French Polynesia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
French Polynesia's net migration was -1,199 in 2025, ranked 105th globally. This represents a 4.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
French Polynesia's net migration stood at -1,199 in 2025, a rise of +62 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1,185 by 2026. French Polynesia ranked 105th globally.
French Polynesia’s net migration has shifted from a modest outflow of –957.00 in 1960 to a pronounced deficit of –1,199.00 in 2025, placing the territory at rank 105 globally. The most favorable balance occurred in 1979 when 1,193.00 more people arrived than left, a rare positive swing in a pattern dominated by emigration. The deepest decline was recorded in 2018, with a net loss of –3,802.00, underscoring the vulnerability of the islands to external labor market pull factors and limited domestic opportunities. Recent figures are comparable to those of St. Martin (French part), which posted –1,170.00, and slightly better than Uruguay’s –1,338.00, reflecting a regional context of persistent out‑migration. Over the 66‑year span, the cumulative trend points to a steady increase in net outflows, suggesting that unless economic diversification, improved local employment, or targeted retention policies are introduced, the negative migration balance is likely to persist.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -1,108 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -1,147 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -1,185 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1,199 | +62 | #105 |
| 2024 | -1,261 | +87 | #103 |
| 2023 | -1,348 | +0 | #91 |
| 2022 | -1,348 | +0 | #86 |
| 2021 | -1,348 | +95 | #95 |
| 2020 | -1,443 | +1,373 | #91 |
| 2019 | -2,816 | +986 | #87 |
| 2018 | -3,802 | −1,619 | #77 |
| 2017 | -2,183 | −381 | #89 |
| 2016 | -1,802 | +97 | #90 |
| 2015 | -1,899 | +54 | #101 |
| 2014 | -1,953 | −209 | #94 |
| 2013 | -1,744 | +438 | #95 |
| 2012 | -2,182 | +419 | #93 |
| 2011 | -2,601 | +316 | #87 |
Analysis
French Polynesia's net migration was -1,199 in 2025, a rise of +62 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated -1,185 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
French Polynesia's net migration was -1,199 in 2025. Ranked 105th globally. This represents a 4.9% increase from the previous year.
French Polynesia's net migration peaked at 1,193 in 1979.
The lowest net migration in French Polynesia was -3,802 in 2018.
French Polynesia ranks 105th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
French Polynesia's net migration is projected to reach -1,185 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of French Polynesia in 2025 was -1,199. This ranks 105th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_french-polynesia_net-migration,
title = {French Polynesia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/french-polynesia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}