Total net-migration 2018
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 | 1,764,961 persons |
2 | Syrian Arab Republic | 514,102 persons |
3 | Colombia | 495,524 persons |
4 | Canada | 420,224 persons |
5 | Germany | 403,908 persons |
6 | Russia | 339,972 persons |
7 | Peru | 339,067 persons |
8 | Spain | 337,467 persons |
9 | Japan | 320,601 persons |
10 | South Africa | 318,260 persons |
11 | United Kingdom | 259,744 persons |
12 | Chile | 237,807 persons |
13 | Australia | 226,412 persons |
14 | Malaysia | 221,965 persons |
15 | Turkey | 187,570 persons |
16 | South Sudan | 157,408 persons |
17 | Kuwait | 145,973 persons |
18 | France | 132,925 persons |
19 | Sudan | 125,499 persons |
20 | South Korea | 118,220 persons |
21 | Vietnam | 96,650 persons |
22 | Ecuador | 95,482 persons |
23 | Sweden | 87,517 persons |
24 | Netherlands | 87,197 persons |
25 | Italy | 83,686 persons |
26 | Burundi | 68,141 persons |
27 | Angola | 61,632 persons |
28 | Uganda | 60,724 persons |
29 | New Zealand | 59,139 persons |
30 | Belgium | 50,604 persons |
31 | Chad | 46,661 persons |
32 | Switzerland | 41,253 persons |
33 | Somalia | 40,844 persons |
34 | Trinidad and Tobago | 35,502 persons |
35 | Austria | 35,296 persons |
36 | Hungary | 34,190 persons |
37 | Senegal | 33,567 persons |
38 | Ireland | 33,387 persons |
39 | Jordan | 32,062 persons |
40 | Guyana | 30,213 persons |
41 | Curaçao | 25,592 persons |
42 | Papua New Guinea | 24,684 persons |
43 | Portugal | 22,495 persons |
44 | Singapore | 21,820 persons |
45 | Egypt | 20,788 persons |
46 | Turkmenistan | 19,293 persons |
47 | Denmark | 18,919 persons |
48 | Norway | 18,473 persons |
49 | Zambia | 18,431 persons |
50 | Greece | 17,938 persons |
51 | Namibia | 17,920 persons |
52 | Malta | 16,961 persons |
53 | Iraq | 15,775 persons |
54 | Israel | 15,615 persons |
55 | Equatorial Guinea | 15,581 persons |
56 | Slovenia | 14,640 persons |
57 | United Arab Emirates | 14,611 persons |
58 | Qatar | 12,465 persons |
59 | Finland | 11,822 persons |
60 | Panama | 11,130 persons |
61 | Thailand | 10,984 persons |
62 | Cyprus | 10,311 persons |
63 | Puerto Rico | 10,304 persons |
64 | Luxembourg | 10,145 persons |
65 | Maldives | 9,637 persons |
66 | Taiwan | 9,577 persons |
67 | Ethiopia | 9,302 persons |
68 | China, Macao SAR | 8,917 persons |
69 | Belarus | 8,615 persons |
70 | Mongolia | 7,811 persons |
71 | Estonia | 7,089 persons |
72 | Western Sahara | 6,695 persons |
73 | Solomon Islands | 6,653 persons |
74 | Iceland | 6,638 persons |
75 | Czech Republic | 5,849 persons |
76 | Libya | 5,841 persons |
77 | Argentina | 5,742 persons |
78 | Côte d'Ivoire | 5,395 persons |
79 | Kyrgyzstan | 3,494 persons |
80 | Slovakia | 3,446 persons |
81 | Benin | 3,372 persons |
82 | Timor-Leste | 3,062 persons |
83 | British Virgin Islands | 2,913 persons |
84 | Gabon | 2,886 persons |
85 | Seychelles | 1,733 persons |
86 | Costa Rica | 1,673 persons |
87 | Djibouti | 1,435 persons |
88 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 1,400 persons |
89 | Andorra | 1,143 persons |
90 | Cayman Islands | 1,011 persons |
91 | Bahamas | 1,002 persons |
92 | Monaco | 999 persons |
93 | Faroe Islands | 676 persons |
94 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 535 persons |
95 | Jersey | 502 persons |
96 | Brunei Darussalam | 450 persons |
97 | Gibraltar | 442 persons |
98 | Aruba | 431 persons |
99 | Guernsey | 388 persons |
100 | Bermuda | 302 persons |
101 | Bhutan | 287 persons |
102 | Isle of Man | 266 persons |
103 | Belize | 187 persons |
104 | Anguilla | 187 persons |
105 | San Marino | 172 persons |
106 | Saint Barthélemy | 162 persons |
107 | Liechtenstein | 155 persons |
108 | Tokelau | 118 persons |
109 | Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | 43 persons |
110 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 9 persons |
111 | Niue | 6 persons |
112 | Saint Helena | 4 persons |
113 | Antigua and Barbuda | 0 persons |
114 | Saint Lucia | -18 persons |
115 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | -19 persons |
116 | Montserrat | -29 persons |
117 | Palau | -35 persons |
118 | Barbados | -65 persons |
119 | Nauru | -131 persons |
120 | Wallis and Futuna Islands | -167 persons |
121 | Grenada | -181 persons |
122 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | -202 persons |
123 | Poland | -223 persons |
124 | Dominica | -231 persons |
125 | Tuvalu | -329 persons |
126 | Greenland | -330 persons |
127 | Cook Islands | -582 persons |
128 | Vanuatu | -638 persons |
129 | Kiribati | -741 persons |
130 | Suriname | -851 persons |
131 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -1,026 persons |
132 | China, Hong Kong SAR | -1,225 persons |
133 | American Samoa | -1,256 persons |
134 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | -1,281 persons |
135 | Guinea-Bissau | -1,396 persons |
136 | Northern Mariana Islands | -1,527 persons |
137 | Tonga | -1,723 persons |
138 | Sao Tome and Principe | -1,757 persons |
139 | Saint Martin (French part) | -1,764 persons |
140 | Togo | -1,985 persons |
141 | Marshall Islands | -2,058 persons |
142 | French Guiana | -2,083 persons |
143 | Samoa | -2,425 persons |
144 | New Caledonia | -2,650 persons |
145 | Sierra Leone | -2,741 persons |
146 | United States Virgin Islands | -2,743 persons |
147 | Madagascar | -2,887 persons |
148 | Comoros | -2,917 persons |
149 | Uruguay | -2,963 persons |
150 | Mauritania | -2,987 persons |
151 | Guam | -3,021 persons |
152 | North Korea | -3,225 persons |
153 | Malawi | -3,267 persons |
154 | Lithuania | -3,459 persons |
155 | French Polynesia | -3,802 persons |
156 | Niger | -3,830 persons |
157 | Bulgaria | -3,873 persons |
158 | Gambia | -3,944 persons |
159 | Cabo Verde | -4,679 persons |
160 | Latvia | -4,972 persons |
161 | Montenegro | -5,058 persons |
162 | Mauritius | -5,084 persons |
163 | Georgia | -5,176 persons |
164 | Réunion | -5,627 persons |
165 | Tajikistan | -6,111 persons |
166 | Martinique | -6,489 persons |
167 | Kazakhstan | -6,644 persons |
168 | Honduras | -6,764 persons |
169 | Lesotho | -6,892 persons |
170 | Mayotte | -8,195 persons |
171 | Guadeloupe | -8,216 persons |
172 | Eswatini | -8,546 persons |
173 | Congo | -8,856 persons |
174 | Cameroon | -9,184 persons |
175 | Guinea | -9,187 persons |
176 | Bolivia | -9,344 persons |
177 | Laos | -10,305 persons |
178 | Jamaica | -10,335 persons |
179 | Uzbekistan | -11,516 persons |
180 | Botswana | -11,623 persons |
181 | Fiji | -11,738 persons |
182 | Armenia | -13,129 persons |
183 | Albania | -15,032 persons |
184 | Paraguay | -16,472 persons |
185 | Serbia | -18,883 persons |
186 | Ghana | -19,375 persons |
187 | Nicaragua | -20,742 persons |
188 | Tunisia | -21,012 persons |
189 | Kosovo | -21,386 persons |
190 | Eritrea | -21,403 persons |
191 | Liberia | -23,199 persons |
192 | Cuba | -23,779 persons |
193 | Burkina Faso | -23,938 persons |
194 | North Macedonia | -24,878 persons |
195 | Croatia | -25,016 persons |
196 | State of Palestine | -25,141 persons |
197 | Rwanda | -25,323 persons |
198 | Bahrain | -25,978 persons |
199 | Yemen | -26,335 persons |
200 | Algeria | -27,146 persons |
201 | Iran | -27,946 persons |
202 | Sri Lanka | -28,607 persons |
203 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | -29,147 persons |
204 | Indonesia | -29,911 persons |
205 | Ukraine | -32,220 persons |
206 | Romania | -33,018 persons |
207 | Haiti | -34,976 persons |
208 | Dominican Republic | -35,934 persons |
209 | Republic of Moldova | -36,085 persons |
210 | Afghanistan | -36,753 persons |
211 | Azerbaijan | -37,559 persons |
212 | Mali | -40,710 persons |
213 | Mozambique | -50,224 persons |
214 | Oman | -52,630 persons |
215 | Central African Republic | -52,954 persons |
216 | El Salvador | -54,163 persons |
217 | Tanzania | -55,444 persons |
218 | Guatemala | -56,487 persons |
219 | Nigeria | -76,565 persons |
220 | Cambodia | -86,702 persons |
221 | Morocco | -88,159 persons |
222 | Myanmar | -114,598 persons |
223 | Kenya | -115,436 persons |
224 | Zimbabwe | -117,758 persons |
225 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | -124,246 persons |
226 | Philippines | -163,602 persons |
227 | Mexico | -175,356 persons |
228 | China | -198,206 persons |
229 | Brazil | -230,334 persons |
230 | Lebanon | -259,700 persons |
231 | Nepal | -295,151 persons |
232 | India | -589,794 persons |
233 | Saudi Arabia | -988,751 persons |
234 | Bangladesh | -1,029,069 persons |
235 | Pakistan | -1,309,611 persons |
236 | Venezuela | -1,355,602 persons |
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1
United States
- #2
Syrian Arab Republic
- #3
Colombia
- #4
Canada
- #5
Germany
- #6
Russia
- #7
Peru
- #8
Spain
- #9
Japan
- #10
South Africa
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #236
Venezuela
- #235
Pakistan
- #234
Bangladesh
- #233
Saudi Arabia
- #232
India
- #231
Nepal
- #230
Lebanon
- #229
Brazil
- #228
China
- #227
Mexico
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
The concept of Total net-migration is a critical demographic statistic that illustrates the balance between immigration and emigration within a country. By examining the net-migration figure, we can glean insights into the population dynamics and economic opportunities that drive individuals to move across borders. In 2018, this metric not only highlighted the socio-economic landscapes of various nations but also revealed the impacts of global events and policy changes.
Migration Dynamics in 2018
In 2018, a vast range of net-migration values was observed among the 200 countries with available data. The United States emerged as the country with the highest net-migration, boasting a remarkable figure of 1,764,961 persons. This high number is reflective of the country’s strong economic pull and established migration policies that continue to attract individuals seeking better opportunities. In contrast, some countries, such as Algeria, experienced significant emigration pressures, with a net-migration of -27,146, highlighting challenges such as political instability and economic hardship that drive citizens to seek livelihoods elsewhere.
Regional Trends and Influences
The year 2018 was notable for its varied regional migration trends. Europe saw countries like Germany (403,908) and Spain (337,467) appear among the top ten nations with the highest net migration. Germany's figure reflects its open-door policy for refugees and skilled laborers, while Spain's increase by 136,332 from the previous year underscores a recovering economy that became more attractive to migrants. In Asia, Japan recorded a net-migration of 320,601, driven by policy shifts to address labor shortages. Meanwhile, Africa faced challenges, with countries like South Africa showing significant net migration (318,260) due to its relative economic stability in the region attracting migrants from neighboring countries.
Policy and Economic Impact
Migration policies and economic conditions significantly impacted net-migration statistics in 2018. In the Middle East, countries such as the Syrian Arab Republic saw a net-migration of 514,102, largely due to ongoing conflict and the resultant refugee flows. Conversely, countries like Turkey, which experienced a dramatic decrease of 472,276 in net-migration, reflect the strain and adjustments in response to the influx of refugees and tighter border controls.
Notable Year-over-Year Changes
Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals intriguing shifts. Peru experienced the most significant increase, with net-migration climbing by 224,685, a 196.4% rise, largely due to an influx of Venezuelan migrants escaping economic turmoil. Similarly, Colombia registered a 15.0% increase to 495,524, driven by similar factors. However, some nations witnessed decreases, such as Ethiopia, where net-migration dropped by 87%, illustrating the profound effects of political and social upheaval.
Future Implications and Projections
The net-migration statistics of 2018 provide a foundation for future projections. As countries grapple with the effects of globalization, economic disparities, and climate change, migration patterns are likely to evolve. Understanding these trends can guide policymakers in creating more resilient and inclusive frameworks that accommodate shifting population dynamics. The examination of net-migration not only offers insights into current conditions but also helps anticipate future demographic shifts that could influence global economic and social landscapes.
In conclusion, the Total net-migration data for 2018 highlights the complexities of global migration. It underscores the role of economic opportunities and policy environments in shaping migration flows, offering a lens through which the world can better understand the interplay between migration, demographics, and society.
Insights by country
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea recorded a total net migration of 24,684 persons in the year 2018, ranking 42nd out of 236 countries in terms of net migration. This figure indicates a significant inflow of individuals, suggesting that the country serves as a destination for migrants seeking better opportunities or refuge.
The net migration rate can be attributed to various factors, including economic opportunities, educational prospects, and the country's natural resources, which attract foreign workers and expatriates. Additionally, regional instabilities and environmental challenges in neighboring countries may drive migration towards Papua New Guinea.
Interestingly, Papua New Guinea has a rich cultural diversity, with over 800 languages spoken, which can also be appealing to migrants looking for new experiences and cultural interactions. However, challenges such as infrastructure deficits and social issues remain critical for the country's development and integration of migrants.
Libya
In 2018, Libya recorded a total net-migration of 5,841 persons, placing it at 76th out of 236 countries in terms of migration rankings. This figure reflects the complex migration dynamics in Libya, a nation that has been significantly impacted by political instability and conflict since the 2011 civil war.
The high net-migration can be attributed to various factors, including ongoing violence, economic challenges, and the presence of large numbers of migrants and refugees seeking to transit through Libya to Europe. Additionally, Libya's geographical location as a gateway to Europe makes it a focal point for international migration flows.
It is important to note that Libya has been both a source and a destination for migration, with many individuals fleeing conflict while others arrive in search of better economic opportunities. The situation remains fluid and is influenced by both internal conditions and external policies regarding migration in the Mediterranean region.
Barbados
In 2018, Barbados experienced a total net migration rate of -65 persons, ranking it 118th out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This negative figure indicates that more individuals left the country than those who moved to it during that year.
The net migration rate can be influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, educational prospects, and social conditions. Barbados has seen a trend of out-migration as residents seek better job opportunities abroad, particularly in larger economies such as the United States and Canada. Additionally, challenges such as high unemployment rates and limited local job markets may have contributed to this trend.
As a small island nation, Barbados faces unique demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate and an aging population. These factors may also impact the overall migration dynamics, leading to a net loss of population. Furthermore, migration is often associated with the pursuit of improved living conditions and access to better healthcare and education.
Djibouti
In 2018, Djibouti recorded a total net migration of 1,435 persons, placing the country at 87th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration figures. This statistic reflects the balance between the number of people entering and leaving the country within that year.
Several factors contribute to Djibouti's net migration figures, including its strategic geographical location near key shipping routes, which attracts expatriates and migrant workers seeking employment in various sectors, particularly in logistics and port services. Additionally, the country has experienced a relatively stable political environment compared to some of its neighbors, making it an appealing destination for migrants.
It is important to note that Djibouti's population dynamics are influenced by regional conflicts, economic opportunities, and social networks, which can lead to fluctuating migration patterns. For instance, the presence of refugees from neighboring countries, such as Somalia and Yemen, has also affected the overall migration landscape of Djibouti.
Congo
Congo ranked 173rd out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration in 2018, with a reported net migration of -8,856 persons. This negative migration figure indicates that more individuals left the country than those who entered, reflecting significant challenges within the nation.
The negative net migration can be attributed to a variety of factors, including ongoing political instability, economic hardships, and limited access to basic services. Many citizens seek better opportunities abroad due to high unemployment rates and insufficient infrastructure.
Additionally, the Republic of the Congo has faced historical challenges, including civil conflicts and social unrest, which have further exacerbated the outflow of migrants. In comparison, neighboring countries with more stable political environments often attract Congolese migrants seeking safety and improved living conditions.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan ranks 79th out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration for the year 2018, with a net migration figure of 3,494 persons. This statistic reflects the balance of people moving into and out of the country, indicating a relatively modest level of net migration compared to global trends.
Factors contributing to this net migration include economic opportunities and political stability, as many Kyrgyz citizens seek employment abroad, particularly in countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan. Conversely, the migration of foreign nationals into Kyrgyzstan is often driven by regional partnerships, educational opportunities, and familial ties.
In a broader context, Kyrgyzstan's net migration statistic can also be influenced by its geographical position in Central Asia, where migration patterns are significantly affected by socioeconomic conditions, labor markets, and the historical movement of populations in the region.
Iran
In 2018, Iran experienced a total net-migration of -27,946 persons, ranking it 201 out of 236 countries in terms of migration balance. This negative net migration indicates that more people left Iran than those who immigrated during that year.
Several factors contribute to this outflow, including economic challenges, political instability, and social restrictions. High unemployment rates and inflation have driven many Iranians to seek better opportunities abroad, particularly among the youth and educated professionals.
Additionally, increasing political repression and limited personal freedoms have prompted many to emigrate in search of a more open and democratic society. In recent years, Iran has seen a significant diaspora, particularly in countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, where large Iranian communities have formed.
Jordan
In 2018, Jordan recorded a total net migration of approximately 32,062 persons, ranking it 39th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration. This statistic reflects the balance between the number of people entering and leaving the country, indicating a net influx of migrants during that year.
The significant net migration in Jordan can be attributed to various factors, including its geopolitical position and the ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries, particularly Syria. Jordan has been a destination for refugees, leading to an increase in its population as individuals seek safety and stability.
Additionally, Jordan has historically been known for its relatively open immigration policies, which can also attract expatriates and labor migrants. As of 2018, the presence of a diverse migrant population has contributed to the country's socio-economic landscape, influencing labor markets and cultural dynamics.
Latvia
In 2018, Latvia experienced a total net migration of -4,972 persons, ranking it 160th out of 236 countries in this regard. This negative net migration indicates that more people left Latvia than those who immigrated to the country during that year.
Several factors contribute to Latvia's declining population and negative net migration, including economic challenges, such as high unemployment rates and low wages, which have driven many Latvians to seek better opportunities abroad. Additionally, the country has faced demographic issues, including an aging population and low birth rates, further exacerbating the migration trend.
As a member of the European Union, many Latvians have migrated to other EU countries where they perceive better employment prospects and living conditions. This trend has historical roots, as Latvia has experienced significant emigration since regaining independence in 1990, driven by both economic and social factors.
Kiribati
In 2018, Kiribati experienced a total net migration rate of -741 persons, ranking it 129th out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This negative migration figure indicates that more people left the country than those who moved in, highlighting a significant demographic challenge for the nation.
The outmigration from Kiribati can be largely attributed to various factors, including climate change, which poses a severe risk to its low-lying islands, leading to concerns about future habitability. Economic opportunities abroad, particularly in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, also attract many individuals seeking better livelihoods.
Moreover, Kiribati faces ongoing issues such as limited job prospects, inadequate healthcare, and educational resources, which contribute to the emigration trend. The country is part of a larger narrative regarding the impact of environmental change on migration patterns, particularly in Pacific island nations, where rising sea levels threaten local communities.
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