The largest prison complexes in the world are primarily located in the United States.

 The largest prison complexes in the world are primarily located in the United States, which has one of the highest incarceration rates globally. Here's a breakdown of the top five largest prison complexes by inmate capacity:

1. Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola), Louisiana, USA

• Capacity: Approx. 6,300 inmates
• Overview: Often referred to as “Angola,” this is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. It sits on 18,000 acres and is known for its notorious past as a plantation, as well as its large farming operations that employ prisoners.
• Notable Fact: It has a reputation for being one of the harshest prisons in the U.S., with a history of violent incidents and a focus on agricultural labor.

2. Rikers Island, New York, USA

• Capacity: Approx. 10,000 inmates
• Overview: Rikers Island is a massive jail complex rather than a traditional prison, holding inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences. It is located on a 400-acre island in the East River, adjacent to New York City.
• Notable Fact: Known for its controversial conditions, including issues with overcrowding, violence, and poor healthcare, Rikers has been the subject of many reform discussions.

3. Cook County Jail, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Capacity: Approx. 9,000 inmates
• Overview: One of the largest single-site jails in the United States, this complex holds pretrial detainees and those serving short sentences. It is located on 96 acres in Chicago.
• Notable Fact: Cook County Jail has seen numerous efforts to address its overcrowding issues and reduce its population through bail reform and other initiatives.

4. ADX Florence, Colorado, USA

• Capacity: Approx. 490 inmates (specialized maximum-security facility)
• Overview: While much smaller in capacity, ADX Florence, also known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is the most secure federal prison in the U.S. It holds some of the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists and spies, under conditions of extreme isolation.
• Notable Fact: Prisoners here spend 23 hours a day in solitary confinement with very limited human interaction.

5. Federal Correctional Complex, Coleman, Florida, USA

• Capacity: Approx. 7,000 inmates
• Overview: The Coleman Complex consists of two medium-security facilities, a low-security prison, and a high-security penitentiary, making it one of the largest complexes within the Federal Bureau of Prisons system.
• Notable Fact: It is known for housing several high-profile inmates.

Global Comparison:

In contrast to the U.S., some of the largest prisons globally by population are located in countries like Russia and China, although detailed statistics are often less transparent. The U.S. continues to lead in both prison complex size and overall incarceration rate.

Let me know if you would like deeper insights into any of these facilities!