A refugee is a person who is outside their home country because they have suffered (or feared) persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, or political opinion; because they are a member of a persecuted social category of persons; or because they are fleeing a war. Such a person may be called an "asylum seeker" until recognized by the state where they make a claim. In 2014, Palestine, Syria, and Afghanistan were the largest source country of refugees. The country hosting the largest number of refugees is now Syria, with 2.47 million refugees. Pakistan is second, hosting 1.6 million refugees.