Palau Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Palau's net migration was -16 in 2025, ranked 129th globally. This represents a 14.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Palau's net migration stood at -16 in 2025, a decline of +2 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -13 by 2026. Palau ranked 129th globally.
Palau's net migration has exhibited a notable fluctuation over the past 66 years, with the country experiencing significant variations in immigration and emigration trends. The worst decline in net migration occurred in 2011, when Palau recorded a net loss of 405 people, a stark contrast to the peak of 312 people in 1996, when the country saw an influx of new residents. Currently, Palau ranks 129 globally in terms of net migration, with a negative value of -16.00 people, indicating a net loss of 16 residents. This is comparable to St. Lucia, which ranks higher at -23.00, and lower than Bermuda, which boasts a net gain of -2.00. The trajectory of Palau's net migration is expected to continue its current downward trend, potentially influenced by changes in the country's economic conditions or policy adjustments, such as modifications to its immigration laws.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -10 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -12 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -13 | - | - |
| 2025 | -16 | −2 | #129 |
| 2024 | -14 | +5 | #123 |
| 2023 | -19 | +1 | #114 |
| 2022 | -20 | +1 | #108 |
| 2021 | -21 | −21 | #121 |
| 2020 | 0 | +46 | #120 |
| 2019 | -46 | −11 | #118 |
| 2018 | -35 | −2 | #112 |
| 2017 | -33 | +2 | #112 |
| 2016 | -35 | −24 | #110 |
| 2015 | -11 | −4 | #126 |
| 2014 | -7 | +21 | #124 |
| 2013 | -28 | +359 | #121 |
| 2012 | -387 | +18 | #113 |
| 2011 | -405 | −13 | #113 |
Analysis
Palau's net migration was -16 in 2025, a decline of −2 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated -13 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Palau's net migration was -16 in 2025. Ranked 129th globally. This represents a 14.3% decrease from the previous year.
Palau's net migration peaked at 312 in 1996.
The lowest net migration in Palau was -405 in 2011.
Palau ranks 129th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Palau's net migration is projected to reach -13 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Palau in 2025 was -16. This ranks 129th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_palau_net-migration,
title = {Palau Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/palau/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}