Net migration in North Korea
North Korea: Net migration was -2,787 in 2025. ◆ Volatile
Net migration in North Korea, 1960–2025
Source: World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division.
Analysis
In 2025, net migration in North Korea stood at -2,787.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 12.7% on the previous year and up 13.1% over ten years.
Over the whole period, net migration in North Korea peaked at 0 in 1960 and was at its lowest, -3,745, in 1997.
North Korea ranks 123rd of 215 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 1990s | -1,802 | -3,745 | 0 | 10 |
| 2000s | -2,920 | -3,142 | -2,717 | 10 |
| 2010s | -3,092 | -3,225 | -2,919 | 10 |
| 2020s | -2,071 | -2,787 | -1,585 | 6 |
Countries ranked near North Korea
More financial sector data for North Korea
- International migrant stock 0.2% (2024)
- International migrant stock, total 50,439 (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is net migration in North Korea?
- Net migration in North Korea was -2,787 in 2025, according to World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division.
- What is the highest net migration recorded in North Korea?
- The highest recorded value was 0 in 1960.
- What is the lowest net migration recorded in North Korea?
- The lowest recorded value was -3,745 in 1997.
- How does North Korea rank for net migration?
- North Korea ranks 123rd out of 215 countries with data for 2025.
- Is net migration rising or falling in North Korea?
- Over the last ten years it is up 13.1%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this North Korea data come from?
- The figures come from World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division, published as part of Net migration. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
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About this data
Net migration is the net total of migrants during the period, that is, the number of immigrants minus the number of emigrants, including both citizens and noncitizens.