Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in Africa Western and Central
Africa Western and Central: Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum was 150,281 in 2025. ◆ Volatile
Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in Africa Western and Central, 2000–2025
Source: Refugee Population Statistics Database, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Analysis
The most recent figure for asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in Africa Western and Central is 150,281, measured in 2025.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 31.4% on the previous year and up 548.2% over ten years.
Over the whole period, asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in Africa Western and Central peaked at 218,926 in 2024 and was at its lowest, 14,819, in 2000.
Africa Western and Central ranks 36th of 47 groups on this measure, in the bottom quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in Africa Western and Central, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 14,819 | — |
| 2001 | 23,986 | +61.9% |
| 2002 | 34,217 | +42.7% |
| 2003 | 31,549 | -7.8% |
| 2004 | 38,879 | +23.2% |
| 2005 | 37,677 | -3.1% |
| 2006 | 35,272 | -6.4% |
| 2007 | 26,526 | -24.8% |
| 2008 | 20,511 | -22.7% |
| 2009 | 21,171 | +3.2% |
| 2010 | 22,420 | +5.9% |
| 2011 | 33,968 | +51.5% |
| 2012 | 21,147 | -37.7% |
| 2013 | 25,071 | +18.6% |
| 2014 | 28,641 | +14.2% |
| 2015 | 23,185 | -19.0% |
| 2016 | 21,568 | -7.0% |
| 2017 | 30,563 | +41.7% |
| 2018 | 33,983 | +11.2% |
| 2019 | 76,732 | +125.8% |
| 2020 | 53,615 | -30.1% |
| 2021 | 74,692 | +39.3% |
| 2022 | 97,725 | +30.8% |
| 2023 | 189,587 | +94.0% |
| 2024 | 218,926 | +15.5% |
| 2025 | 150,281 | -31.4% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 28,461 | 14,819 | 38,879 | 10 |
| 2010s | 31,728 | 21,147 | 76,732 | 10 |
| 2020s | 130,804 | 53,615 | 218,926 | 6 |
Countries ranked near Africa Western and Central
More social development data for Africa Western and Central
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 24.26 % change on previous year (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0.0063 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 2.47 million (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0.0046 units per person (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 3.36 million (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 3.36 million (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 2.47 million (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 21.98 % change on previous year (2025)
- Refugees under the mandate of the UNHCR by country or territory of 0 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in Africa Western and Central?
- Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum in Africa Western and Central was 150,281 in 2025, according to Refugee Population Statistics Database, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
- What is the highest asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum recorded in Africa Western and Central?
- The highest recorded value was 218,926 in 2024.
- What is the lowest asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum recorded in Africa Western and Central?
- The lowest recorded value was 14,819 in 2000.
- How does Africa Western and Central rank for asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum?
- Africa Western and Central ranks 36th out of 47 groups with data for 2025.
- Is asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum rising or falling in Africa Western and Central?
- Over the last ten years it is up 548.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Africa Western and Central data come from?
- The figures come from Refugee Population Statistics Database, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published as part of Asylum-seekers by country or territory of asylum. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Asylum-seekers are individuals who have sought international protection and whose claims for refugee status have not yet been determined. This includes those who are in various stages of the asylum process, such as initial application, appeal, or awaiting final decision. In specific contexts, asylum-seekers may also include those who are seeking protection under complementary forms of protection, and those enjoying temporary protection, but whose claims are still under consideration.