The Netherlands has some of the most expensive prisoners in Europe at an average cost of €202.65 per day per prisoner.

Only four countries have a higher cost per prisoner, according to figures from the European human rights organisation, the Council of Europe. The figures are based on a survey of 47 countries in 2012.

Sweden tops the list, spending €620 per day per prisoner. In Bulgaria, the figure is €3. The European average was €103 in 2012.

Prisons are overcrowded in 21 of the countries surveyed, with the biggest problem in Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Serbia and Cyprus.

Taken on a European basis, there is no overcrowding, with 98 prisoners for every 100 cells. In the Netherlands, the occupancy rate was 85.8% in 2012.

Justice ministry figures published earlier this month showed there are 9,710 people serving time in jail and 9,914 prison workers. The Netherlands is currently closing down prisons because of the shortage of inmates.