Total net-migration 2021
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 | 674,787 persons |
2 | United Kingdom | 462,967 persons |
3 | South Africa | 458,246 persons |
4 | United Arab Emirates | 421,663 persons |
5 | Iran | 334,967 persons |
6 | Russia | 314,112 persons |
7 | Germany | 310,264 persons |
8 | Syrian Arab Republic | 211,220 persons |
9 | Colombia | 199,070 persons |
10 | Canada | 198,867 persons |
11 | Malaysia | 188,506 persons |
12 | Italy | 157,327 persons |
13 | Spain | 144,385 persons |
14 | France | 131,465 persons |
15 | Nepal | 130,001 persons |
16 | Australia | 116,768 persons |
17 | Netherlands | 106,416 persons |
18 | Chad | 74,509 persons |
19 | Portugal | 69,606 persons |
20 | Chile | 65,480 persons |
21 | Austria | 52,150 persons |
22 | Sweden | 51,947 persons |
23 | Switzerland | 50,665 persons |
24 | Kyrgyzstan | 46,208 persons |
25 | Uganda | 43,464 persons |
26 | Peru | 41,868 persons |
27 | Somalia | 35,506 persons |
28 | Sudan | 31,664 persons |
29 | Namibia | 31,327 persons |
30 | Angola | 29,094 persons |
31 | Ireland | 27,419 persons |
32 | Denmark | 26,887 persons |
33 | Senegal | 25,519 persons |
34 | Qatar | 24,501 persons |
35 | Belgium | 24,017 persons |
36 | Finland | 22,484 persons |
37 | Hungary | 20,372 persons |
38 | Turkey | 20,283 persons |
39 | Norway | 19,804 persons |
40 | Kuwait | 19,678 persons |
41 | Lithuania | 19,657 persons |
42 | Turkmenistan | 17,617 persons |
43 | Iraq | 17,474 persons |
44 | Israel | 16,859 persons |
45 | Bahrain | 11,882 persons |
46 | Bulgaria | 11,756 persons |
47 | Papua New Guinea | 10,703 persons |
48 | Maldives | 9,412 persons |
49 | Cyprus | 9,341 persons |
50 | Luxembourg | 8,724 persons |
51 | China, Macao SAR | 8,572 persons |
52 | Zambia | 8,143 persons |
53 | Estonia | 7,043 persons |
54 | Jordan | 6,573 persons |
55 | Equatorial Guinea | 6,493 persons |
56 | Egypt | 6,161 persons |
57 | Trinidad and Tobago | 5,749 persons |
58 | Panama | 5,473 persons |
59 | Iceland | 4,911 persons |
60 | Malta | 4,638 persons |
61 | Czech Republic | 4,111 persons |
62 | Western Sahara | 3,496 persons |
63 | Timor-Leste | 3,111 persons |
64 | Slovenia | 2,477 persons |
65 | Poland | 2,251 persons |
66 | Seychelles | 2,086 persons |
67 | Benin | 1,729 persons |
68 | Andorra | 1,514 persons |
69 | Gabon | 1,503 persons |
70 | Solomon Islands | 1,499 persons |
71 | Côte d'Ivoire | 1,322 persons |
72 | Djibouti | 1,300 persons |
73 | Mayotte | 1,219 persons |
74 | Azerbaijan | 1,073 persons |
75 | Costa Rica | 1,018 persons |
76 | Monaco | 999 persons |
77 | Cayman Islands | 965 persons |
78 | Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | 871 persons |
79 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 682 persons |
80 | Faroe Islands | 662 persons |
81 | Gibraltar | 561 persons |
82 | Curaçao | 503 persons |
83 | Aruba | 503 persons |
84 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 498 persons |
85 | Bahamas | 481 persons |
86 | Guernsey | 467 persons |
87 | Jersey | 466 persons |
88 | British Virgin Islands | 326 persons |
89 | Argentina | 314 persons |
90 | Bhutan | 287 persons |
91 | Bermuda | 286 persons |
92 | Isle of Man | 192 persons |
93 | Liechtenstein | 187 persons |
94 | Saint Barthélemy | 180 persons |
95 | Tokelau | 39 persons |
96 | Niue | 13 persons |
97 | Antigua and Barbuda | 0 persons |
98 | Brunei Darussalam | 0 persons |
99 | Cabo Verde | 0 persons |
100 | Mongolia | 0 persons |
101 | Saint Helena | 0 persons |
102 | Saint Lucia | 0 persons |
103 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 0 persons |
104 | Montserrat | -16 persons |
105 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | -17 persons |
106 | Palau | -21 persons |
107 | Barbados | -28 persons |
108 | Grenada | -69 persons |
109 | Wallis and Futuna Islands | -71 persons |
110 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | -92 persons |
111 | Nauru | -137 persons |
112 | Belize | -173 persons |
113 | Vanuatu | -201 persons |
114 | United States Virgin Islands | -214 persons |
115 | Dominica | -224 persons |
116 | Guam | -244 persons |
117 | Latvia | -280 persons |
118 | Greenland | -324 persons |
119 | Kiribati | -348 persons |
120 | Tuvalu | -366 persons |
121 | San Marino | -368 persons |
122 | Suriname | -486 persons |
123 | Cook Islands | -510 persons |
124 | Guyana | -689 persons |
125 | Libya | -694 persons |
126 | Sao Tome and Principe | -782 persons |
127 | French Guiana | -832 persons |
128 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -851 persons |
129 | Anguilla | -886 persons |
130 | Togo | -986 persons |
131 | Ukraine | -1,129 persons |
132 | New Caledonia | -1,181 persons |
133 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | -1,190 persons |
134 | Saint Martin (French part) | -1,209 persons |
135 | American Samoa | -1,333 persons |
136 | French Polynesia | -1,348 persons |
137 | Northern Mariana Islands | -1,373 persons |
138 | Ethiopia | -1,377 persons |
139 | Guinea-Bissau | -1,395 persons |
140 | Madagascar | -1,480 persons |
141 | Uruguay | -1,482 persons |
142 | Mauritania | -1,483 persons |
143 | Sierra Leone | -1,544 persons |
144 | North Korea | -1,585 persons |
145 | Comoros | -1,766 persons |
146 | Gambia | -1,949 persons |
147 | Marshall Islands | -2,016 persons |
148 | Thailand | -2,093 persons |
149 | Martinique | -2,183 persons |
150 | Tonga | -2,220 persons |
151 | Montenegro | -2,344 persons |
152 | Malawi | -2,666 persons |
153 | Georgia | -2,738 persons |
154 | Samoa | -2,860 persons |
155 | Réunion | -2,921 persons |
156 | China, Hong Kong SAR | -3,427 persons |
157 | Lesotho | -3,449 persons |
158 | Tajikistan | -3,564 persons |
159 | Botswana | -4,083 persons |
160 | Eswatini | -4,242 persons |
161 | Mauritius | -4,324 persons |
162 | Guinea | -4,373 persons |
163 | Niger | -4,405 persons |
164 | Congo | -4,476 persons |
165 | Croatia | -4,517 persons |
166 | Bolivia | -4,663 persons |
167 | Jamaica | -4,665 persons |
168 | Vietnam | -5,418 persons |
169 | North Macedonia | -5,483 persons |
170 | Honduras | -5,777 persons |
171 | Fiji | -6,008 persons |
172 | Puerto Rico | -7,410 persons |
173 | Tanzania | -7,704 persons |
174 | Slovakia | -8,172 persons |
175 | Paraguay | -8,226 persons |
176 | Serbia | -8,974 persons |
177 | Tunisia | -9,190 persons |
178 | Uzbekistan | -9,205 persons |
179 | Kazakhstan | -9,804 persons |
180 | Cameroon | -9,888 persons |
181 | Laos | -10,305 persons |
182 | Nicaragua | -10,383 persons |
183 | Algeria | -10,803 persons |
184 | Indonesia | -11,248 persons |
185 | Ghana | -11,259 persons |
186 | Liberia | -11,852 persons |
187 | Cuba | -11,976 persons |
188 | State of Palestine | -12,369 persons |
189 | Burkina Faso | -13,079 persons |
190 | Guadeloupe | -14,195 persons |
191 | Burundi | -14,415 persons |
192 | New Zealand | -14,944 persons |
193 | Eritrea | -14,966 persons |
194 | Oman | -16,726 persons |
195 | South Korea | -16,778 persons |
196 | Romania | -17,731 persons |
197 | Dominican Republic | -17,957 persons |
198 | Armenia | -19,457 persons |
199 | Rwanda | -21,492 persons |
200 | Mali | -22,210 persons |
201 | Mozambique | -23,103 persons |
202 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | -25,865 persons |
203 | Cambodia | -27,025 persons |
204 | Lebanon | -27,290 persons |
205 | El Salvador | -27,343 persons |
206 | Ecuador | -28,503 persons |
207 | Sri Lanka | -29,586 persons |
208 | Guatemala | -29,908 persons |
209 | Albania | -32,848 persons |
210 | Haiti | -32,952 persons |
211 | Republic of Moldova | -33,405 persons |
212 | Belarus | -33,954 persons |
213 | Japan | -34,996 persons |
214 | Myanmar | -35,370 persons |
215 | Kosovo | -38,584 persons |
216 | Singapore | -44,030 persons |
217 | Morocco | -47,902 persons |
218 | Kenya | -52,552 persons |
219 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | -64,639 persons |
220 | Zimbabwe | -74,623 persons |
221 | Yemen | -81,248 persons |
222 | Philippines | -85,185 persons |
223 | Central African Republic | -85,646 persons |
224 | Nigeria | -86,115 persons |
225 | Saudi Arabia | -106,287 persons |
226 | Mexico | -122,791 persons |
227 | Taiwan | -145,743 persons |
228 | South Sudan | -154,359 persons |
229 | Greece | -160,277 persons |
230 | Brazil | -208,581 persons |
231 | Venezuela | -332,936 persons |
232 | India | -348,916 persons |
233 | China | -379,749 persons |
234 | Afghanistan | -548,784 persons |
235 | Pakistan | -565,673 persons |
236 | Bangladesh | -994,722 persons |
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1
United States
- #2
United Kingdom
- #3
South Africa
- #4
United Arab Emirates
- #5
Iran
- #6
Russia
- #7
Germany
- #8
Syrian Arab Republic
- #9
Colombia
- #10
Canada
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #236
Bangladesh
- #235
Pakistan
- #234
Afghanistan
- #233
China
- #232
India
- #231
Venezuela
- #230
Brazil
- #229
Greece
- #228
South Sudan
- #227
Taiwan
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 serves as a pivotal indicator of population dynamics, reflecting the balance between immigrants entering and emigrants leaving a particular country. In 2021, this statistic was instrumental in understanding global demographic shifts, economic opportunities, and the resultant impact on social infrastructures. The measurement of net migration provides valuable insights into how nations are adapting to changing economic conditions, global crises, and domestic policy adjustments. Analyzing the Total net-migration offers a comprehensive view of the interconnectedness of nations through the lens of population movement.
Global Demographic Trends in 2021
The year 2021 was marked by significant demographic shifts. The Total net-migration data for this year highlights contrasting trends across various countries. The United States led the list with a net migration of 674,787 persons, indicating a strong influx of immigrants. This substantial increase can be attributed to the country's economic recovery post-pandemic and its appeal for job seekers. The United Kingdom and South Africa followed with net migrations of 462,967 and 458,246 respectively, showcasing their prominence as attractive destinations for prospective immigrants.
Conversely, some nations experienced a net outflow of their populations. Mali recorded the lowest net migration at -22,210, reflecting its socio-economic challenges and the political instability driving people to seek opportunities elsewhere. Similarly, Rwanda and Armenia experienced significant emigration, with net migrations of -21,492 and -19,457 respectively. These figures underscore the disparities in economic stability and quality of life across different regions.
The implications of Total net-migration extend beyond simple population shifts; they significantly affect economic and social landscapes. Countries with high immigration rates such as the United Arab Emirates, which recorded a net migration of 421,663, benefit from a diverse labor force contributing to rapid economic growth and development. The influx of skilled workers helps in addressing labor shortages and spurring innovation, ultimately boosting national productivity.
On the other hand, countries with high emigration rates face challenges such as brain drain, which can hinder economic progress. For example, Romania, with a net migration of -17,731, continues to struggle with the loss of its educated workforce to more developed nations. This outflow can exacerbate social issues, including a shrinking labor market and increased dependency ratios.
Policy Influences and Governance
Government policies play a crucial role in shaping Total net-migration figures. In 2021, several countries revised their immigration policies in response to changing global conditions. The notable increase in net migration in the United States and the United Kingdom can be partially attributed to their more welcoming immigration policies post-Brexit and post-pandemic. These adjustments have encouraged skilled workers to migrate, looking for improved living conditions and career opportunities.
Conversely, restrictive policies have contributed to high emigration rates in countries like South Korea, which saw a decrease of 129,409 persons in its net migration number. Such policies can drive citizens to seek better opportunities abroad, emphasizing the need for balanced regulations that cater to both domestic needs and international relationships.
Regional Comparisons and Insights
Analyzing Total net-migration on a regional scale reveals fascinating patterns. In Africa, South Africa emerges as an outlier with a positive net migration, contrasting sharply with its neighbors like Eritrea and Burundi, which showed significant population outflows. This disparity highlights regional inequalities in economic opportunities and political stability.
In Europe, Germany's net migration of 310,264 persons signifies its role as a key destination for immigrants, bolstered by its strong economy and robust social policies. However, countries in Eastern Europe, such as Romania, continue to face high emigration rates, reflecting ongoing disparities within the continent.
Overall, Total net-migration in 2021 paints a complex picture of global mobility, revealing how economic conditions, policy decisions, and regional stability interconnect to shape population movements. As nations continue to navigate these dynamics, understanding the nuances of net migration becomes increasingly important for effective policy-making and sustainable development.
Insights by country
Guinea
In 2021, Guinea recorded a total net migration of -4,373 persons, ranking it 162nd out of 236 countries in terms of migration trends. This negative net migration indicates that more individuals left Guinea than entered, reflecting a challenging demographic scenario for the nation.
Several factors contribute to this outflow of migrants, including economic instability, political unrest, and limited employment opportunities. The country has faced ongoing political turmoil and social issues, leading many citizens to seek better prospects abroad.
Additionally, Guinea's historical context, marked by a legacy of civil strife and governance challenges, has fostered an environment where migration becomes a viable option for many. Notably, the region of West Africa has seen significant migration patterns, influenced by both socio-economic conditions and the quest for improved living standards.
Mauritania
Mauritania ranked 142nd out of 236 countries in terms of total net migration in 2021, reflecting a net outflow of 1,483 persons. This statistic indicates that more people left Mauritania than those who moved into the country during that year, highlighting challenges in migration dynamics.
Potential factors contributing to this negative net migration include economic constraints, limited employment opportunities, and ongoing social issues. The country has faced difficulties related to climate change, which has exacerbated food insecurity and poverty, leading many to seek better prospects abroad.
Additionally, Mauritania’s geographical position and its historical ties to migration routes have influenced its demographic trends, with many citizens opting for migration to neighboring countries or further abroad in search of improved living conditions.
Western Sahara
In 2021, Western Sahara recorded a total net migration of 3,496 persons, ranking 62nd out of 236 countries in terms of net migration. This statistic reflects the ongoing complexities surrounding the region, which is subject to political disputes and has a unique status as a non-self-governing territory.
The net migration figure can be attributed to various factors, including the presence of a significant refugee population, economic opportunities in neighboring regions, and the impact of prolonged conflict. Many individuals migrate in search of better living conditions or to escape challenging circumstances associated with the territorial dispute.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that Western Sahara's geopolitical situation often influences migration patterns, as movements may be linked to political activism or efforts to support self-determination. The territory's status and the associated humanitarian needs could further drive migration trends in the future.
Greece
In 2021, Greece experienced a total net migration of -160,277 persons, ranking 229th out of 236 countries in terms of net migration figures. This negative migration balance indicates that more individuals left Greece than entered the country, reflecting a significant demographic challenge.
The decline in population due to net migration can be attributed to various factors, including ongoing economic difficulties, high unemployment rates, and a challenging job market that have driven many Greeks to seek opportunities abroad. Additionally, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated these trends, with many expatriates choosing to remain outside the country.
Interestingly, Greece has a long history of emigration and has faced similar challenges in previous decades. The trend of net emigration is often linked to the broader economic landscape, with many citizens prioritizing stability and employment opportunities over remaining in a struggling economy.
Peru
In 2021, Peru recorded a total net migration of 41,868 persons, ranking 26th out of 236 countries in terms of migration figures. This statistic reflects the balance between the number of people entering and leaving the country, indicating a relatively stable migratory environment during that year.
Several factors contribute to Peru's net migration figures, including economic opportunities, political stability, and social conditions. The country has been an attractive destination for migrants from neighboring nations, particularly those seeking better job prospects and living conditions. Additionally, Peru's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes continue to draw expatriates and tourists alike.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Peru has experienced significant emigration as well, with many Peruvians seeking opportunities abroad, particularly in countries such as the United States and Spain. This dual trend of immigration and emigration highlights the complex dynamics of migration in the region.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
In 2021, Saint Pierre and Miquelon recorded a total net-migration of 0 persons, ranking 103rd out of 236 countries in this regard. This indicates that the number of individuals moving into the territory was balanced by the number leaving, resulting in no net change in the population due to migration.
The unique demographic and geographic characteristics of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a small group of islands located off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, contribute to its migration dynamics. Factors such as the limited economic opportunities, a small population of approximately 6,000 residents, and the islands' remote location may influence the stability in migration rates.
Additionally, the territory's political status as a self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France may impact migration patterns, as residents often enjoy certain social and economic protections. The absence of significant immigration or emigration in 2021 reflects a broader trend of stability within this small community.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan recorded a total net migration of -3,564 persons in the year 2021, ranking it 158th out of 236 countries in terms of migration. This negative net migration indicates that more people left the country than those who immigrated.
The high rate of emigration can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, limited job opportunities, and ongoing political instability. Many Tajiks seek better living conditions and employment prospects abroad, particularly in Russia and other neighboring countries.
Additionally, Tajikistan has one of the highest rates of remittances relative to its GDP, highlighting the reliance of many families on funds sent back home by relatives working overseas. This migration trend reflects broader regional dynamics, where migration is often viewed as a necessary strategy for economic survival.
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) recorded a total net migration of -17 persons in the year 2021, ranking 105th out of 236 countries. This negative net migration indicates that the number of people leaving the islands exceeded those migrating to them during this period.
This statistic can be attributed to various factors, including the remote location of the islands, limited job opportunities, and the impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly related to the sovereignty dispute with Argentina. Additionally, the small population size and the economic structure, which heavily relies on fishing and tourism, may not provide sufficient incentives for long-term immigration.
Interestingly, the Falkland Islands have a unique demographic profile, with a population of approximately 3,400 residents as of 2021, making it one of the least populous jurisdictions globally. The islands also maintain a high quality of life, which can be a draw for certain individuals, although the overall net migration remains negative.
Saudi Arabia
In 2021, Saudi Arabia reported a total net migration of -106,287 persons, ranking 225th out of 236 countries in terms of migration. This negative net migration indicates that more people left the country than those who moved there, reflecting a significant demographic trend.
Several factors contribute to this statistic, including changing economic conditions, reduced job opportunities, and various social and political dynamics within the Kingdom. The country's Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependency, may have prompted some expatriates to reassess their long-term prospects in Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 led to stricter immigration policies and travel restrictions that hindered the inflow of foreign workers, contributing to the decline in net migration. Historically, Saudi Arabia has been a destination for a large expatriate workforce, primarily in sectors such as construction and domestic work, but recent trends suggest a reevaluation of this status.
Guam
In 2021, Guam experienced a total net migration of -244 persons, ranking it 116th out of 236 countries in terms of migration statistics. This negative net migration indicates that more individuals left the territory than those who moved in, reflecting ongoing demographic challenges.
Several factors contribute to this trend, including limited economic opportunities, a high cost of living, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to job losses and uncertainty for residents. Additionally, Guam's geographical isolation often makes it less appealing for new migrants compared to more urbanized areas.
Historically, Guam has seen fluctuations in its population due to various factors such as military presence, economic conditions, and natural disasters. In recent years, the territory's dependency on tourism and military spending has also influenced migration patterns, highlighting the complex relationship between economic health and population stability.
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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