Population Displacement in Africa: Top 10 Countries of Origin

While much attention has focused on refugee migration into Europe, two-thirds of Africa’s dislocated population are internally displaced.


Population Displacement in Africa - Top 10 Countries of OriginClick here for a PDF version of this graphic.

As the UN General Assembly and the United States host high-level summits on global refugee issues, a snapshot of Africa’s displaced populations—refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers—reveals that:

  • 71 percent of Africa’s 18.5 million displaced persons are from 5 countries (Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo)
  • Each of these 5 countries is experiencing serious conflict
  • 9 of the top 10 countries of origin for Africa’s displaced populations are autocratically governed
  • While much of global attention has focused on refugee migration into Europe, two-thirds of Africa’s dislocated population are internally displaced

Population Displacement in Africa: Top 10 CountriesPopulation Displacement in Africa: Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Internally Displaced Persons