The report showed that between 2005 and 2015 the geographic distribution of incarceration rates (per 100,000 inhabitants) remained stable in Europe.

In 2005, there was a fall in the prison population, except in countries such as England, Wales, Scotland, Spain and Portugal, which maintained high rates, in contrast to Croatia, Greece, Slovenia and Turkey that had low rates.

Comparing 2014/2015 to 2005, Portugal’s chart showed an increase of prison population which grew by 12%, the average length of imprisonment based on the total number of days spent in penal institution (13%), overcrowding based on the available places and flow (13%), prison density (11%) and the ratio of inmates to staff (11%). The total budget spent by the prison administration also grew by 9%.

There was a decrease in the percentage of female inmates (11%), as well as foreign inmates (5%).