Refugees Migrate

In some parts of the world, famine and hunger are the key factors in refugee migration, as seen in the 2017 crisis in central and eastern Africa. It doesn’t matter whether the famine stems from a shortage of crops or ongoing wars, millions of citizens are affected by food shortages and many migrate to where food may be available.

Others may flee because of the harsh reality of living in extremely dangerous environments where safety cannot be found. Political instability can lead to uprisings and consequently spark civil wars in the middle of a metropolis or even an entire country. Recent incidents in Columbia and Venezuela in the 2010’s are unfortunate examples of families becoming displaced and migrating to nearby countries in search of basic safety and a stabilized government.

Whatever the situation might be, the main goal refugees have is to bring back a normalcy to their lives. Being so impacted as to migrate because of drought, famine, political crisis, wars or persecution is incomprehensibly life changing as they need to figure out and learn brand new ways of living and providing for their families; new means of income, new sources of sustenance, new environment to interact with, and much more.

Former Refugee Crisis Locations

Over the course of centuries, many people groups have sadly experienced the abhorrent circumstances of living as a refugee. Being caused by one, or multiple, situations mentioned previously, the conditions have not changed all too much.

Following the events of World War II, from 1940-1960, the UNHCR records an astonishing 81.6 million individuals being displaced, and a large number of those being refugees fleeing to another country. Fleeing because of violent regimes and dangerous living situations, these refugees were desperate to find a new home where they could find a sense of normalcy in safe environments.

In 1979, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan also created a dreadful circumstance as close to 6.3 Afghans were displaced because of the nine year long war. Whether citizens were fleeing from their war-torn homes or desiring a safer place to raise their children, the refugee experience has remained the same.

Current Refugee Situations

Though years progress, the unfortunate events of refugee crises still occur in the present age due to political conflict, drought or wars. As of the latest UNHCR survey about refugee statuses in 2018, there are a total of 70.8 million people displaced in the world right now with 25.9 million of those being refugees. Due to certain recent conflicts, there are three countries who are unfortunately producing 57% of the world’s refugees.

1. Syria

Still recovering and dealing with the effects of the Syrian civil war, Syria leads all countries with the most amount of refugees who have left due to the enormous crisis at 6.7 million people. With the beginning of the war in 2011, Syria has since dealt with political instability which has led to a prolonged conflict happening in the midst of its citizens. As a result of this hostility, homes, schools and other infrastructure has been severely damaged by the warfare leaving many places uninhabitable for many families and forcing them to flee to nearby countries.

Located in the Middle East in between Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan & Iraq, it is those surrounding countries that are the new home to most of the Syrian refugees. As with any refugee crisis, these individuals are struggling with the same issues mentioned previously. For those living in refugee camps or makeshift settlements, overpopulation is a real concern. Because there is such a large concentration of people in one area, sanitary services can become overrun and pose a threat of spreading diseases through the community. Resulting from the increased threat of diseases, the amount of preventable illnesses within the camps can begin to rise due to a lack of medical services.

2. Afghanistan

Equating to only 40% of Syria’s refugee population, the next largest group of refugees stands at 2.7 million people from Afghanistan. Much like Syria, Afghanistan has struggled with political and social conflict which has resulted in warfare and, consequently, the destruction of local infrastructure. For the same reasons as Syria, citizens are wanting to find safety for their families in other countries.

As Afghans flee to surrounding countries, they are experiencing different hosting situations as some are being welcomed, but some are wanting to escape their refuge country because of its own political and social conflicts. As a result of these difficult environments, families are feeling the wide-ranging effects of this hardship. Because of the loss of a normal income, parents cannot fully provide for their families which has led some of the children to do what they can, legal or illegal, to contribute to their family’s livelihood.

3. South Sudan

With just less than Afghanistan’s refugee population, South Sudan is Africa’s largest source of refugees with 2.3 million people. Because of prolonged warfare between states and people groups, many citizens are located in the midst of the conflict areas and in extreme danger. Due to a civil conflict beginning in 2013, there has been continued violence, loss of access to resources, and consequential hunger because of the impact to the local economy.

Not only have these refugees fled for safety from the ongoing warfare, but they have also sought out reliable sources of basic life necessities. Due to extreme weather and long droughts, residents of South Sudan are seeking assistance from neighboring countries. Almost one million refugees are now settled in neighboring Sudan, but they are also scattered throughout Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and more.

In response to these crises, many organizations have come to the rescue of those in need by way of financial means, medical assistance or daily cares. If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of refugees across the globe, visit contact us to learn more!

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