How many people were prisoners in world war 2?

During World War II, it is estimated that around 35 million people were held as prisoners of war (POWs) and in concentration camps. This number includes military personnel from various nations, as well as civilians who were imprisoned due to their ethnicity, political beliefs, or resistance to occupying forces. The experiences of these prisoners varied widely, with many facing severe hardships, forced labor, and high mortality rates. The exact figures can be difficult to determine due to the chaotic nature of the war and differing definitions of imprisonment.