Which country has the highest incarceration rate in the world?

El Salvador has gained notoriety for having the highest incarceration rate in the world. This unfortunate status results from a combination of factors, including high levels of gang violence, a strong law enforcement crackdown on crime, and policies that lead to mass incarceration. The government has instituted strict anti-gang measures that have resulted in numerous arrests, often targeting individuals based on suspected gang affiliations rather than concrete evidence of criminal activity. As a result, a significant portion of the population finds itself behind bars, contributing to the country's extraordinarily high incarceration rate. This situation stems from social, economic, and historical issues within El Salvador, which exacerbate crime and influence governmental responses.

In contrast, while countries like Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala have their own challenges related to crime and incarceration, their rates do not reach the extreme levels seen in El Salvador.