Nicaragua Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Nicaragua's net migration was -8,371 in 2025, ranked 69th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's net migration stood at -8,371 in 2025, a decline of +182 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -7,438 by 2026. Nicaragua ranked 69th globally.
Nicaragua’s net migration figure stood at –8,371.00 in 2025, placing the country 69th worldwide and closely matching peers such as Guatemala (–7,959.00) and Kazakhstan (–8,834.00). The long‑term record, spanning 66 years, shows a modest outflow of –2,418.00 in 1960, the earliest year on record, but the most severe departure occurred in 2003 when net migration plunged to an all‑time trough of –44,931.00. The sharp rise in outflows during the early 2000s reflects heightened economic uncertainty, limited employment opportunities, and political instability that prompted many Nicaraguans to seek livelihoods abroad, particularly in neighboring Central American states and the United States. Since that peak, the annual net loss has receded markedly, suggesting that recent policy measures aimed at improving security and modestly expanding the informal sector have slowed the exodus. Continued investment in productive jobs and political stability will be crucial if Nicaragua is to further reduce the negative migration balance in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -6,672 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -7,055 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -7,438 | - | - |
| 2025 | -8,371 | −182 | #69 |
| 2024 | -8,189 | −193 | #64 |
| 2023 | -7,996 | +0 | #56 |
| 2022 | -7,996 | +2,387 | #54 |
| 2021 | -10,383 | +0 | #52 |
| 2020 | -10,383 | +9,347 | #47 |
| 2019 | -19,730 | +1,012 | #48 |
| 2018 | -20,742 | +1,107 | #49 |
| 2017 | -21,849 | +1,227 | #46 |
| 2016 | -23,076 | +1,277 | #43 |
| 2015 | -24,353 | +1,217 | #45 |
| 2014 | -25,570 | +1,017 | #46 |
| 2013 | -26,587 | +802 | #45 |
| 2012 | -27,389 | +832 | #45 |
| 2011 | -28,221 | +860 | #48 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua 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
Nicaragua's net migration was -8,371 in 2025. Ranked 69th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
Nicaragua's net migration peaked at -2,418 in 1960.
The lowest net migration in Nicaragua was -44,931 in 2003.
Nicaragua ranks 69th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nicaragua's net migration is projected to reach -7,438 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Nicaragua in 2025 was -8,371. This ranks 69th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_net-migration,
title = {Nicaragua Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}