Botswana Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Botswana's net migration was -5,665 in 2025, ranked 78th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Botswana's net migration stood at -5,665 in 2025, a rise of +113 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -6,355 by 2026. Botswana ranked 78th globally.
Botswana’s net migration balance in 2025 was –5,665.00, placing the country 78th globally and indicating a modest outflow of residents. This figure follows a long‑term decline from the all‑time peak of 26,015.00 in 1978, when the economy’s rapid post‑independence growth attracted labor, to the all‑time trough of –16,054.00 in 1970, a period marked by limited employment opportunities and regional instability. Over the 66‑year coverage, the net migration series has remained negative since the early 1970s, reflecting persistent push factors such as constrained job creation in the mining sector and higher wages abroad. Botswana’s current outflow is comparable to peers such as Eswatini (–5,775.00) and North Macedonia (–5,645.00), underscoring a regional pattern of modest emigration in middle‑income economies. If diversification away from diamond dependence accelerates and expands skilled‑job prospects, the outflow could ease, potentially shifting the migration balance toward a neutral or positive position in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -6,682 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -6,518 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -6,355 | - | - |
| 2025 | -5,665 | +113 | #78 |
| 2024 | -5,778 | +709 | #73 |
| 2023 | -6,487 | +819 | #58 |
| 2022 | -7,306 | −3,223 | #55 |
| 2021 | -4,083 | +7,247 | #75 |
| 2020 | -11,330 | +440 | #45 |
| 2019 | -11,770 | −147 | #60 |
| 2018 | -11,623 | −707 | #56 |
| 2017 | -10,916 | −630 | #60 |
| 2016 | -10,286 | −687 | #58 |
| 2015 | -9,599 | −706 | #72 |
| 2014 | -8,893 | −1,057 | #71 |
| 2013 | -7,836 | −1,200 | #67 |
| 2012 | -6,636 | −5,617 | #74 |
| 2011 | -1,019 | −6,170 | #108 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Botswana matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana's net migration was -5,665 in 2025. Ranked 78th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from the previous year.
Botswana's net migration peaked at 26,015 in 1978.
The lowest net migration in Botswana was -16,054 in 1970.
Botswana ranks 78th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Botswana's net migration is projected to reach -6,355 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Botswana in 2025 was -5,665. This ranks 78th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_botswana_net-migration,
title = {Botswana Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/botswana/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}