Marshall Islands: immigration

Why is the population of the Marshall Islands declining?

The 2021 census counted 42,418 people in the Marshall Islands, down from 53,158 in 2011, a fall of 2.3% a year, according to EPPSO's census analytical report. The net migration rate over 2011 to 2021 was −3.9% a year.

The report says this was the first large population decline in the country's modern history, driven in part by lower fertility but also by emigration. It estimates that 16,773 residents aged 10 or over left in the decade. Outflows were highest among people in their twenties, and most Marshallese migrants go to the United States. The total fertility rate was 2.8 children per woman.

Official sources: EPPSO: RMI 2021 Census of Population and Housing, analytical report (PDF) · EPPSO: 2021 Census of Population and Housing

What share of the Marshall Islands' population are immigrants?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in the Marshall Islands was 8.8% in 2024. That compares with 6.7% in 2015. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1%, and the Marshall Islands placed 8th highest of 30. Worldwide: 69th of 193.

Are more people leaving the Marshall Islands than arriving?

-1,698: that is net migration in the Marshall Islands for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was -1,221 in 2010 and the low -2,058 in 2018. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was -373, and the Marshall Islands placed 18th highest of 30. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 95th highest.

How many refugees have fled the Marshall Islands?

0: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in the Marshall Islands for 2025, according to UNHCR. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2013. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 73, and the Marshall Islands placed 27th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 186th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to the Marshall Islands?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in the Marshall Islands at 23.5% of GDP in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.2% of GDP, and the Marshall Islands placed 3rd highest of 20. Of 156 countries with 2024 data, 8th highest.