Kiribati Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Kiribati's net migration was -462 in 2025, ranked 116th globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Kiribati's net migration stood at -462 in 2025, a rise of +9 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -523 by 2026. Kiribati ranked 116th globally.
Kiribati’s net migration has remained negative for most of the 66‑year series, slipping to –462.00 in 2025, which places the island nation at rank 116 out of 199 reporting countries. The country recorded its all‑time trough of –1,858.00 in 1978, a period that coincided with heightened out‑migration driven by limited economic opportunities and climate‑related vulnerabilities. Since the zero baseline in 1960 and the peak of 0.00 in 2020, the net outflow has persisted, albeit at a much lower magnitude than the 1970s high. Compared with peers, Kiribati’s recent outflow is modestly larger than the US Virgin Islands (–357.00) but smaller than Djibouti (–581.00). The gradual decline in the absolute negative figure suggests a slight easing of out‑migration pressures, though future trajectories will depend on the effectiveness of climate‑adaptation measures and the development of domestic livelihoods that can retain residents.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -584 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -554 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -523 | - | - |
| 2025 | -462 | +9 | #116 |
| 2024 | -471 | +14 | #113 |
| 2023 | -485 | −90 | #104 |
| 2022 | -395 | −47 | #100 |
| 2021 | -348 | −348 | #109 |
| 2020 | 0 | +705 | #117 |
| 2019 | -705 | +36 | #107 |
| 2018 | -741 | +9 | #102 |
| 2017 | -750 | +6 | #102 |
| 2016 | -756 | +266 | #101 |
| 2015 | -1,022 | +106 | #110 |
| 2014 | -1,128 | −27 | #107 |
| 2013 | -1,101 | −8 | #107 |
| 2012 | -1,093 | −74 | #105 |
| 2011 | -1,019 | −563 | #109 |
Analysis
Kiribati's net migration was -462 in 2025, a rise of +9 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated -523 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kiribati's net migration was -462 in 2025. Ranked 116th globally. This represents a 1.9% increase from the previous year.
Kiribati's net migration peaked at 0 in 1960.
The lowest net migration in Kiribati was -1,858 in 1978.
Kiribati ranks 116th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kiribati's net migration is projected to reach -523 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Kiribati in 2025 was -462. This ranks 116th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kiribati_net-migration,
title = {Kiribati Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kiribati/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}