Welcome to our eye-opening exploration of the world of prisons. In this journey, we'll uncover 30 intriguing facts that shed light on the hidden realities of incarceration. From daring escapes and notorious inmates to the unique language of prisons and the challenges of rehabilitation, join us as we delve into the complex and fascinating universe of correctional systems around the globe.

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, established in 1829, revolutionized the concept of incarceration. It introduced the idea of solitary confinement as a means of rehabilitation, believing that isolated reflection would lead to inmates' moral reform. This model had a significant influence on prison design and philosophy worldwide.

In 1962, three inmates, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, attempted a daring escape from Alcatraz Island, a maximum-security federal prison. They used homemade tools to craft a makeshift raft and fled the island under the cover of darkness. Their fate remains a mystery, as they were never found, making it one of the most famous and unsolved prison escapes in history.

The United States holds the dubious distinction of having the highest incarceration rate globally, with approximately 2.3 million people incarcerated. The practice of mass incarceration has been criticized for its social and economic implications, including overcrowding and strained resources in the prison system.

"Pruno" or "prison wine" is a homemade alcoholic concoction created by inmates using ingredients like fruit, sugar, bread, and even ketchup or fruit juice. Due to the unsanitary conditions and lack of proper fermentation, consuming pruno can lead to serious health risks, such as botulism.

Inside prisons, a unique economy often thrives, with inmates using items like cigarettes, postage stamps, and even artwork as a form of currency for barter and trade. These items are valuable because they can provide a measure of comfort or trade power in a confined environment.

The Attica Prison riot in 1971 remains one of the deadliest and most notorious prison uprisings in the United States. Inmates at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York demanded better living conditions and rights. The riot resulted in the deaths of 43 people, including both inmates and correctional officers.

Several well-known figures have served time in prison. Charles Manson, a cult leader, was incarcerated for his involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders. Al Capone, the notorious gangster, was imprisoned for tax evasion. Nelson Mandela, who later became South Africa's president, spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism.