North Macedonia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
North Macedonia's net migration was -5,645 in 2025, ranked 79th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
North Macedonia's net migration stood at -5,645 in 2025, a rise of +83 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -5,777 by 2026. North Macedonia ranked 79th globally.
North Macedonia recorded a net migration loss of ‑5,645.00 in 2025, placing it 79th among World Bank‑tracked economies and aligning closely with Botswana’s ‑5,665.00 figure for the same year. The country’s migration balance has swung dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a modest inflow peak of 181.00 in 1969 to a historic outflow trough of ‑47,273.00 in 1993, a period that coincided with the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent economic and political turbulence. Since the early 2000s, net migration has stabilized at a negative but comparatively modest level, reflecting a gradual improvement in domestic labor market conditions and the impact of EU‑related mobility agreements. Nonetheless, the persistent outflow suggests that demographic pressures and limited high‑skill employment opportunities continue to drive emigration. Strengthening vocational training and attracting foreign direct investment could reverse the current trajectory, potentially shifting the net migration balance toward a modest surplus in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -5,928 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -5,852 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -5,777 | - | - |
| 2025 | -5,645 | +83 | #79 |
| 2024 | -5,728 | −131 | #74 |
| 2023 | -5,597 | −301 | #64 |
| 2022 | -5,296 | +187 | #60 |
| 2021 | -5,483 | +17,975 | #65 |
| 2020 | -23,458 | +746 | #29 |
| 2019 | -24,204 | +674 | #42 |
| 2018 | -24,878 | −651 | #42 |
| 2017 | -24,227 | −83 | #41 |
| 2016 | -24,144 | −1,134 | #41 |
| 2015 | -23,010 | −878 | #46 |
| 2014 | -22,132 | −1,835 | #49 |
| 2013 | -20,297 | −1,214 | #50 |
| 2012 | -19,083 | −1,212 | #58 |
| 2011 | -17,871 | −1,203 | #61 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
North Macedonia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
North Macedonia's net migration was -5,645 in 2025. Ranked 79th globally. This represents a 1.4% increase from the previous year.
North Macedonia's net migration peaked at 181 in 1969.
The lowest net migration in North Macedonia was -47,273 in 1993.
North Macedonia ranks 79th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
North Macedonia's net migration is projected to reach -5,777 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of North Macedonia in 2025 was -5,645. This ranks 79th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_north-macedonia_net-migration,
title = {North Macedonia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/north-macedonia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}