Uruguay Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Uruguay's net migration was -1,338 in 2025, ranked 103rd globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Uruguay's net migration stood at -1,338 in 2025, a rise of +10 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -1,302 by 2026. Uruguay ranked 103rd globally.
Uruguay’s net migration balance has shifted from a modest inflow in the early 1960s to a persistent outflow in recent decades, with the World Bank reporting a net loss of 1,338.00 persons in 2025, ranking the country 103rd globally. The earliest data point in 1960 shows the highest recorded surplus of 2,057.00 migrants, reflecting a period of economic optimism and regional labor demand, while the sharpest reversal occurred in 2003 when the net balance fell to a trough of –17,105.00, coinciding with the regional financial crises that spurred emigration. Over the 66‑year series, Uruguay’s outflow now aligns closely with peer small‑state economies such as Guinea‑Bissau (–1,373.00) and Cabo Verde (–1,284.00), suggesting that demographic pressures and limited domestic opportunities are common drivers. Continued improvements in wages, social services, and investment in high‑value sectors could reverse the current trajectory, potentially restoring a modest net inflow in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -1,214 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -1,258 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -1,302 | - | - |
| 2025 | -1,338 | +10 | #103 |
| 2024 | -1,348 | +153 | #102 |
| 2023 | -1,501 | +0 | #88 |
| 2022 | -1,501 | −19 | #81 |
| 2021 | -1,482 | +0 | #91 |
| 2020 | -1,482 | +1,417 | #89 |
| 2019 | -2,899 | +64 | #86 |
| 2018 | -2,963 | +128 | #83 |
| 2017 | -3,091 | +415 | #82 |
| 2016 | -3,506 | +651 | #75 |
| 2015 | -4,157 | +762 | #84 |
| 2014 | -4,919 | +728 | #80 |
| 2013 | -5,647 | +670 | #75 |
| 2012 | -6,317 | +665 | #76 |
| 2011 | -6,982 | +714 | #75 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uruguay matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2020. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uruguay's net migration was -1,338 in 2025. Ranked 103rd globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from the previous year.
Uruguay's net migration peaked at 2,057 in 1960.
The lowest net migration in Uruguay was -17,105 in 2003.
Uruguay ranks 103rd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uruguay's net migration is projected to reach -1,302 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Uruguay in 2025 was -1,338. This ranks 103rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uruguay_net-migration,
title = {Uruguay Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uruguay/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}