There were 2,266 people from the Netherlands in foreign jails at the beginning of April this year, a rise of 24 on a year ago.

Of them, around 25% have dual nationality, mainly Spanish, German and French. In addition a handful are not Dutch but are entitled to Dutch consular assistance, the figures from the foreign ministry show.

Just over 2,000 are male, 248 are women and the sex of 17 is not recorded.

Most are in jail in other European countries: 449 are in German prisons, 229 in Spain and 203 in France. Around 56% of Dutch prisoners have been held for drugs offences.

The foreign affairs ministry report also shows that one third of the 77 Dutch prisoners held in the Dominican Republic are female.