Total net-migration 2015
Total net-migration measures the difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants in a country, reflecting population shifts and economic opportunities. Understanding this statistic is crucial for analyzing demographic trends and policy impacts in nations worldwide.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
1 |  United States | 1,722,127 persons |
2 |  Germany | 1,175,283 persons |
3 |  Turkey | 1,063,140 persons |
4 |  South Africa | 641,150 persons |
5 |  Jordan | 490,844 persons |
6 |  Saudi Arabia | 465,292 persons |
7 |  Russia | 384,756 persons |
8 |  United Kingdom | 347,839 persons |
9 |  United Arab Emirates | 342,468 persons |
10 |  South Korea | 276,427 persons |
11 |  Canada | 224,332 persons |
12 |  Australia | 212,350 persons |
13 |  Tanzania | 201,495 persons |
14 |  Malaysia | 187,663 persons |
15 |  Qatar | 177,467 persons |
16 |  Japan | 168,896 persons |
17 |  Oman | 133,842 persons |
18 |  Kuwait | 129,695 persons |
19 |  Austria | 115,175 persons |
20 |  Sweden | 80,534 persons |
21 |  Angola | 74,171 persons |
22 |  Switzerland | 71,876 persons |
23 |  New Zealand | 70,870 persons |
24 |  Sudan | 66,476 persons |
25 |  Belgium | 63,536 persons |
26 |  Ethiopia | 62,785 persons |
27 |  Chile | 55,689 persons |
28 |  Netherlands | 55,585 persons |
29 |  Denmark | 42,284 persons |
30 |  Cameroon | 42,008 persons |
31 |  Singapore | 41,852 persons |
32 |  Italy | 39,389 persons |
33 |  Bahrain | 36,809 persons |
34 |  Senegal | 34,387 persons |
35 |  Thailand | 32,500 persons |
36 |  Papua New Guinea | 30,580 persons |
37 |  Norway | 30,242 persons |
38 |  Israel | 29,735 persons |
39 |  Belarus | 18,088 persons |
40 |  Equatorial Guinea | 17,697 persons |
41 |  Niger | 17,051 persons |
42 |  Zambia | 16,261 persons |
43 |  Ecuador | 14,724 persons |
44 |  Hungary | 13,856 persons |
45 |  Ireland | 13,376 persons |
46 |  Namibia | 12,755 persons |
47 |  Finland | 12,655 persons |
48 |  Gabon | 12,041 persons |
49 |  Luxembourg | 11,377 persons |
50 |  Cyprus | 11,277 persons |
51 |  Taiwan | 10,681 persons |
52 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | 10,547 persons |
53 |  Turkmenistan | 9,936 persons |
54 |  Malta | 9,588 persons |
55 |  Maldives | 9,324 persons |
56 |  Panama | 8,648 persons |
57 |  China, Macao SAR | 7,533 persons |
58 |  Western Sahara | 7,235 persons |
59 |  Solomon Islands | 5,853 persons |
60 |  Argentina | 5,464 persons |
61 |  Czech Republic | 5,037 persons |
62 |  Mongolia | 4,307 persons |
63 |  Estonia | 4,261 persons |
64 |  Poland | 3,887 persons |
65 |  Benin | 3,369 persons |
66 |  Slovakia | 2,549 persons |
67 |  Peru | 2,421 persons |
68 |  British Virgin Islands | 1,904 persons |
69 |  Djibouti | 1,723 persons |
70 |  Seychelles | 1,719 persons |
71 |  Mayotte | 1,685 persons |
72 |  Turks and Caicos Islands | 1,658 persons |
73 |  Costa Rica | 1,617 persons |
74 |  Belize | 1,596 persons |
75 |  Iceland | 1,499 persons |
76 |  Cayman Islands | 1,107 persons |
77 |  Azerbaijan | 1,073 persons |
78 |  Bahamas | 1,002 persons |
79 |  Monaco | 939 persons |
80 |  Curaçao | 842 persons |
81 |  Slovenia | 712 persons |
82 |  Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 536 persons |
83 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 522 persons |
84 |  Faroe Islands | 499 persons |
85 |  Bhutan | 450 persons |
86 |  Jersey | 401 persons |
87 |  Aruba | 373 persons |
88 |  Brunei Darussalam | 356 persons |
89 |  Anguilla | 275 persons |
90 |  San Marino | 273 persons |
91 |  Gibraltar | 171 persons |
92 |  Liechtenstein | 163 persons |
93 |  Saint Barthélemy | 118 persons |
94 |  Dominica | 92 persons |
95 |  Saint Helena | 70 persons |
96 |  Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 59 persons |
97 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 44 persons |
98 |  Guernsey | 31 persons |
99 |  Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 21 persons |
100 |  Niue | 5 persons |
101 |  Palau | -11 persons |
102 |  Timor-Leste | -20 persons |
103 |  Montserrat | -30 persons |
104 |  Tokelau | -52 persons |
105 |  Barbados | -65 persons |
106 |  Saint Lucia | -69 persons |
107 |  Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | -85 persons |
108 |  Nauru | -86 persons |
109 |  Bermuda | -117 persons |
110 |  Tuvalu | -179 persons |
111 |  Grenada | -181 persons |
112 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | -202 persons |
113 |  Wallis and Futuna Islands | -208 persons |
114 |  Cook Islands | -240 persons |
115 |  Greenland | -315 persons |
116 |  Isle of Man | -315 persons |
117 |  France | -345 persons |
118 |  Sierra Leone | -356 persons |
119 |  Trinidad and Tobago | -575 persons |
120 |  Saint Martin (French part) | -731 persons |
121 |  French Guiana | -824 persons |
122 |  Suriname | -967 persons |
123 |  Kiribati | -1,022 persons |
124 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -1,124 persons |
125 |  Vanuatu | -1,324 persons |
126 |  American Samoa | -1,366 persons |
127 |  Guinea-Bissau | -1,393 persons |
128 |  Micronesia (Fed. States of) | -1,413 persons |
129 |  Northern Mariana Islands | -1,530 persons |
130 |  Sao Tome and Principe | -1,809 persons |
131 |  Andorra | -1,873 persons |
132 |  French Polynesia | -1,899 persons |
133 |  Marshall Islands | -1,964 persons |
134 |  Togo | -1,976 persons |
135 |  Spain | -1,979 persons |
136 |  Kazakhstan | -2,011 persons |
137 |  United States Virgin Islands | -2,432 persons |
138 |  New Caledonia | -2,530 persons |
139 |  Madagascar | -2,594 persons |
140 |  Tonga | -2,610 persons |
141 |  Comoros | -2,815 persons |
142 |  Guam | -2,937 persons |
143 |  Mauritania | -3,019 persons |
144 |  Samoa | -3,074 persons |
145 |  North Korea | -3,208 persons |
146 |  Portugal | -3,209 persons |
147 |  Gambia | -3,224 persons |
148 |  Mauritius | -3,645 persons |
149 |  Uruguay | -4,157 persons |
150 |  Bulgaria | -4,227 persons |
151 |  Martinique | -4,683 persons |
152 |  Montenegro | -4,863 persons |
153 |  Vietnam | -4,888 persons |
154 |  Kyrgyzstan | -5,071 persons |
155 |  Guadeloupe | -5,189 persons |
156 |  Cabo Verde | -6,226 persons |
157 |  Malawi | -6,471 persons |
158 |  Honduras | -6,509 persons |
159 |  Guyana | -6,527 persons |
160 |  Lesotho | -7,087 persons |
161 |  Libya | -7,660 persons |
162 |  Tajikistan | -7,660 persons |
163 |  Botswana | -9,599 persons |
164 |  Yemen | -9,883 persons |
165 |  Jamaica | -10,335 persons |
166 |  Fiji | -10,401 persons |
167 |  Bolivia | -10,525 persons |
168 |  Latvia | -10,826 persons |
169 |  Réunion | -10,921 persons |
170 |  Eswatini | -12,582 persons |
171 |  Laos | -12,991 persons |
172 |  Ghana | -13,306 persons |
173 |  Georgia | -13,321 persons |
174 |  Guinea | -15,117 persons |
175 |  Liberia | -15,182 persons |
176 |  Armenia | -15,225 persons |
177 |  Uzbekistan | -16,545 persons |
178 |  Paraguay | -16,834 persons |
179 |  Somalia | -17,178 persons |
180 |  Congo, Democratic Republic of the | -17,711 persons |
181 |  Congo | -18,207 persons |
182 |  Serbia | -18,789 persons |
183 |  Burkina Faso | -19,726 persons |
184 |  Albania | -20,500 persons |
185 |  Rwanda | -21,862 persons |
186 |  Ukraine | -21,992 persons |
187 |  Iraq | -22,338 persons |
188 |  Lithuania | -22,560 persons |
189 |  State of Palestine | -22,903 persons |
190 |  North Macedonia | -23,010 persons |
191 |  Nicaragua | -24,353 persons |
192 |  Cuba | -24,910 persons |
193 |  Tunisia | -25,229 persons |
194 |  Croatia | -27,501 persons |
195 |  Algeria | -27,638 persons |
196 |  Indonesia | -28,487 persons |
197 |  Sri Lanka | -29,797 persons |
198 |  Haiti | -32,669 persons |
199 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | -33,948 persons |
200 |  Romania | -35,751 persons |
201 |  Dominican Republic | -36,375 persons |
202 |  Colombia | -41,123 persons |
203 |  Puerto Rico | -42,912 persons |
204 |  Greece | -43,462 persons |
205 |  Iran | -46,239 persons |
206 |  Guatemala | -48,179 persons |
207 |  Mali | -48,872 persons |
208 |  Chad | -48,918 persons |
209 |  El Salvador | -51,278 persons |
210 |  Mozambique | -52,374 persons |
211 |  Eritrea | -52,965 persons |
212 |  Kosovo | -55,524 persons |
213 |  Cambodia | -58,101 persons |
214 |  Republic of Moldova | -59,399 persons |
215 |  Uganda | -62,366 persons |
216 |  Central African Republic | -63,045 persons |
217 |  Venezuela | -77,417 persons |
218 |  Morocco | -81,248 persons |
219 |  Myanmar | -94,108 persons |
220 |  Kenya | -95,977 persons |
221 |  Nigeria | -116,162 persons |
222 |  South Sudan | -159,822 persons |
223 |  Zimbabwe | -162,220 persons |
224 |  Brazil | -173,611 persons |
225 |  Egypt | -193,298 persons |
226 |  Nepal | -221,062 persons |
227 |  Burundi | -236,207 persons |
228 |  Lebanon | -239,829 persons |
229 |  Afghanistan | -286,314 persons |
230 |  Mexico | -291,044 persons |
231 |  Philippines | -390,702 persons |
232 |  China | -646,941 persons |
233 |  India | -655,085 persons |
234 |  Syrian Arab Republic | -827,496 persons |
235 |  Bangladesh | -909,223 persons |
236 |  Pakistan | -2,172,162 persons |
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1United States
- #2Germany
- #3Turkey
- #4South Africa
- #5Jordan
- #6Saudi Arabia
- #7Russia
- #8United Kingdom
- #9United Arab Emirates
- #10South Korea
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #236Pakistan
- #235Bangladesh
- #234Syrian Arab Republic
- #233India
- #232China
- #231Philippines
- #230Mexico
- #229Afghanistan
- #228Lebanon
- #227Burundi
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
Total net-migration is a crucial demographic indicator that measures the difference between the number of people entering and leaving a country. In 2015, this metric offered insights into global population shifts driven by economic opportunities, conflicts, and policy changes. Understanding total net-migration helps demographers and policymakers analyze the impacts of migration patterns on societies and economies worldwide.
Global Migration Trends in 2015
In 2015, global net-migration statistics highlighted significant population movements influenced by various factors. The United States led with a remarkable net-migration figure of 1,722,127 persons, underscoring its longstanding role as a top destination for immigrants seeking better economic prospects. Germany followed with 1,175,283, reflecting its open-door policy in response to the European refugee crisis. Turkey's net-migration of 1,063,140 demonstrated its strategic position as a gateway for those fleeing conflicts in neighboring regions.
Economic Influences on Migration
Economic conditions are a primary driver of migration, as individuals move in search of improved living standards and employment opportunities. In 2015, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with net-migration figures of 465,292 and 342,468 respectively, attracted migrant workers with their thriving economies and abundant job market, particularly in sectors like construction and services. Conversely, countries with negative net-migration, such as Romania (-35,751) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (-33,948), experienced population outflows due to limited economic prospects and high unemployment rates.
Regional Disparities in Migration
The net-migration data for 2015 reveals stark regional disparities. South Africa's net-migration of 641,150 highlighted its role as a regional economic hub, drawing migrants from across Africa, while Jordan's figure of 490,844 reflected its status as a refuge for displaced persons from the Middle East. On the other hand, countries in the Western Hemisphere, such as Haiti (-32,669) and Nicaragua (-24,353), faced challenges stemming from political instability and economic hardship, prompting emigration.
Policy and Migration Dynamics
Migration policies significantly impacted net-migration figures in 2015. Germany's welcoming stance during the refugee crisis resulted in a substantial influx of migrants, while the United States maintained its status as a top destination through family reunification and skill-based immigration programs. Meanwhile, restrictive policies in some countries contributed to negative migration balances, as seen in Croatia (-27,501) and Tunisia (-25,229), where tighter immigration controls and economic downturns discouraged inflows and encouraged outflows.
Demographic Implications of Migration
The demographic implications of net-migration are profound, affecting age structures, workforce composition, and social dynamics. High net-migration rates in countries like South Korea (276,427) contributed to a boost in workforce numbers, essential for sustaining economic growth. In contrast, nations with negative net-migration faced challenges such as aging populations and labor shortages, necessitating policy interventions to attract and retain talent. These demographic shifts underscore the need for strategic planning to harness the benefits of migration while addressing its challenges.
In summary, the total net-migration data for 2015 reflects a complex interplay of economic conditions, regional dynamics, and policy decisions. Understanding these trends provides valuable insights into the forces shaping global population movements and their implications for countries worldwide.
Insights by country
Eritrea
Eritrea recorded a total net-migration of -52,965 persons in 2015, ranking it 211th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration. This negative migration balance indicates that a significant number of individuals are leaving the country, often seeking better opportunities abroad.
The high outflow of migrants from Eritrea can be attributed to a variety of factors, including prolonged military service, human rights abuses, and a lack of political and economic freedoms. The country's authoritarian regime and mandatory national service policies have led many citizens, particularly youth, to flee in search of safety and stability.
Furthermore, Eritrea has one of the highest rates of emigration in the world, with many migrants seeking refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare, which further compel individuals to leave their homeland.
Saudi Arabia
In 2015, Saudi Arabia recorded a total net migration of 465,292 persons, positioning the country as the 6th highest in net migration out of 236 countries worldwide. This significant influx of migrants can be largely attributed to the country's booming economy, driven by the oil industry, which offers numerous employment opportunities for expatriates.
The high net migration figure reflects Saudi Arabia's status as a key destination for foreign workers, particularly from countries in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Factors such as economic growth, infrastructural development, and a relatively high standard of living have made the kingdom attractive to individuals seeking better job prospects.
Furthermore, the demographic composition of Saudi Arabia is heavily influenced by expatriates, who make up a substantial portion of the workforce. In 2015, it was estimated that foreign workers constituted around 30% of the total population, highlighting the country's reliance on migrant labor to support its economy.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan experienced a total net migration of -5,071 persons in 2015, ranking it 154th out of 236 countries in terms of migration. This negative figure indicates that more individuals left the country than those who entered, reflecting significant emigration trends.
The outflow of people can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, political instability, and limited employment opportunities. Many Kyrgyz citizens seek better prospects abroad, particularly in countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan, where they often find more favorable labor conditions.
Interestingly, Kyrgyzstan has a history of migration, with many citizens engaged in labor migration as a key economic strategy. In 2015, remittances from abroad constituted a substantial portion of the country's GDP, underlining the importance of these migration patterns for the national economy.
Lebanon
In 2015, Lebanon experienced a significant total net-migration of -239,829 persons, ranking it 228th out of 236 countries in terms of migration. This negative net-migration figure indicates that more people left Lebanon than entered, reflecting a trend of emigration that has been exacerbated by various factors.
The ongoing Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has had profound implications for Lebanon, leading to an influx of refugees and a subsequent strain on resources, which has contributed to local tensions and economic instability. Additionally, the country's political instability, high unemployment rates, and corruption have driven many Lebanese citizens to seek better opportunities abroad.
Interestingly, Lebanon has a long history of emigration, with many of its citizens settling in countries around the world, particularly in the Americas and Europe. This diaspora plays a crucial role in the economy through remittances, yet the outflow of talent and youth poses challenges for Lebanon's future development.
El Salvador
In 2015, El Salvador experienced a total net migration of -51,278 persons, ranking 209 out of 236 countries in terms of migration rates. This negative net migration figure indicates that more people left the country than moved in, reflecting significant emigration trends.
The high level of emigration from El Salvador can be attributed to various factors, including economic instability, pervasive violence, and high levels of crime. Many Salvadorans seek better opportunities abroad, particularly in the United States, to escape the challenges posed by gang violence and limited job prospects.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that as of 2015, El Salvador had one of the highest murder rates in the world, which further contributes to the migration crisis. The ongoing issues with poverty and lack of social services also play a critical role in driving citizens to seek a more stable and secure life outside their home country.
Norway
In 2015, Norway recorded a total net-migration of 30,242 persons, ranking it 37th out of 236 countries in terms of migration. This figure reflects Norway's position as a desirable destination for immigrants, driven by its strong economy, high quality of life, and comprehensive welfare system.
The net-migration rate can be attributed to various factors, including Norway's robust job market, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, which attract foreign workers. Additionally, Norway's reputation for political stability and social security further enhances its appeal as a destination for refugees and migrants seeking better living conditions.
As a notable aspect of its demographic trends, Norway has seen a diverse influx of migrants from various regions, contributing to its multicultural society. The overall migration patterns also underscore the country's commitment to humanitarian efforts, as evidenced by its policies supporting asylum seekers and integration programs.
Pakistan
In 2015, Pakistan ranked 236 out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration, with a net loss of 2,172,162 persons. This significant negative migration figure indicates a substantial outflow of individuals from the country, which can be attributed to various socio-economic and political factors.
The primary drivers behind this trend include political instability, security concerns, and economic challenges, which have prompted many Pakistanis to seek better opportunities abroad. Additionally, factors such as high unemployment rates, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare contribute to the desire for migration among the populace.
Interestingly, this trend of emigration is not unique to Pakistan; many countries in the region face similar challenges. However, the scale of out-migration in Pakistan highlights the urgent need for policy reforms aimed at improving living conditions and creating sustainable opportunities for its citizens.
Panama
In 2015, Panama ranked 56th out of 236 countries for total net migration, with an influx of 8,648 persons into the country. This statistic reflects Panama's growing appeal as a destination for migrants, particularly from neighboring countries and regions seeking better economic opportunities and living conditions.
Several factors contribute to this positive net migration rate, including Panama's robust economy, characterized by a strategic geographic location and a favorable business environment. The expansion of the Panama Canal and the country's status as a financial hub have attracted foreign investment and skilled labor, further enhancing its appeal.
Additionally, Panama offers a relatively high standard of living compared to its Central American neighbors, along with a stable political environment. This migration trend is consistent with broader patterns observed in the region, where economic challenges have prompted individuals to seek opportunities abroad, while Panama remains a beacon of growth.
Netherlands
In 2015, the Netherlands recorded a total net-migration of 55,585 persons, ranking it 28th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration figures. This influx of migrants can be attributed to various factors, including the country’s robust economy, high standard of living, and progressive social policies that attract individuals seeking better opportunities.
The Netherlands has long been known for its welcoming stance towards immigrants, particularly skilled workers and refugees, which has contributed to its positive net-migration rate. Additionally, the country’s geographical location within Europe makes it an appealing destination for migrants from surrounding nations.
In the broader context, the Netherlands has experienced fluctuating migration patterns over the years, influenced by global events, economic conditions, and changes in immigration policies. The net-migration figure of 55,585 in 2015 reflects a period of relative stability and growth, positioning the Netherlands as a key player in European migration trends.
Rwanda
In 2015, Rwanda experienced a total net migration of -21,862 persons, ranking the country 185th out of 236 countries in terms of migration dynamics. This negative net migration indicates that more individuals left Rwanda than entered during that year.
Several factors contributed to this outflow, including economic conditions, political stability, and regional conflicts that may have prompted Rwandans to seek opportunities abroad. Additionally, the aftermath of the 1994 genocide still influences migration patterns, as some individuals choose to leave in search of a more stable environment.
In contrast to Rwanda's migration challenges, the country has made significant progress in various socio-economic indicators, including improvements in healthcare and education, which may eventually influence future migration trends positively. Overall, understanding migration in Rwanda requires a nuanced view of both historical contexts and current socio-economic conditions.
Data Source
United Nations Population Division
The Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs conducts demographic research, supports intergovernmental processes at the United Nations in the area of population and development, and assists countries in developing their capacity to produce and analyse population data and information. The Division brings population issues to the attention of the international community by highlighting the central role of demographic trends in all aspects of sustainable development. The Division publishes datasets on the world’s population and analyzes global demographic trends.
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