Human Migration - 2010 - 2015

This dataset shows an accumulation of data over a 5-year period, between 2010 & 2015, based on data from the UN. Each of the world’s countries are shaded to indicate their net migration, the difference between immigrants moving into and emigrants moving out of a country. Countries in shades of orange saw a net increase in migration, while those countries shaded in purple saw a net decrease.

Over the 5-year period depicted, countries with the highest levels of net migration included Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Australia. The United States saw the highest level with a total of 4.5 million. Countries with the lowest levels of net migration (a net decrease) included Spain, China, Sudan, India, and Pakistan. Syria had the largest decrease in net migration at -4.1 million.

Migration patterns can be influenced by many factors. Modern modes of travel have made it easier than ever for people to move throughout the world. Many international migrants travel in search of new employment and opportunities. Others are forced to move due to regional instability, violence, and poverty, searching for a higher quality of life for their families. These movements impact countries all over the world in a variety of ways, both in those seeing a net influx of migrants and in those seeing a net decrease.

In 2017, it is estimated that there were 258 million international migrants worldwide, representing an increase of over 80 million people when compared to data from 2000. When supported by appropriate policies, there are several benefits for countries seeing high rates of net migration. Labour gaps are filled, jobs are created by new entrepreneurs, tax and social security revenues increase, and rich cultural diversity is introduced to communities within host countries.