Papua New Guinea Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Papua New Guinea's net migration was -284 in 2025, ranked 119th globally. This represents a 59.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's net migration stood at -284 in 2025, a rise of +423 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -4,941 by 2026. Papua New Guinea ranked 119th globally.
Papua New Guinea's net migration has been characterized by significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with the latest figure standing at -284.00 in 2025. This places the country at 119th globally, closely ranking with peer countries such as Tuvalu, which has a net migration of -255.00, and Macao SAR, China, with -328.00. The country experienced its all-time peak in net migration in 2010, with 50,106.00, while the trough occurred in 1988, with -26,232.00. In comparison to its historical extremes, Papua New Guinea's current net migration is relatively stable. As the country continues to navigate its demographic and economic landscape, a shift in the trend would likely require significant changes in factors such as economic opportunities, education, or conflict, which would in turn alter the trajectory of its net migration.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -9,319 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -7,130 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -4,941 | - | - |
| 2025 | -284 | +423 | #119 |
| 2024 | -707 | +80 | #110 |
| 2023 | -787 | +0 | #99 |
| 2022 | -787 | −11,490 | #94 |
| 2021 | 10,703 | +0 | #169 |
| 2020 | 10,703 | −12,275 | #169 |
| 2019 | 22,978 | −1,706 | #178 |
| 2018 | 24,684 | −1,829 | #174 |
| 2017 | 26,513 | −1,960 | #176 |
| 2016 | 28,473 | −2,107 | #175 |
| 2015 | 30,580 | −2,260 | #181 |
| 2014 | 32,840 | −2,440 | #178 |
| 2013 | 35,280 | −2,613 | #180 |
| 2012 | 37,893 | −2,797 | #181 |
| 2011 | 40,690 | −9,416 | #181 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Papua New Guinea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Papua New Guinea's net migration was -284 in 2025. Ranked 119th globally. This represents a 59.8% increase from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's net migration peaked at 50,106 in 2010.
The lowest net migration in Papua New Guinea was -26,232 in 1988.
Papua New Guinea ranks 119th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Papua New Guinea's net migration is projected to reach -4,941 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was -284. This ranks 119th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_net-migration,
title = {Papua New Guinea Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}