Total net-migration 2017
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.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
1 |  United States | 1,864,738 persons |
2 |  Turkey | 659,846 persons |
3 |  Germany | 452,988 persons |
4 |  Sudan | 441,623 persons |
5 |  Colombia | 431,072 persons |
6 |  Russia | 396,619 persons |
7 |  Canada | 372,685 persons |
8 |  South Africa | 343,146 persons |
9 |  Japan | 322,564 persons |
10 |  United Kingdom | 272,311 persons |
11 |  Australia | 255,023 persons |
12 |  Malaysia | 227,677 persons |
13 |  Chile | 220,621 persons |
14 |  Spain | 201,135 persons |
15 |  Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 176,290 persons |
16 |  Vietnam | 139,245 persons |
17 |  Tanzania | 119,142 persons |
18 |  Peru | 114,382 persons |
19 |  South Korea | 104,029 persons |
20 |  France | 102,984 persons |
21 |  Sweden | 102,671 persons |
22 |  Italy | 95,147 persons |
23 |  Uganda | 92,879 persons |
24 |  Kuwait | 92,717 persons |
25 |  Netherlands | 86,332 persons |
26 |  Nigeria | 78,685 persons |
27 |  Angola | 77,731 persons |
28 |  Ethiopia | 71,766 persons |
29 |  New Zealand | 68,349 persons |
30 |  Thailand | 66,805 persons |
31 |  Ecuador | 53,707 persons |
32 |  Qatar | 46,719 persons |
33 |  Switzerland | 45,658 persons |
34 |  Austria | 45,478 persons |
35 |  Somalia | 38,067 persons |
36 |  Belgium | 37,981 persons |
37 |  Iran | 34,849 persons |
38 |  United Arab Emirates | 34,155 persons |
39 |  Senegal | 29,605 persons |
40 |  Ireland | 28,883 persons |
41 |  Papua New Guinea | 26,513 persons |
42 |  Zambia | 25,789 persons |
43 |  Denmark | 24,561 persons |
44 |  Bahrain | 21,958 persons |
45 |  Norway | 21,657 persons |
46 |  Kazakhstan | 21,248 persons |
47 |  Hungary | 20,200 persons |
48 |  Taiwan | 17,602 persons |
49 |  Chad | 16,916 persons |
50 |  Turkmenistan | 16,678 persons |
51 |  Equatorial Guinea | 16,399 persons |
52 |  Namibia | 16,080 persons |
53 |  Israel | 14,518 persons |
54 |  Malta | 14,372 persons |
55 |  Portugal | 13,979 persons |
56 |  Finland | 13,356 persons |
57 |  Jordan | 12,873 persons |
58 |  Oman | 11,751 persons |
59 |  Panama | 11,059 persons |
60 |  Cyprus | 10,632 persons |
61 |  Greece | 10,483 persons |
62 |  Guadeloupe | 9,920 persons |
63 |  Luxembourg | 9,643 persons |
64 |  Maldives | 9,555 persons |
65 |  Libya | 9,208 persons |
66 |  China, Macao SAR | 8,427 persons |
67 |  Iceland | 8,348 persons |
68 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | 7,963 persons |
69 |  Kyrgyzstan | 7,553 persons |
70 |  Western Sahara | 6,865 persons |
71 |  Mongolia | 6,831 persons |
72 |  Solomon Islands | 6,513 persons |
73 |  Czech Republic | 5,747 persons |
74 |  Estonia | 5,202 persons |
75 |  Argentina | 4,931 persons |
76 |  Gabon | 4,013 persons |
77 |  Benin | 3,716 persons |
78 |  Belarus | 3,337 persons |
79 |  Slovakia | 3,279 persons |
80 |  Belize | 1,705 persons |
81 |  Seychelles | 1,693 persons |
82 |  Costa Rica | 1,671 persons |
83 |  Timor-Leste | 1,666 persons |
84 |  Djibouti | 1,535 persons |
85 |  Trinidad and Tobago | 1,445 persons |
86 |  Turks and Caicos Islands | 1,421 persons |
87 |  Slovenia | 1,359 persons |
88 |  Andorra | 1,357 persons |
89 |  Sierra Leone | 1,234 persons |
90 |  Cayman Islands | 1,065 persons |
91 |  Bahamas | 1,002 persons |
92 |  Malawi | 982 persons |
93 |  British Virgin Islands | 891 persons |
94 |  Monaco | 798 persons |
95 |  Faroe Islands | 634 persons |
96 |  Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | 556 persons |
97 |  Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 545 persons |
98 |  Curaçao | 537 persons |
99 |  Jersey | 466 persons |
100 |  Brunei Darussalam | 440 persons |
101 |  Aruba | 434 persons |
102 |  Gibraltar | 421 persons |
103 |  Bhutan | 287 persons |
104 |  Isle of Man | 284 persons |
105 |  Anguilla | 277 persons |
106 |  San Marino | 234 persons |
107 |  Bermuda | 221 persons |
108 |  Liechtenstein | 206 persons |
109 |  Guernsey | 200 persons |
110 |  Saint Barthélemy | 169 persons |
111 |  Tokelau | 118 persons |
112 |  Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 33 persons |
113 |  Saint Helena | 11 persons |
114 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 0 persons |
115 |  Niue | -5 persons |
116 |  Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | -14 persons |
117 |  Montserrat | -31 persons |
118 |  Palau | -33 persons |
119 |  Saint Lucia | -38 persons |
120 |  Barbados | -65 persons |
121 |  Nauru | -115 persons |
122 |  Grenada | -181 persons |
123 |  Wallis and Futuna Islands | -191 persons |
124 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | -202 persons |
125 |  Dominica | -234 persons |
126 |  Tuvalu | -246 persons |
127 |  Greenland | -350 persons |
128 |  Cook Islands | -572 persons |
129 |  Vanuatu | -610 persons |
130 |  Kiribati | -750 persons |
131 |  Côte d'Ivoire | -796 persons |
132 |  Mayotte | -836 persons |
133 |  Suriname | -935 persons |
134 |  Saint Martin (French part) | -951 persons |
135 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -1,057 persons |
136 |  Micronesia (Fed. States of) | -1,281 persons |
137 |  American Samoa | -1,305 persons |
138 |  Guinea-Bissau | -1,398 persons |
139 |  Northern Mariana Islands | -1,517 persons |
140 |  Tonga | -1,642 persons |
141 |  Sao Tome and Principe | -1,779 persons |
142 |  French Guiana | -1,807 persons |
143 |  Togo | -1,985 persons |
144 |  Marshall Islands | -2,040 persons |
145 |  French Polynesia | -2,183 persons |
146 |  Samoa | -2,539 persons |
147 |  New Caledonia | -2,614 persons |
148 |  United States Virgin Islands | -2,691 persons |
149 |  Madagascar | -2,784 persons |
150 |  Comoros | -2,920 persons |
151 |  Mauritania | -3,001 persons |
152 |  Uruguay | -3,091 persons |
153 |  Guam | -3,121 persons |
154 |  North Korea | -3,224 persons |
155 |  Gambia | -3,696 persons |
156 |  Tajikistan | -4,093 persons |
157 |  Ghana | -4,913 persons |
158 |  Montenegro | -4,948 persons |
159 |  Mauritius | -5,322 persons |
160 |  Kosovo | -5,428 persons |
161 |  Cabo Verde | -5,550 persons |
162 |  Guyana | -6,107 persons |
163 |  Bulgaria | -6,109 persons |
164 |  Honduras | -6,778 persons |
165 |  Niger | -6,830 persons |
166 |  Lesotho | -6,850 persons |
167 |  Latvia | -7,867 persons |
168 |  Georgia | -7,889 persons |
169 |  Eswatini | -8,658 persons |
170 |  Singapore | -8,880 persons |
171 |  Martinique | -9,335 persons |
172 |  Bolivia | -9,669 persons |
173 |  Jamaica | -10,335 persons |
174 |  Laos | -10,400 persons |
175 |  Botswana | -10,916 persons |
176 |  Azerbaijan | -11,324 persons |
177 |  Congo | -11,601 persons |
178 |  Fiji | -11,607 persons |
179 |  Yemen | -12,086 persons |
180 |  Uzbekistan | -13,352 persons |
181 |  Guinea | -13,718 persons |
182 |  Armenia | -14,180 persons |
183 |  Réunion | -14,222 persons |
184 |  Algeria | -14,403 persons |
185 |  Burkina Faso | -14,780 persons |
186 |  Albania | -14,901 persons |
187 |  Paraguay | -16,630 persons |
188 |  Serbia | -18,651 persons |
189 |  Poland | -21,535 persons |
190 |  Nicaragua | -21,849 persons |
191 |  Iraq | -21,998 persons |
192 |  Sri Lanka | -22,324 persons |
193 |  Tunisia | -22,365 persons |
194 |  Cuba | -23,394 persons |
195 |  North Macedonia | -24,227 persons |
196 |  Liberia | -24,807 persons |
197 |  Mozambique | -25,043 persons |
198 |  State of Palestine | -25,452 persons |
199 |  Rwanda | -25,634 persons |
200 |  Lithuania | -28,027 persons |
201 |  Indonesia | -29,467 persons |
202 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | -30,650 persons |
203 |  Romania | -33,081 persons |
204 |  Mali | -33,942 persons |
205 |  Haiti | -34,742 persons |
206 |  Dominican Republic | -36,069 persons |
207 |  Ukraine | -36,155 persons |
208 |  Cameroon | -37,912 persons |
209 |  Eritrea | -38,579 persons |
210 |  Guatemala | -42,779 persons |
211 |  Republic of Moldova | -43,871 persons |
212 |  Croatia | -44,557 persons |
213 |  El Salvador | -50,608 persons |
214 |  Central African Republic | -58,584 persons |
215 |  Morocco | -60,472 persons |
216 |  Burundi | -68,349 persons |
217 |  Kenya | -68,702 persons |
218 |  Afghanistan | -71,491 persons |
219 |  Cambodia | -74,362 persons |
220 |  Egypt | -80,000 persons |
221 |  China | -94,625 persons |
222 |  Myanmar | -105,415 persons |
223 |  Zimbabwe | -128,241 persons |
224 |  Puerto Rico | -149,999 persons |
225 |  Brazil | -156,296 persons |
226 |  Mexico | -227,499 persons |
227 |  India | -251,642 persons |
228 |  Lebanon | -253,664 persons |
229 |  Philippines | -263,593 persons |
230 |  Syrian Arab Republic | -287,501 persons |
231 |  Nepal | -368,787 persons |
232 |  South Sudan | -670,477 persons |
233 |  Venezuela | -817,376 persons |
234 |  Saudi Arabia | -920,812 persons |
235 |  Bangladesh | -1,037,176 persons |
236 |  Pakistan | -1,574,585 persons |
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1United States
- #2Turkey
- #3Germany
- #4Sudan
- #5Colombia
- #6Russia
- #7Canada
- #8South Africa
- #9Japan
- #10United Kingdom
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #236Pakistan
- #235Bangladesh
- #234Saudi Arabia
- #233Venezuela
- #232South Sudan
- #231Nepal
- #230Syrian Arab Republic
- #229Philippines
- #228Lebanon
- #227India
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 indicator of global demographic trends, reflecting the difference between the number of people entering and leaving a country. In 2017, this metric provided a comprehensive view of how migration patterns influenced national populations and economies worldwide. By analyzing total net-migration, we can understand key drivers behind population movements, which often relate to economic opportunities, political stability, and environmental factors. This article delves into the significant patterns observed in 2017, highlighting the countries with the most notable changes and exploring the underlying causes of these shifts.
Global Migration Trends in 2017
In 2017, total net-migration data was available for 200 countries, revealing significant variances in population shifts. Globally, the average net migration was approximately 41,410 persons, with a median value of 440. This disparity indicates that a few countries had extreme net migration values, skewing the average. The United States, for instance, led the world with a net migration of 1,864,738 people, demonstrating its continued appeal as a destination for migrants seeking better economic opportunities. Other countries with high net migration included Turkey (659,846) and Germany (452,988), underscoring their roles as key destinations amid regional conflicts and economic changes.
Economic Influences on Migration Patterns
Economic opportunities are a primary magnet for migration, as seen in countries like Canada and Japan, which experienced net migrations of 372,685 and 322,564 persons, respectively. These countries' stable economies and favorable job markets attracted individuals seeking improved living conditions. In contrast, countries with net emigration, such as Lithuania (-28,027) and Rwanda (-25,634), often faced economic challenges that pushed citizens abroad. Such trends point to the importance of economic stability and growth in shaping migration patterns.
Political stability and social dynamics also significantly impacted migration trends in 2017. Sudan recorded a remarkable increase in net migration, reaching 441,623 persons, largely due to the return of refugees following improved conditions in conflict-affected areas. Similarly, Colombia's net migration rose to 431,072, driven by the ongoing Venezuelan crisis, which prompted an influx of refugees seeking asylum. These cases highlight how political and social upheavals can lead to dramatic shifts in migration patterns, affecting both the origin and destination countries.
Regional Disparities and Their Implications
Analyzing regional disparities in net migration reveals varied impacts across different continents. In Europe, countries like Turkey and Germany saw substantial inflows due to their geographical proximity to conflict zones in the Middle East. Conversely, several African countries, including Mozambique (-25,043) and Liberia (-24,807), experienced net emigration, reflecting ongoing socioeconomic struggles. These regional differences underscore the complex interplay of local and international factors influencing migration.
Year-over-Year Migration Changes
Comparing 2017's migration data with previous years reveals insightful trends. The average change in net migration was 433 persons, representing a 133.4% increase. Notably, Sudan's net migration surged by 356,895 persons (421.2%), driven by the repatriation of refugees. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw the most significant decrease, with a reduction of 264,458 persons (-60.0%). Such fluctuations highlight how quickly migration patterns can shift due to changing economic, political, and environmental conditions.
In conclusion, total net-migration in 2017 provided a window into the multifaceted factors influencing global population movements. Economic opportunities, political stability, and regional crises played pivotal roles in shaping these trends. By understanding these migration patterns, policymakers and researchers can better address the challenges and opportunities associated with global demographic changes.
Insights by country
Kenya
In 2017, Kenya experienced a total net migration of -68,702 persons, ranking the country 217th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration. This statistic indicates that more individuals left Kenya than entered, reflecting a net outflow of people.
The negative net migration figure can be attributed to various factors, including limited economic opportunities, political instability, and security concerns, particularly in regions affected by terrorism and ethnic conflicts. Additionally, many Kenyans seek better living conditions and job prospects abroad, particularly in developed countries.
Interestingly, despite the challenges associated with emigration, Kenya remains a significant host for refugees, particularly from neighboring countries such as Somalia and South Sudan, highlighting the complex dynamics of migration in the region.
South Sudan
In 2017, South Sudan ranked 232 out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration, with a reported figure of -670,477 persons. This negative net migration reflects a significant outflow of people from the country, resulting from ongoing conflict, economic instability, and humanitarian crises.
The civil war, which began in December 2013, has led to widespread displacement, with millions fleeing to neighboring countries in search of safety and better living conditions. Additionally, severe food insecurity and lack of basic services have exacerbated the migration crisis, pushing individuals and families to leave their homeland.
Conversely, South Sudan's situation highlights a broader trend in the region, where conflict and instability have created substantial displacement challenges, affecting not only South Sudan but also neighboring nations that host refugees. The substantial outmigration serves as a stark reminder of the humanitarian challenges facing the country.
Algeria
In 2017, Algeria experienced a total net migration of -14,403 persons, ranking it 184th out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This negative net migration indicates that more people left Algeria than those who entered the country during that year.
Several factors contribute to this trend, including economic challenges, high unemployment rates, and social unrest, which have prompted many Algerians to seek better opportunities abroad. Additionally, political instability and dissatisfaction with governance may have influenced emigration patterns, as individuals and families pursue stability and improved living conditions in other nations.
It is noteworthy that Algeria's migration dynamics reflect broader regional trends, where economic migration is common in North Africa. Countries in the region often experience similar patterns due to political and economic factors, which can lead to significant human mobility within and beyond the continent.
Fiji
In 2017, Fiji experienced a total net migration of -11,607 persons, ranking the country 178th out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This negative net migration indicates that more individuals left Fiji than entered the country during that year, reflecting broader trends in emigration.
Several factors contribute to this outflow of people, including limited economic opportunities, the impact of climate change on agricultural livelihoods, and political instability that has historically affected the country's governance. Many Fijians seek better prospects in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where they often pursue education or employment.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that Fiji's population is characterized by a significant diaspora, with many citizens living abroad. This trend underscores the challenges faced by the nation in retaining its workforce and addressing the socio-economic factors that drive emigration.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan experienced a total net migration of -11,324 persons in 2017, ranking 176th out of 236 countries. This negative net migration indicates that more people left the country than entered it during this period, reflecting broader demographic and economic trends.
Several factors contributed to this outflow, including economic challenges, limited job opportunities, and political instability. Additionally, the unresolved conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has historically influenced migration patterns, prompting many Azerbaijanis to seek stability and better prospects abroad.
In a broader context, Azerbaijan's migration trends are indicative of regional patterns, where neighboring countries also face similar challenges. For instance, the South Caucasus region has seen significant emigration due to economic and social pressures, making migration a critical issue for policymakers.
Belgium
Belgium ranks 36th out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration, with a net influx of 37,981 persons in the year 2017. This statistic reflects Belgium's status as a destination for migrants, drawn by its robust economy and high quality of life.
Several factors contribute to Belgium's net migration figures, including its central location in Europe, which makes it an attractive hub for expatriates and international workers. Additionally, Belgium's multilingual society and strong social welfare system appeal to those seeking better educational and employment opportunities.
In comparison to its European neighbors, Belgium has maintained a relatively stable migration policy, which has allowed for a consistent inflow of migrants. This has also been influenced by the country's commitment to international human rights and refugee protection, further enhancing its appeal as a migration destination.
Antigua and Barbuda
In 2017, Antigua and Barbuda experienced a total net migration of 0 persons, ranking it 114th out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This figure indicates a balance between the number of immigrants and emigrants, suggesting that the population remained stable during this period.
The lack of net migration can be attributed to several factors, including the small size of the nation, which has a population of approximately 97,000 people, and limited economic opportunities that may not attract significant numbers of foreign migrants. Additionally, the country's robust tourism industry often provides a temporary influx of workers rather than permanent residents.
It is also noteworthy that net migration figures can be influenced by external conditions, including economic stability, natural disasters, and the overall political climate. For Antigua and Barbuda, the absence of significant political instability or upheaval in 2017 may have contributed to the steady state of migration.
Estonia
In 2017, Estonia experienced a total net migration of 5,202 persons, ranking 74th out of 236 countries globally. This statistic reflects the balance of people moving into and out of the country, indicating a modest level of immigration compared to other nations.
The net migration figure for Estonia can be attributed to several factors, including its robust economy, high standard of living, and a growing tech sector that attracts skilled workers. Additionally, Estonia's membership in the European Union facilitates the movement of people, allowing citizens from other EU countries to seek opportunities within its borders.
Interestingly, Estonia has seen a significant influx of digital nomads and expatriates, particularly in the tech industry, owing to its favorable business environment and e-residency program, which enables foreign entrepreneurs to start and manage businesses online. This dynamic contributes to the overall net migration figures, revealing Estonia's appeal as a destination for talent.
Jordan
In 2017, Jordan ranked 57th out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration, with a recorded net migration of 12,873 persons. This statistic reflects the ongoing demographic shifts and migration patterns affecting the country, particularly as Jordan has been a significant host to refugees from neighboring conflicts, especially the Syrian civil war.
The high net migration figures can be attributed to several factors, including Jordan's geographic proximity to conflict zones, its relatively stable political climate, and its historical role as a refuge for displaced populations. Additionally, the country has been recognized for its humanitarian efforts in accommodating refugees, which has contributed to its diverse demographic landscape.
Furthermore, Jordan's socioeconomic conditions, including limited job opportunities and economic challenges, may influence emigration trends. As of 2017, the influx of migrants and refugees has significantly impacted Jordan's social and economic fabric, highlighting the complex interplay of migration dynamics within the region.
Liberia
Liberia ranked 196 out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration in 2017, recording a net migration value of -24,807 persons. This negative migration figure indicates a significant outflow of individuals from the country, reflecting ongoing challenges that hinder population retention.
Several factors contribute to Liberia's negative net migration, including economic instability, limited job opportunities, and the aftermath of the civil wars that severely impacted the nation in the late 20th century. The lack of infrastructure and essential services, combined with health crises such as the Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016, further exacerbates the situation.
In addition to economic and health-related issues, many Liberians seek better living conditions and opportunities abroad, particularly in developed nations. This trend highlights a broader pattern seen in several countries in West Africa, where migration is often viewed as a means of escaping hardship and pursuing a more stable future.
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.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Total net-migration data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.
More People and Society Facts
Currently married (Percent)
The percentage of currently married individuals by country highlights societal trends in family structure and relationships. Understanding these statistics can provide insights into cultural norms and demographic shifts, influencing policies and social programs.
View dataBrowse All People and Society
Explore more facts and statistics in this category
All Categories
Discover more categories with comprehensive global data