Marshall Islands Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Marshall Islands's net migration was -1,698 in 2025, ranked 101st globally. This represents a 3.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Marshall Islands's net migration stood at -1,698 in 2025, a rise of +67 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1,618 by 2026. Marshall Islands ranked 101st globally.
Marshall Islands has recorded a cumulative net outflow of people, with the World Bank reporting a net migration of –1,698.00 in 2025, placing the nation 101st globally. The migration balance turned negative after a modest inflow of 63.00 in 1960 and reached its highest positive level of 769.00 in 1968, a brief post‑colonial surge that quickly gave way to persistent out‑migration. The deepest decline occurred in 2018 when net migration fell to –2,058.00, a trough that remains unmatched in the 66‑year series. Compared with peers of similar rank, the Marshall Islands’ outflow is slightly less than Tonga (–2,150.00) and more pronounced than Guinea‑Bissau (–1,373.00), reflecting comparable pressures from limited domestic opportunities and climate‑related vulnerability. If economic diversification and climate‑adaptation measures expand, the negative migration trend could moderate, potentially shifting the balance toward a smaller net loss or even modest inflows in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -1,478 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -1,548 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -1,618 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1,698 | +67 | #101 |
| 2024 | -1,765 | +67 | #97 |
| 2023 | -1,832 | −3 | #86 |
| 2022 | -1,829 | +187 | #80 |
| 2021 | -2,016 | −12 | #85 |
| 2020 | -2,004 | +26 | #80 |
| 2019 | -2,030 | +28 | #95 |
| 2018 | -2,058 | −18 | #90 |
| 2017 | -2,040 | −37 | #90 |
| 2016 | -2,003 | −39 | #88 |
| 2015 | -1,964 | −58 | #100 |
| 2014 | -1,906 | −81 | #95 |
| 2013 | -1,825 | −66 | #93 |
| 2012 | -1,759 | −247 | #95 |
| 2011 | -1,512 | −291 | #98 |
Analysis
Marshall Islands's net migration was -1,698 in 2025, a rise of +67 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated -1,618 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marshall Islands's net migration was -1,698 in 2025. Ranked 101st globally. This represents a 3.8% increase from the previous year.
Marshall Islands's net migration peaked at 769 in 1968.
The lowest net migration in Marshall Islands was -2,058 in 2018.
Marshall Islands ranks 101st globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Marshall Islands's net migration is projected to reach -1,618 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Marshall Islands in 2025 was -1,698. This ranks 101st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_marshall-islands_net-migration,
title = {Marshall Islands Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/marshall-islands/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}