Largest Refugee Camps in the World 2025: Complete List and Populations
Updated list of the world largest refugee and IDP camps in 2025. From Cox Bazar to Dadaab, Zaatari to Kakuma - population statistics and conditions.
World's Largest Refugee Camps 2025
This comprehensive guide covers the largest refugee and IDP camps globally, with updated 2025 population statistics and humanitarian conditions.
Top 10 Largest Camps Worldwide
| Rank | Camp | Location | Population | Primary Population | |------|------|----------|------------|-------------------| | 1 | Cox's Bazar/Kutupalong | Bangladesh | 900,000+ | Rohingya | | 2 | Atmeh Mega Camp | Syria (Idlib) | 149,000+ | Syrian IDPs | | 3 | Dadaab Complex | Kenya | 350,000+ | Somali | | 4 | Kakuma-Kalobeyei | Kenya | 280,000+ | South Sudanese, Somali | | 5 | Bidi Bidi | Uganda | 230,000+ | South Sudanese | | 6 | Zaatari | Jordan | 80,000+ | Syrian | | 7 | Al-Hol | Syria | 43,000+ | Syrian, Iraqi | | 8 | Azraq | Jordan | 42,000+ | Syrian | | 9 | Mahama | Rwanda | 60,000+ | Burundian, Congolese | | 10 | Minawao | Cameroon | 75,000+ | Nigerian |
Syria's Largest IDP Camps
Idlib Governorate hosts the highest concentration of camps:
- Atmeh Mega Camp Complex: 149,000+ residents
- Deir Hassan camps: 45,000+ residents
- Kafr Lusin area: 35,000+ residents
- Sarmada district camps: 30,000+ residents
Camp Conditions Overview
Common challenges across major camps:
- Overcrowding: Most camps exceed intended capacity
- Water scarcity: Limited clean water access
- Healthcare gaps: Insufficient medical facilities
- Education: School-age children lacking access
- Shelter: Many structures beyond intended lifespan
Regional Distribution
Africa: Hosts largest number of refugee camps
- Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia lead in hosting capacity
- South Sudan, Somalia, DRC crises drive numbers
Middle East: Highest concentration of Syrian refugees
- Jordan and Lebanon host disproportionate numbers
- Syrian camps in Turkey largely closed
Asia: Rohingya crisis dominates
- Bangladesh hosts world's largest camp complex
- Afghanistan displacement ongoing
Humanitarian Response
Major actors in camp operations:
- UNHCR: Lead agency for refugee camps
- CCCM Cluster: Coordination for IDP camps
- WFP: Food distribution
- UNICEF: Child protection and education
- IOM: Camp management support
Sources: UNHCR Global Data, IOM DTM, OCHA. Statistics as of December 2025.
Updated list of the world largest refugee and IDP camps in 2025. From Cox Bazar to Dadaab, Zaatari to Kakuma - population statistics and conditions....
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