Last year, more refugees came from Afghanistan than any other country, according to a report by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Neighboring country Pakistan took in the highest number of refugees - 1.7 million of them.
Hunger, poverty, war and natural disaster were the leading causes for the more than 4 million people who fled their countries last year. The women and children above were fleeing northern Myanmar for Bangladesh to escape violence between rebels and government forces.
Syria may have received more than 750,000 refugees in 2011, but many of its citizens were also trying to flee the country. They made their way mainly for Turkey and Jordan. In recent weeks, at least 27,000 Syrian refugees arrived in Turkey.
More than half a million people from neighboring Somalia have found refuge in Dadaab in northern Kenya. The refugee camp there is the world's largest. People there were escaping persistent drought and a war between Islamist militia group al-Shabaab and the Transitional Federal Government.
Pakistan may host close to 2 million Afghan refugees, but the country also has its own problems. Many Pakistanis have fled the fighting in the border region with Afghanistan. More than 60,000 internally displaced persons live in Jalozai Camp.
These migrant workers from Bangladesh fled the Libyan civil war in 2011. Their situation was no different from thousands of economic refugees who found themselves caught in the Libyan civil war.
Thousands arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Many had paid traffickers around $2,500 to be smuggled to Europe. The ones who arrived were lucky to have made it. Many die at sea or are turned back by European coast guards.
Last year, Germany admitted some 600,000 refugees - making it the fourth largest destination. About 50,000 applied for asylum. Refugees have to remain in centers until their application is approved.
Thousands of Palestinians whose homes have been destroyed by Israelis live in emergency camps. They are among the 26 million internally displaced people (IDP) in the world. IDPs make up two thirds of the world's refugees.
A woman protesting in Israel, where the government expelled 1,500 South Sudanese and 2,000 Ivorians, who did not have residence permits. The Israeli government has come under widespread international criticism for its treatment of illegal African immigrants in recent months.
More refugees are leaving their homes than ever before. Last year more than 800,000 people fled from their native countries, according to the UNHCR report.
More refugees are leaving their homes than ever before. Last year more than 800,000 people fled from their native countries, according to the UNHCR report.
