Understanding the Most Common Origins of Immigrants

A global map that highlights the most common origins of immigrants by country uncovers some nations with high immigration rates and the impact that conflict and economic downfall can have on migration trends.

Neighboring Nations as the Most Common Source of Immigrants

As reported by Katharina Buchholz from Statista, the most common pattern globally is neighboring countries being the primary source of immigrants for each other. This is evident in the case of the U.S. and Mexico, which are the largest source of immigrants for each other. The same pattern can be seen between Albania and Greece or Honduras and El Salvador, among others.

Data from the United Nations Population Division

This information is based on data from the United Nations Population Division. However, this pattern is disrupted when a large number of people leave their country simultaneously due to conflict, war, or poverty. For instance, Venezuelan immigrants are now the largest group in nine neighboring countries, while six neighbors of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have accommodated large groups of their citizens.

Impact of Conflict and War on Migration

For Somalia, it's five neighbors. As of 2020, Ukrainian immigrants were already the largest group in four neighboring nations, on par with Syria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Global Migration Patterns

There are also countries known for sending immigrants worldwide, not just in their immediate vicinity. Among them are India and China, with their citizens being the largest group of immigrants in neighboring nations and in the Arabian Gulf for India, and in Canada and Australia for China. In Europe, Poland is the most notable nation of emigration, with Poles being the largest group of immigrants in the United Kingdom, Germany, and some Scandinavian nations.

Unique Immigration Partners

Only a few countries have a unique major immigration partner that is not their neighbor. These instances are often linked to colonialism. The largest immigrant group in Equatorial Guinea and Morocco are from France, while for the Netherlands it is Suriname, for Portugal Angola, for France Algeria, for Cuba Spain, and for New Zealand the United Kingdom.

Bottom Line

Migration patterns are complex, influenced by a range of factors including conflict, economic conditions, and historical ties. These patterns can offer insights into the dynamics of global migration and the relationships between nations. What are your thoughts on these migration patterns? Do share this article with your friends, and remember to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6 pm.