Bosnia and Herzegovina Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Bosnia and Herzegovina's net migration was -6,994 in 2025, ranked 74th globally. This represents a 55.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Bosnia and Herzegovina's net migration stood at -6,994 in 2025, a decline of +2,497 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2,454 by 2026. Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked 74th globally.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s net migration balance in 2025 was –6,994.00, placing the country 74th globally and indicating a modest outflow of residents that continues a long‑term pattern of negative migration. The figure is slightly higher than the earliest recorded balance of –6,481.00 in 1960, but far below the dramatic surge to 173,193.00 in 1996, a post‑war peak driven by returnees and displaced persons. Conversely, the all‑time trough of –436,814.00 in 1992 reflected the height of conflict‑induced exodus. Compared with peers of similar rank, Bosnia’s outflow is marginally lower than Latvia’s –7,330.00 and closely aligned with Uzbekistan’s –6,987.00, suggesting regional commonalities in labour‑market pull factors and demographic pressures. Over the 66‑year coverage period the net migration trend has remained negative, with occasional spikes tied to political upheaval. Continued economic diversification and improved border policies could moderate the outflow, potentially shifting the trajectory toward a more balanced migration profile in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 9,200 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 5,827 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2,454 | - | - |
| 2025 | -6,994 | −2,497 | #74 |
| 2024 | -4,497 | −4,012 | #79 |
| 2023 | -485 | +0 | #103 |
| 2022 | -485 | +25,380 | #97 |
| 2021 | -25,865 | +975 | #33 |
| 2020 | -26,840 | +1,001 | #24 |
| 2019 | -27,841 | +1,306 | #37 |
| 2018 | -29,147 | +1,503 | #33 |
| 2017 | -30,650 | +1,523 | #34 |
| 2016 | -32,173 | +1,775 | #29 |
| 2015 | -33,948 | +1,735 | #37 |
| 2014 | -35,683 | +1,319 | #35 |
| 2013 | -37,002 | +29,376 | #32 |
| 2012 | -66,378 | −1,503 | #18 |
| 2011 | -64,875 | +2,353 | #24 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bosnia and Herzegovina matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bosnia and Herzegovina's net migration was -6,994 in 2025. Ranked 74th globally. This represents a 55.5% decrease from the previous year.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's net migration peaked at 173,193 in 1996.
The lowest net migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina was -436,814 in 1992.
Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 74th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's net migration is projected to reach 2,454 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 was -6,994. This ranks 74th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bosnia-and-herzegovina_net-migration,
title = {Bosnia and Herzegovina Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bosnia-and-herzegovina/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}