The total number of inmates in state penitentiaries at the 2015 year end was 217,595, which brings Mexico's average to 28.76% over capacity at its 272 existing prisons, according to the most recent census released by Mexico's national statistics agency, the Inegi.
The 272 prisons were designed to hold 169,227 inmates as at December 31, 2015. This figure is calculated based on the number of beds available for inmates, according to the Inegi.
In addition, according to the census, 21 of Mexico's 32 states are currently over capacity.
Lastly, 166,532 new inmates entered the state penitentiary system, compared to 169,790 that were released, and a total of 217,595 people were registered as being in prison in Mexico. This is in stark contrast to the 1,532,403 ongoing criminal investigations currently underway in the country.