Faroe Islands Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Faroe Islands's net migration was 386 in 2025, ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 20.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Faroe Islands's net migration stood at 386 in 2025, a decline of +102 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 346 by 2026. Faroe Islands ranked 143rd globally.
Net migration in the Faroe Islands has shifted from a pronounced outflow in the early 1990s to a modest inflow in the 2020s, reflecting changing demographic and economic conditions. The all‑time trough of –1,321.00 persons was recorded in 1993, at a time when limited employment opportunities prompted many residents to seek work abroad. By contrast, the peak of 676.00 newcomers arrived in 2018, driven by a boom in fisheries and tourism that attracted both skilled and unskilled workers. The latest World Bank estimate for 2025 shows net migration at 386.00, ranking the islands 143rd globally and placing the figure between peers such as Belize (360.00) and New Caledonia (440.00). Over the 66‑year coverage period, the net migration balance has moved steadily upward since the early‑1990s trough, suggesting that continued diversification of the economy and improved living standards could sustain or even accelerate this positive trend in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 211 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 279 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 346 | - | - |
| 2025 | 386 | −102 | #143 |
| 2024 | 488 | −111 | #139 |
| 2023 | 599 | −15 | #134 |
| 2022 | 614 | −48 | #127 |
| 2021 | 662 | +114 | #138 |
| 2020 | 548 | −122 | #134 |
| 2019 | 670 | −6 | #134 |
| 2018 | 676 | +42 | #125 |
| 2017 | 634 | +93 | #124 |
| 2016 | 541 | +42 | #122 |
| 2015 | 499 | +414 | #136 |
| 2014 | 85 | +37 | #126 |
| 2013 | 48 | +40 | #122 |
| 2012 | 8 | −24 | #123 |
| 2011 | 32 | +812 | #127 |
Analysis
Faroe Islands's net migration was 386 in 2025, a decline of −102 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 346 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Faroe Islands's net migration was 386 in 2025. Ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 20.9% decrease from the previous year.
Faroe Islands's net migration peaked at 676 in 2018.
The lowest net migration in Faroe Islands was -1,321 in 1993.
Faroe Islands ranks 143rd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Faroe Islands's net migration is projected to reach 346 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Faroe Islands in 2025 was 386. This ranks 143rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_faroe-islands_net-migration,
title = {Faroe Islands Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/faroe-islands/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}