Migration und Handel | Migrationsdatenportal
Internationaler Handel wird häufig als grenzüberschreitender Kauf und Verkauf von Waren und Dienstleistungen definiert. Die Wechselwirkungen ...
Migrationsbeständen
Daten zu <anchor>Migrationsbeständen</anchor> und zur Zerstreuung sind von wesentlicher Bedeutung, wenn es darum geht, die Beziehungen zwischen Einwanderung und Handel zu verstehen. Die Abteilung für wirtschaftliche und soziale Angelegenheiten der Vereinten Nationen (UN DESA) verwendet Daten der nationalen Statistikämter zu Herkunftsländern sowie zur Staatsbürgerschaft, um Schätzungen der weltweiten Migrationsbestände vorzunehmen.
International migrant stocks data
International migrant stocks data[Skip to main content](#main-content)

[![Home](/themes/custom/iom/logo.svg)](/)

[Migration data portal](/)

The bigger picture

## Secondary menu

- [Mailing list](/mailing-list)
- [About](/about)
- [FAQ](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/faqs)
- [Feedback](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/feedback)

- [English](/themes/bestand-internationalen-migrantinnen-und-migranten)
- [Español](/es/themes/poblaciones-de-migrantes-internacionales)
- [Français](/fr/themes/population-de-migrants-internationaux)
- [Deutsch](/de/themes/bestand-internationalen-migrantinnen-und-migranten)

## Main navigation

- [DATA \
Interactive dashboards](/international-data "Interactive dashboards")


- International data


- [Explore the world map](/international-data)
- [Compare indicators](/dashboard/compare-indicators)
- [Compare by geographic scope](/dashboard/compare-geographic)
- [Data catalogue](/data-catalogue)
- [Key Global Figures - Migration and human mobility](/key-figures)
- [VIDEO: How to use this section](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/node/498686)

- [National data](/dashboard/national-data)


- [Explore the data](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/dashboard/national-data)

- Featured data


- [Key figures for Americas: Globally comparable data](/americas/key-figures)
- [Human Mobility in the Americas: National and DTM data](/americas/human-mobility)
- [Climate mobility impacts](/climate-mobility-impacts)

- [Innovative data](/data-innovation)


- [AI/Machine learning](/data-sources/ai-machine-learning)
- [Administrative](/data-sources/administrative)
- [Census](/data-sources/census)
- [Mobile phone](/data-sources/mobile-phone-data)
- [Satellites](/data-sources/satellite-data)
- [Social media](/data-sources/social-media)
- [Surveys](/data-sources/surveys)

- [OVERVIEWS \
Themes and regions](/themes "Themes and regions")


- [Thematic data overviews](/themes-list)


- [Thematic pages](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes-list)

- Regional data overviews


- Africa


- [Eastern Africa](/regional-data-overview/eastern-africa)
- [Middle Africa](/regional-data-overview/middle-africa)
- [Northern Africa](/regional-data-overview/northern-africa)
- [Southern Africa](/regional-data-overview/southern-africa)
- [Western Africa](/regional-data-overview/western-africa)

- Americas


- \- Under construction / New section coming soon -

- Asia


- [Eastern Asia](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/regional-data-overview/human-mobility-data-eastern-asia)
- [Central Asia](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/regional-data-overview/central-asia)
- [South-eastern Asia](/regional-data-overview/south-eastern-asia)
- [Southern Asia](/regional-data-overview/southern-asia)
- [Western Asia](/regional-data-overview/migration-data-western-asia)

- [Europe](/regional-data-overview/europe)
- [Oceania](/regional-data-overview/oceania)

- Spotlights


- [Sudan](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/Sudan)
- [Ukraine](/ukraine)
- [Food Security](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/food-security)
- [Climate Change and Human Mobility](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/climate-mobility-spotlight)
- [Gender and Human Mobility](/gender-mobility-spotlight)

- Thematic briefs


- [Climate Change & The Future of Human Mobility](/resource/iom-global-data-institute-brief-climate-change-and-mobility)
- [Diasporas & Their Contributions](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/2023-09/GDI%20Briefs_Diaspora_210923.pdf)
- [Women & Girls on the Move](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/women-girls-move-snapshot-available-evidence)

- [Expert contributions](/blog)


- [Articles](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/blog)
- [Videos](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/videos)

- How to use this section


- [Watch the video](/overviews/about)

- [FRAMEWORKS \
SDGs, GCM & LAD](/sdgs "SDGs, GCM & LAD")


- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)


- [Migration data and the SDGs](/sdgs)
- [How to use the SDG section](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/SDGs/how-to-use)

- [Global Compact for Migration (GCM)](/global-compact-for-migration)


- [GCM data resources on the Portal](/global-compact-for-migration)

- [Los Angeles Declaration (LAD) for Migration and Protection](/es/americas/cifras-clave)


- [Key figures on the Americas](/americas/key-figures)
- [Human mobility](/americas/human-mobility)
- [Thematic information](/resources/search?search_api_fulltext=&field_publication_date%5Bmin%5D=1950-1-1&field_publication_date%5Bmax%5D=2024-12-31&field_region_1%5B2004%5D=2004&field_tool_language%5B7069%5D=7069&field_tool_language%5B9156%5D=9156&field_tool_language%5B9669%5D=9669&field_tool_language%5B13731%5D=13731)

- [GOVERNANCE \
Migration Governance Indicators (MGI)](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/overviews/mgi "Migration Governance Indicators (MGI)")


- [Migration Governance Indicators (MGI)](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/overviews/mgi)


- [Overview: MGI](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/overviews/mgi)
- Explore the MGIs by geographic scope


- [Global perspective](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/migration-governance-indicators-data-and-global-compact-safe-orderly-and-regular-migration)
- [National level](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/overviews/mgi)
- [Local level](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/overviews/mgi/local-mgi)
- [Regional dashboard for Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/dashboard-mgi-central-america-mexico-the-caribbean)

- [Publications](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/overviews/mgi/publications)
- [Videos](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/overviews/mgi/videos)

- [RESOURCES \
Guidance and tools](/resources "Guidance and tools")


- Resources


- [Guidance and tools](/resources/about)
- [All resources](/resources)
- [Online tools](/resources/online-tools)
- [Portal Alert](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/mailing-list)

- Explore by data source


- [Administrative data](/resources/data-sources/administrative)
- [Census data](/resources/data-sources/censuses)
- [Innovative data](/resources/data-sources/innovative)
- [IOM data](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/iom-data-overview)
- [Survey data](/resources/data-sources/surveys)

- [English](/themes/bestand-internationalen-migrantinnen-und-migranten)
- [Español](/es/themes/poblaciones-de-migrantes-internacionales)
- [Français](/fr/themes/population-de-migrants-internationaux)
- [Deutsch](/de/themes/bestand-internationalen-migrantinnen-und-migranten)

## Mobile secondary menu

- [About](/about)
- [Contact](/contact)

[Immigration & emigration statistics](/search?text=&theme=1986&tags=&category=)

- [English](/themes/international-migrant-stocks)
- [Español](/es/themes/poblaciones-de-migrantes-internacionales)
- [Français](/fr/themes/population-de-migrants-internationaux)
- [Deutsch](/de/themes/bestand-internationalen-migrantinnen-und-migranten)

# International migrant stocks

Last updated on05 February 2021

Contents

1. [Key trends (2000 - 2020)](#key-trends-2000-2020)
2. [Definition](#definition)
3. [Data sources & measurement](#data-sources-amp-measurement)
4. [Data strengths & limitations](#data-strengths-amp-limitations)   1. [Further reading](#further-reading)

_International migrant stocks are estimates of "the total number of international migrants present in a given country at a particular point in time" (_ [_UN SD, 2017_](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf) _: 9). United Nations (UN) data on these stocks are based mostly on the country’s population that is born abroad, and (where this information is not available) on holding a foreign citizenship (_ _[UN DESA 2020a: 5](https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/undesa_pd_2020_international_migration_highlights.pdf)_ _; [UN SD, 2017](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf))._

_Data on migrant stocks are often reported together with data on migrant flows. Although both terms account for the number of migrants, what they measure is different._ [_Migrant flows data_](https://migrationdataportal.org/themes/international-migration-flows) _account for the number of migrants entering or leaving during a specified time period (usually one calendar year) (_ [_UN SD, 2017_](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf) _)._

[![International Migrant Stocks, Mid-Year 2020](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/embedded_845/public/2021-02/01_Migrant%20Stock%202020_Portal_0.jpg?itok=IXpA4_Hg)](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/2021-02/01_Migrant%20Stock%202020_Portal_0.jpg "International Migrant Stocks, Mid-Year 2020")

### Key trends (2000 - 2020)

_According to the UN, the estimated number of international migrants worldwide increased in the twenty years between 2000 and 2020, reaching 281 million in 2020. This figure is up from 248 million in 2015, 220 million in 2010, 191 million in 2005 and 173 million in 2000. In the past two decades, the international migrant stock grew annually by an average of 2.4 per cent. The growth rate increased to 2.5 per cent during the period 2015-2020 from 2.3 per cent between 2010 and 2015. Despite the increase in absolute numbers, the share of international migrants in proportion to the world’s population has remained relatively stable between 1990 and 2020 at around 2.8 to 3.6 per cent. However, due to COVID-19, early estimates with an assumption of zero-growth between 1 March and 1 July 2020 suggest a decrease of nearly 2 million international migrants globally than initially expected between mid-2019 and mid-2020 ( [UN DESA, 2020b](https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/international-migrant-stock))._ _See our [thematic page on COVID-19 and migration data](https://migrationdataportal.org/themen/migration-data-relevant-covid-19-pandemic) for more information._

[Back to top](#top)

## Definition

An international migrant is defined as “ _any person who changes his or her country of usual residence_” ( [UN DESA, 1998](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/SeriesM/SeriesM_58rev1E.pdf)). Stocks are defined as “the total number of international migrants present in a given country at a particular point in time” ( [UN SD, 2017:](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf) 9).

[Back to top](#top)

## Data sources & measurement

Various sources collect and disseminate migrant stock data at the national and international levels.

National statistical offices collect data on migrant stocks through censuses, population registries or administrative sources. The UN Statistics Division (UNSD) is mandated to collect official migration statistics, including on migrant stocks, from countries through the [Demographic Yearbook data collection system](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/dyb2.htm). The [Statistical Office of the European Union](http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Migration_and_migrant_population_statistics) (Eurostat) has a similar task for EU Member States. Some governments also report stock data to other international organizations such as the [Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development](https://data.oecd.org/migration/stocks-of-foreign-born-population-in-oecd-countries.htm) (OECD). UN DESA provides global estimates of international migrant stocks based on national statistics on country of birth, and where data on the foreign-born were not collected in national censuses, based on country of citizenship (UN DESA 2020a: 5; [UN SD, 2017](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf)). These global data are also disaggregated by [sex](https://migrationdataportal.org/themes/gender) and [age](http://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/child-migrants-0).

The [World Development Indicators](https://datacatalog.worldbank.org/dataset/world-development-indicators) database by the World Bank also contains datasets on total international migrant stock and international migrant stock as a percentage of the total population among other global development datasets, which are retrieved from officially recognized international data sources. Data on international migrant stock are available for every five years since 1960 with the latest update in 2015.

To improve statistics, the UN [produced recommendations in 1998](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/SeriesM/SeriesM_58rev1E.pdf) to define an international migrant as " _any person who changes his or her country of usual residence"_ ( [UN DESA, 1998](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/SeriesM/SeriesM_58rev1E.pdf)), distinguishing between " _short-term migrants"_ – those who change their country of usual residence for at least three months but less than a year – and " _long-term migrants_" – those who do so for at least one year. However, not all countries have adopted such a definition. Some countries may use different criteria to identify international migrants for statistical purposes, such as a different minimum duration of stay in the country.

[Back to top](#top)

## Data strengths & limitations

Estimates of migrant stock are available for 232 UN countries/areas and comprise the most geographically comprehensive information on international migration. There are significant regional variations in data availability since the 2010 round of censuses – 43 per cent of Central and Southern Asian countries and 16 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have at least one data source on international migrant stocks, whereas in regions such as Eastern and South-eastern Asia, Oceania as well as Northern America, more than 90 per cent of countries have empirical data on international migrant stocks [(UN DESA, 2020c](https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/undesa_pd_2020_international_migrant_stock_documentation.pdf)).

The comparison of national statistics on international migration is difficult at a global level. Countries use different concepts and definitions – some simply use country of birth or nationality to define a migrant. The timing of census data also varies from country to country. Many countries conduct new censuses only every 10 years or so, which means the data can be outdated. UN DESA uses interpolation and extrapolation methodologies to estimate stocks for countrieswith data for two or more points in time. For those countries with only one data point available since 1990, UN DESA uses the increase in migrant stocks in the region, or area or country with a similar profile to impute/estimate stocks in a certain year ( [(UN DESA, 2020c](https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/undesa_pd_2020_international_migrant_stock_documentation.pdf)). There are also several reasons why the number of migrants may be under reported in population censuses. For example, new residents with irregular status are less likely to be included in the censuses (see [UN SD, 2017](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf); [GMG, 2017](http://www.knomad.org/publication/handbook-improving-production-and-use-migration-data-development-0)).

### Further reading

United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs Statistical Division (UN SD)2017[Handbook on Measuring International Migration through Population Censuses](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf). Background document. Statistical Commission, Forty-eighth session 7-10 March 2017, Item 4(a) of the provisional agenda, Demographic Statistics. UN, New York. United Nations1998[Recommendations on Statistics of International Migration, Revision 1](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/SeriesM/SeriesM_58rev1E.pdf), Statistical Papers, Series M, No.58, Rev.1. Sales No. E.98.XVII.14.Bilsborrow, R., G. Hugo, A. Oberai, and H. Zlotnik1997[International migration statistics: guidelines for improving data collection systems](http://www.un.org/esa/population/meetings/migworkshop/docs/ILO_1997_International_migration_statistics.pdf),International Labour Office, Geneva.Global Migration Group (GMG)2017[Handbook for Improving the Production and Use of Migration Data for Development](http://www.knomad.org/publication/handbook-improving-production-and-use-migration-data-development-0). KNOMAD, World Bank, Washington, D.C..United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)2019

[International Migrant Stock: The 2019 Revision](https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/data/estimates2/estimates19.asp).(United Nations database, POP/DB/MIG/Stock/Rev.2019). UNDESA, New York.

2017[International Migration Report 2017: Highlights.](http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/publications/migrationreport/docs/MigrationReport2017_Highlights.pdf) UNDESA, New York.Center for Global Development2009[Migrants Count: Five Steps Toward Better Migration Data. Report of the Commission on International Migration Data for Development Research and Policy](https://www.cgdev.org/publication/migrants-count-five-steps-toward-better-migration-data), Michael Clemens, Project Director, pp. 28.Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)2016[Stocks of foreign-born population in OECD countries](https://data.oecd.org/migration/stocks-of-foreign-born-population-in-oecd-countries.htm). OECD, Paris.

[Back to top](#top)

[Migrant stock](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5552&category=)

[Migration data](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5871&category=)

[Data](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5873&category=)

[Population data](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5877&category=)

[Statistics](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5878&category=)

[United Nations](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5879&category=)

[Country of origin](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5880&category=)

[Disaggregation](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5876&category=)

[Migration trends](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5881&category=)

[Survey](/search?text=&theme=&tags=5872&category=)

Share on

Share on

Data Innovation Directory

![Data Innovation Logo](/themes/custom/iom/dist/img/di-logo.svg)

Explore our new directory of initiatives at the forefront of using data innovation to improve data on migration.

[Learn more](/data-innovation)

Infographic

[![International Migrant Stocks, Mid-Year 2020](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/fixed_width_300/public/2021-02/01_Migrant%20Stock%202020_Portal_0.jpg?itok=6DS3zU6M)](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/2021-02/01_Migrant%20Stock%202020_Portal_0.jpg "International Migrant Stocks, Mid-Year 2020")

Related content

[![Global Migration Indicators 2018](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/2018-10/global_migration_indicators_2018.jpg?itok=ms-ky0r-)\
\
\
Global Migration Indicators 2018](https://publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/global_migration_indicators_2018.pdf)

Related blogpost

[Immigration & emigration statistics](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=1986)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/2017-12/bela-hovy-videoshot.jpg?h=7d58f675&itok=eXIMDvpR)\
\
\
TALKING MIGRATION DATA: How does the UN calculate the number of migrants globally?\
\
\
\
\
\
\
Bela Hovy \| 4 Dec 2017](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/blog/talking-migration-data-how-does-un-calculate-number-migrants-globally)

[Immigration & emigration statistics](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=1986)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/2019-12/IFMS_Blog%20banner.jpg?itok=JBTocKQp)\
\
\
The need for a fact-based dialogue on migration\
\
\
\
\
\
\
John Wilmoth \| 5 Nov 2020](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/blog/need-fact-based-dialogue-migration)

Related topic

[Immigration & emigration statistics](/search?text=&theme=1986&tags=&category=)

[International migration flows](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/international-migration-flows)

[Migration flows data capture the number of migrants entering and leaving (inflow and outflow) a country over the course of a specific period, such as one year (](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/international-migration-flows) [UN SD, 2017](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/48th-session/documents/BG-4a-Migration-Handbook-E.pdf)). Data on migration flows...

[Read more](/themes/international-migration-flows)

Related tool

[Resources](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=5081)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/Jandl_irregular.JPG?itok=mVhr-Ne0)\
\
\
Metholodologies for the Estimation of Stocks of Irregular Migrants](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/metholodologies-estimation-stocks-irregular-migrants)

[Resources](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=5081)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/SARZIN_Stocktaking_Forced_Migration.JPG?itok=loTE1lAg)\
\
\
Stocktaking of Global Forced Displacement Data](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/stocktaking-global-forced-displacement-data)

[Resources](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=5081)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/2019-03/handbook.png?itok=1rhzQmRR)\
\
\
UN Handbook on Measuring International Migration through Population Censuses](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/un-handbook-measuring-international-migration-through-population-censuses)

[Resources](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=5081)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/UNDESA_Handbook_Population_Housing.JPG?itok=4bvVke3L)\
\
\
Handbook on the Management of  Population and Housing Censuses](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/handbook-management-population-and-housing-censuses)

[Resources](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=5081)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/IHSN_Webpage.JPG?itok=PioyS5ZR)\
\
\
International Household Survey Network Guidelines](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/international-household-survey-network-guidelines)

[Resources](/search?text=&theme=&tags=&category=5081)

[![](/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/styles/related_content/public/FINK_survey.JPG?itok=8U_UjRmC)\
\
\
The Survey Handbook](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/resource/survey-handbook)

## Contact

The Global Migration Data Portal is managed by the **Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC)** of the **International Organization for Migration (IOM)**.

Do you have questions? Email us: [migrationdataportal@iom.int](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/contact).

The contents found on the Global Migration Data Portal do not reflect the official views, policies nor positions of IOM, financial donors nor its contributors.

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations or the International Organization for Migration (IOM). ( [More](https://migrationdataportal.org/disclaimer "https://migrationdataportal.org/disclaimer"))

© 2024 Global Migration Data Portal

[Cookie settings](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/#sliding-popup "https://www.migrationdataportal.org/#sliding-popup") \| [Contact](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/contact "/contact") \| [Terms of use](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/terms-use "/terms-use") \| [Disclaimer](https://www.migrationdataportal.org/disclaimer "/disclaimer")

## Subscribe to newsletter

By submitting my email address, I agree to receiving occasional newsletters and updates from the Migration Data Portal. [See our Terms of use and privacy policy.](https://migrationdataportal.org/terms-use)

## Subscribe to newsletter

Receive monthly updates on the latest migration trends, data and data sources added to the Portal.
The subscription service is currently unavailable. Please check again later.

Leave this field blank