Total net-migration 2016

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.

236 data pointsWorld

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1
United States flag
United States
1,889,129 persons
2
Germany flag
Germany
517,480 persons
3
Russia flag
Russia
447,645 persons
4
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
440,748 persons
5
Turkey flag
Turkey
352,063 persons
6
Canada flag
Canada
329,455 persons
7
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
324,649 persons
8
Japan flag
Japan
314,732 persons
9
Australia flag
Australia
254,648 persons
10
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
222,141 persons
11
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
195,317 persons
12
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
167,652 persons
13
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
152,194 persons
14
Chile flag
Chile
135,864 persons
15
Somalia flag
Somalia
124,017 persons
16
Uganda flag
Uganda
123,379 persons
17
Qatar flag
Qatar
119,725 persons
18
Sweden flag
Sweden
119,234 persons
19
Oman flag
Oman
117,538 persons
20
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
115,823 persons
21
Thailand flag
Thailand
112,978 persons
22
Spain flag
Spain
106,474 persons
23
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
105,818 persons
24
Colombia flag
Colombia
104,373 persons
25
Peru flag
Peru
96,740 persons
26
Angola flag
Angola
91,614 persons
27
South Korea flag
South Korea
91,568 persons
28
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
88,743 persons
29
Sudan flag
Sudan
84,728 persons
30
Italy flag
Italy
84,568 persons
31
India flag
India
81,248 persons
32
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
75,512 persons
33
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
75,265 persons
34
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
71,009 persons
35
Iran flag
Iran
66,630 persons
36
Austria flag
Austria
65,976 persons
37
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
46,833 persons
38
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
35,461 persons
39
Denmark flag
Denmark
33,391 persons
40
Jordan flag
Jordan
31,046 persons
41
Senegal flag
Senegal
29,498 persons
42
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
28,473 persons
43
Belgium flag
Belgium
28,090 persons
44
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
27,377 persons
45
Norway flag
Norway
26,417 persons
46
Zambia flag
Zambia
25,860 persons
47
Israel flag
Israel
24,308 persons
48
Chad flag
Chad
21,540 persons
49
Ireland flag
Ireland
18,967 persons
50
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
18,568 persons
51
Finland flag
Finland
17,321 persons
52
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
17,107 persons
53
France flag
France
15,548 persons
54
Niger flag
Niger
14,833 persons
55
Namibia flag
Namibia
14,002 persons
56
Singapore flag
Singapore
13,737 persons
57
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
13,365 persons
58
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
13,255 persons
59
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
12,760 persons
60
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
10,951 persons
61
Greece flag
Greece
10,484 persons
62
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
10,262 persons
63
Panama flag
Panama
10,109 persons
64
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
9,478 persons
65
Maldives flag
Maldives
9,421 persons
66
Malta flag
Malta
8,624 persons
67
Belarus flag
Belarus
8,272 persons
68
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
7,676 persons
69
Gabon flag
Gabon
7,398 persons
70
Western Sahara flag
Western Sahara
7,053 persons
71
Ghana flag
Ghana
7,009 persons
72
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
6,146 persons
73
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
5,633 persons
74
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
5,465 persons
75
Argentina flag
Argentina
5,215 persons
76
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
4,671 persons
77
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
4,657 persons
78
Iceland flag
Iceland
4,128 persons
79
Benin flag
Benin
3,837 persons
80
Malawi flag
Malawi
3,505 persons
81
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
3,487 persons
82
Belize flag
Belize
3,313 persons
83
Guadeloupe flag
Guadeloupe
2,839 persons
84
Mayotte flag
Mayotte
1,714 persons
85
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
1,682 persons
86
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
1,649 persons
87
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
1,623 persons
88
Andorra flag
Andorra
1,415 persons
89
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
1,309 persons
90
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
1,195 persons
91
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
1,187 persons
92
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
1,116 persons
93
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
1,094 persons
94
Estonia flag
Estonia
1,081 persons
95
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
1,002 persons
96
Monaco flag
Monaco
798 persons
97
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
645 persons
98
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
545 persons
99
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
541 persons
100
Jersey flag
Jersey
439 persons
101
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
415 persons
102
Aruba flag
Aruba
405 persons
103
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
401 persons
104
San Marino flag
San Marino
291 persons
105
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
208 persons
106
Saint Barthélemy flag
Saint Barthélemy
141 persons
107
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
113 persons
108
Hungary flag
Hungary
68 persons
109
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
63 persons
110
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) flag
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
50 persons
111
Saint Pierre and Miquelon flag
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
15 persons
112
Saint Helena flag
Saint Helena
9 persons
113
Niue flag
Niue
1 persons
114
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
0 persons
115
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
0 persons
116
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
-27 persons
117
Tokelau flag
Tokelau
-28 persons
118
Palau flag
Palau
-35 persons
119
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
-57 persons
120
Barbados flag
Barbados
-65 persons
121
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
-86 persons
122
Nauru flag
Nauru
-105 persons
123
Guernsey flag
Guernsey
-132 persons
124
Grenada flag
Grenada
-181 persons
125
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba flag
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
-181 persons
126
Wallis and Futuna Islands flag
Wallis and Futuna Islands
-197 persons
127
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
-200 persons
128
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
-202 persons
129
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
-211 persons
130
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
-266 persons
131
Greenland flag
Greenland
-342 persons
132
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
-756 persons
133
Portugal flag
Portugal
-775 persons
134
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
-825 persons
135
Suriname flag
Suriname
-906 persons
136
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-1,089 persons
137
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
-1,235 persons
138
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
-1,346 persons
139
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
-1,349 persons
140
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
-1,392 persons
141
French Guiana flag
French Guiana
-1,398 persons
142
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
-1,517 persons
143
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
-1,793 persons
144
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
-1,802 persons
145
Togo flag
Togo
-1,979 persons
146
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
-2,003 persons
147
Dominica flag
Dominica
-2,032 persons
148
Tonga flag
Tonga
-2,591 persons
149
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
-2,591 persons
150
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
-2,605 persons
151
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
-2,687 persons
152
Comoros flag
Comoros
-2,938 persons
153
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
-3,008 persons
154
Samoa flag
Samoa
-3,008 persons
155
Guam flag
Guam
-3,212 persons
156
North Korea flag
North Korea
-3,222 persons
157
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
-3,433 persons
158
Gambia flag
Gambia
-3,486 persons
159
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
-3,506 persons
160
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
-4,483 persons
161
Libya flag
Libya
-5,081 persons
162
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
-5,274 persons
163
Poland flag
Poland
-5,675 persons
164
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
-6,004 persons
165
Guyana flag
Guyana
-6,309 persons
166
Algeria flag
Algeria
-6,438 persons
167
Yemen flag
Yemen
-6,492 persons
168
Honduras flag
Honduras
-6,681 persons
169
Martinique flag
Martinique
-6,714 persons
170
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
-6,766 persons
171
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
-7,598 persons
172
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
-8,210 persons
173
Kosovo flag
Kosovo
-8,937 persons
174
Albania flag
Albania
-9,347 persons
175
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
-9,482 persons
176
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
-10,071 persons
177
Botswana flag
Botswana
-10,286 persons
178
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
-10,335 persons
179
Fiji flag
Fiji
-10,441 persons
180
Georgia flag
Georgia
-10,588 persons
181
Laos flag
Laos
-11,401 persons
182
Réunion flag
Réunion
-11,620 persons
183
Latvia flag
Latvia
-12,327 persons
184
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
-12,481 persons
185
Guinea flag
Guinea
-14,189 persons
186
Armenia flag
Armenia
-14,697 persons
187
Congo flag
Congo
-14,783 persons
188
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
-14,839 persons
189
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
-16,737 persons
190
Serbia flag
Serbia
-18,322 persons
191
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
-18,388 persons
192
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
-22,774 persons
193
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
-23,076 persons
194
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
-23,827 persons
195
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
-24,144 persons
196
Cuba flag
Cuba
-24,146 persons
197
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
-24,474 persons
198
Liberia flag
Liberia
-26,796 persons
199
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
-26,997 persons
200
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
-28,991 persons
201
Kenya flag
Kenya
-29,728 persons
202
Mali flag
Mali
-30,251 persons
203
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
-30,612 persons
204
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
-30,980 persons
205
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
-31,340 persons
206
Croatia flag
Croatia
-32,144 persons
207
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
-32,173 persons
208
Romania flag
Romania
-33,073 persons
209
Haiti flag
Haiti
-33,879 persons
210
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
-36,219 persons
211
Morocco flag
Morocco
-39,302 persons
212
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
-41,237 persons
213
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
-43,398 persons
214
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
-47,491 persons
215
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
-51,324 persons
216
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
-51,642 persons
217
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
-52,607 persons
218
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
-55,431 persons
219
Egypt flag
Egypt
-71,604 persons
220
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
-87,907 persons
221
Brazil flag
Brazil
-92,989 persons
222
Burundi flag
Burundi
-109,296 persons
223
Iraq flag
Iraq
-113,980 persons
224
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
-124,063 persons
225
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
-140,181 persons
226
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
-143,049 persons
227
China flag
China
-153,056 persons
228
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
-247,921 persons
229
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
-283,270 persons
230
Mexico flag
Mexico
-304,472 persons
231
Philippines flag
Philippines
-309,251 persons
232
Nepal flag
Nepal
-341,748 persons
233
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
-654,225 persons
234
South Africa flag
South Africa
-879,235 persons
235
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
-918,770 persons
236
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
-2,290,411 persons

Top 10 Countries

  1. #1United States flagUnited States
  2. #2Germany flagGermany
  3. #3Russia flagRussia
  4. #4Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  5. #5Turkey flagTurkey
  6. #6Canada flagCanada
  7. #7United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
  8. #8Japan flagJapan
  9. #9Australia flagAustralia
  10. #10Malaysia flagMalaysia

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #236Pakistan flagPakistan
  2. #235Bangladesh flagBangladesh
  3. #234South Africa flagSouth Africa
  4. #233South Sudan flagSouth Sudan
  5. #232Nepal flagNepal
  6. #231Philippines flagPhilippines
  7. #230Mexico flagMexico
  8. #229Venezuela flagVenezuela
  9. #228Lebanon flagLebanon
  10. #227China flagChina

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Key Insights

1

Vietnam

In 2016, Vietnam experienced a total net migration of 167,652 persons, ranking it 12th out of 236 countries worldwide in terms of net migration figures. This substantial number reflects the country's growing appeal as a destination for expatriates and migrants seeking better opportunities.

The increase in net migration can be attributed to several factors, including Vietnam's economic growth, which has attracted foreign investments and job seekers. Additionally, the country's relatively stable political environment and cultural ties to the Vietnamese diaspora have further contributed to this migration trend.

Interestingly, Vietnam's net migration figures are part of a broader pattern observed in Southeast Asia, where countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia have seen significant influxes of migrants due to urbanization and development. This trend highlights the region's potential as a hub for economic activity and cultural exchange.

2

Estonia

In 2016, Estonia reported a total net-migration of 1,081 persons, placing it at 94th out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This figure indicates a modest level of migration relative to many countries worldwide.

The net-migration figure reflects a combination of factors, including Estonia's economic conditions, labor market demands, and the socio-political climate. Following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has experienced significant economic growth and development, which has attracted migrants seeking employment opportunities.

Moreover, Estonia's membership in the European Union has facilitated movement across borders, allowing for an influx of individuals from other EU nations. However, the country has also faced challenges related to emigration, particularly of its young and educated population seeking opportunities abroad, contributing to the net-migration figure.

3

Gabon

In 2016, Gabon experienced a total net migration of 7,398 persons, positioning the country at 69th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration. This statistic reflects the balance between the number of people who moved into Gabon and those who left during that year, highlighting its role as a destination for migrants in the region.

Several factors contribute to Gabon's net migration figures, including its relatively stable political environment and rich natural resources, particularly oil and minerals, which attract foreign labor. Additionally, Gabon's economic opportunities, albeit limited, may draw in migrants from neighboring countries seeking better livelihoods.

Interestingly, Gabon is part of the Central African region, which has seen varying migration patterns due to economic conditions, political stability, and social factors. The influx of migrants can also be influenced by regional conflicts and economic disparities in surrounding nations, making Gabon a critical point of interest for migration studies in Africa.

4

Lithuania

In 2016, Lithuania experienced a total net migration of -30,612 persons, ranking 203rd out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This negative migration figure indicates that the number of individuals leaving Lithuania significantly exceeded those entering the country during this period.

The decline in population due to net migration can be attributed to a combination of economic factors, including the aftermath of the financial crisis and the search for better job opportunities abroad, particularly in Western Europe. Many Lithuanians, especially the youth, sought employment in countries with stronger economies, contributing to a substantial outflow of talent.

In addition to economic considerations, issues such as political stability, quality of life, and social services also played a role in migration patterns. Notably, Lithuania has been working to improve its economic conditions and retain its population in subsequent years, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by migration.

5

China, Macao SAR

In 2016, Macao SAR ranked 68th out of 236 countries in total net-migration, with a net gain of 7,676 persons. This figure reflects the region's status as a significant destination for immigrants, driven by its booming economy and vibrant tourism sector.

The influx of migrants can be attributed to several factors, including Macao's rapid economic growth, job opportunities in the gaming and hospitality industries, and its proximity to mainland China. The region's unique administrative structure and relatively high living standards also make it an attractive place for individuals seeking better prospects.

Additionally, Macao's population dynamics are influenced by its relatively small size and the high demand for labor in various sectors, which has led to a competitive environment for both local and foreign workers. The net-migration statistic underscores Macao's role as a dynamic economy within the Greater China region.

6

Lebanon

In 2016, Lebanon experienced a significant negative migration trend, with a total net-migration of -247,921 persons, ranking it 228th out of 236 countries. This substantial outflow of people reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the nation, including political instability, economic difficulties, and the impacts of the Syrian Civil War which forced many residents to seek refuge elsewhere.

The reasons behind this high net-migration figure include a combination of factors such as high unemployment rates, inflation, and a deteriorating public infrastructure. Additionally, the influx of Syrian refugees has put immense pressure on Lebanon's resources and social systems, further exacerbating the situation for local citizens.

Interestingly, Lebanon has a long history of emigration, with many of its citizens living abroad, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. This trend of migration is not new; however, the scale observed in 2016 highlights a critical period in Lebanon's contemporary history.

7

Malawi

In 2016, Malawi ranked 80th out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration, with a net migration figure of 3,505 persons. This statistic reflects the balance of individuals moving into and out of the country during that year, highlighting Malawi's position in the global migration landscape.

The net migration figure for Malawi can be attributed to various factors, including economic opportunities, educational prospects, and the effects of climate change. While some individuals migrate for better job prospects or education, others may leave due to environmental challenges such as droughts or floods that affect agriculture, a primary livelihood for many Malawians.

Additionally, Malawi has experienced a significant outflow of migrants to neighboring countries and further afield, often in search of improved living conditions. This migratory pattern is not uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa, where economic disparity and environmental issues often drive migration trends.

8

Germany

Germany ranked 2nd out of 236 countries in total net-migration for the year 2016, experiencing a significant influx of 517,480 persons. This remarkable figure highlights Germany's role as a primary destination for migrants, particularly during a time marked by the European migrant crisis.

The high net-migration can be attributed to various factors, including Germany's strong economy, robust labor market, and comprehensive social welfare system, which attract individuals seeking better opportunities. Additionally, the country's humanitarian policies during the migrant crisis allowed for the resettlement of many refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, particularly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

In the context of Europe, Germany's migration patterns reflect broader trends of demographic shifts, labor market demands, and international humanitarian obligations, positioning the country as a central player in migration discussions within the European Union.

9

Qatar

In 2016, Qatar recorded a total net migration of 119,725 persons, ranking 17th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration. This significant influx of migrants can be attributed to Qatar's robust economic growth driven by its vast natural gas reserves, which has created numerous job opportunities, attracting workers from various countries.

The country's rapid development, particularly in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and education, has positioned it as a desirable destination for expatriates seeking employment and better living standards. Additionally, Qatar's strategic investments in infrastructure and hosting global events, like the FIFA World Cup 2022, have further contributed to its appeal for migrants.

Interestingly, Qatar's population is composed of a high percentage of expatriates, with estimates suggesting that non-Qataris make up approximately 88% of the total population. This demographic characteristic highlights the extent to which foreign labor is integral to Qatar's economy and societal structure.

10

Marshall Islands

In 2016, the Marshall Islands experienced a total net migration of -2003 persons, ranking it 146th out of 236 countries in terms of migration trends. This negative net migration indicates that more people left the country than moved there during that year.

The primary factors contributing to this significant outflow include limited economic opportunities, environmental challenges such as rising sea levels, and the impact of historical migration patterns. The Marshall Islands faces ongoing issues related to climate change, which threatens its very existence, prompting residents to seek stability and better living conditions elsewhere.

Interestingly, the population of the Marshall Islands is quite small, with approximately 53,000 residents as of 2016, making such migration shifts particularly impactful on the local community and economy. Additionally, the relationship with the United States, which provides substantial economic assistance, also influences migration patterns, as many Marshallese migrate to the U.S. territories and states for work and education.

Data Methodology & Sources

Verified Data

All data points are cross-referenced with official sources

Regular Updates

Continuously updated with latest available information

World

Comprehensive data from 236+ countries/territories

Primary Data Sources

Understanding the Data

This comprehensive dataset provides valuable insights into global patterns and trends. The information presented here is essential for researchers, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in understanding global demographics and statistics.

Each data point in this collection represents official estimates or projections from authoritative sources. The data undergoes regular verification and updates to ensure accuracy and reliability. We maintain transparency in our methodology and clearly document all sources and assumptions.

When interpreting this data, it's important to consider the context of each country or territory, including their geographic size, economic development, historical factors, and regional characteristics. Statistical variations often reflect complex socioeconomic, environmental, and political factors.

Note: While we strive for accuracy, population and demographic data are subject to estimation methodologies and may vary slightly between different sources. We recommend consulting multiple sources for critical applications.

Historical Data by Year

Explore Total net-migration data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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