Guatemala Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Guatemala's net migration was -7,959 in 2025, ranked 70th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Guatemala's net migration stood at -7,959 in 2025, a decline of +234 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 792 by 2026. Guatemala ranked 70th globally.
Guatemala’s net migration has shifted from a modest inflow of 797 persons in 1961 to a sustained outflow, reaching an all‑time trough of –65,197 in 2000, before moderating to –7,959 in 2025, placing the country 70th globally among 66 years of data. The long‑term pattern reflects structural pressures such as limited domestic employment opportunities and periodic spikes in violence that have prompted Guatemalans to seek livelihoods abroad, especially in the United States and neighboring Mexico. Over the past quarter‑century the outflow has narrowed considerably, yet it remains comparable to Nicaragua’s –8,371 net migration in the same year, underscoring a regional dynamic where Central American economies continue to lose more residents than they attract. Demographic projections suggest that unless substantial improvements in rural development, education, and security materialize, the modest negative balance is likely to persist, although targeted policy reforms could gradually reverse the outflow trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 9,719 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 5,255 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 792 | - | - |
| 2025 | -7,959 | −234 | #70 |
| 2024 | -7,725 | +1,215 | #69 |
| 2023 | -8,940 | −477 | #54 |
| 2022 | -8,463 | +21,445 | #52 |
| 2021 | -29,908 | −5,981 | #27 |
| 2020 | -23,927 | +33,819 | #28 |
| 2019 | -57,746 | −1,259 | #17 |
| 2018 | -56,487 | −13,708 | #18 |
| 2017 | -42,779 | −11,799 | #26 |
| 2016 | -30,980 | +17,199 | #32 |
| 2015 | -48,179 | −7,770 | #30 |
| 2014 | -40,409 | −4,711 | #31 |
| 2013 | -35,698 | −3,074 | #35 |
| 2012 | -32,624 | +614 | #41 |
| 2011 | -33,238 | +2,838 | #40 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guatemala matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Guatemala's net migration was -7,959 in 2025. Ranked 70th globally. This represents a 3.0% decrease from the previous year.
Guatemala's net migration peaked at 797 in 1961.
The lowest net migration in Guatemala was -65,197 in 2000.
Guatemala ranks 70th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Guatemala's net migration is projected to reach 792 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Guatemala in 2025 was -7,959. This ranks 70th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guatemala_net-migration,
title = {Guatemala Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guatemala/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}