5 Largest Prisons in the World

4. Los Angeles County Jail

Number of Total Inmates: 19,836

Founded in 1850, Los Angeles County Jail is one of the oldest and largest jails in the world. The facility is responsible for the detention of individuals who are awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as those serving short sentences. The Los Angeles County Jail operates under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

With a maximum capacity of 20,000, this jail is similar to a small town. Educational facilities are open for inmates via the University of Southern California.