• source: Stephen Fry's QI

The US has 5% of the world population, but 25% of the world prison population.

• 1/30 white males are in prison
• 1/9 black males are in prison

Prisoners produce:

• 100% of all military helmets, ammunition belts, bullet proof vests, id tags, and other uniform items.
• 93% of american-produced paints.
• 36% of home appliances.
• 21% of office furniture.

The incentive to work is to avoid being put in solitary confinement. Prisoners are paid 25 cents per hour. This allows the US to compete with factories in Mexico.