Tonga Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Tonga's net migration was -2,150 in 2025, ranked 99th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Tonga's net migration stood at -2,150 in 2025, a decline of +1 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -2,119 by 2026. Tonga ranked 99th globally.
Tonga’s net migration figure for 2025 stands at –2,150.00, placing the kingdom at rank 99 globally and signalling a persistent outflow of residents. The island nation’s migration balance has been recorded for 66 years, beginning with –384.00 in 1960 and reaching its most modest negative level of –344.00 in 1974, before plunging to an all‑time trough of –2,840.00 in 1983. The recent value remains well above that historic low yet continues a long‑term downward trajectory, mirroring the experience of nearby peers such as Madagascar, which reported –2,227.00 for the same period. The sustained emigration reflects limited domestic employment opportunities and the appeal of overseas labour markets, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. Unless structural reforms expand high‑skill jobs and improve living standards, Tonga is likely to see its net migration remain negative, with only modest improvements expected in the near future.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -2,078 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -2,098 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -2,119 | - | - |
| 2025 | -2,150 | −1 | #99 |
| 2024 | -2,149 | +24 | #94 |
| 2023 | -2,173 | +45 | #81 |
| 2022 | -2,218 | +2 | #75 |
| 2021 | -2,220 | −413 | #83 |
| 2020 | -1,807 | −29 | #82 |
| 2019 | -1,778 | −55 | #99 |
| 2018 | -1,723 | −81 | #94 |
| 2017 | -1,642 | +949 | #93 |
| 2016 | -2,591 | +19 | #85 |
| 2015 | -2,610 | +12 | #93 |
| 2014 | -2,622 | +15 | #90 |
| 2013 | -2,637 | −59 | #84 |
| 2012 | -2,578 | −380 | #89 |
| 2011 | -2,198 | −101 | #92 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tonga matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonga's net migration was -2,150 in 2025. Ranked 99th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Tonga's net migration peaked at -344 in 1974.
The lowest net migration in Tonga was -2,840 in 1983.
Tonga ranks 99th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tonga's net migration is projected to reach -2,119 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Tonga in 2025 was -2,150. This ranks 99th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tonga_net-migration,
title = {Tonga Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tonga/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}