Youth Migration: levels and trends

2011 Migration and Development Seriesjointly organized by UNITAR, IOM, UNFPA and the MacArthur Foundation

28 April 2011Pablo LattesMigration SectionPopulation Division - DESAUnited Nations

Total population by sex and age 1990, 2000 and 2010 (millions)

International migrants by sex and age 1990, 2000 and 2010 (thousands)

Youth migrant stock in 2010 (thousands)

Youth15 to 24 years old

Migration flows and stocksMigration flowsRefers to the event of moving, from one country (origin) to another (destination) in a given period (ex. 5 years).

Migrant stocks Refers to the stock of foreign born or foreigners living in a specific country at a specific date. Foreigners may include second generation (son/daughters of foreigners).

Models of migration by ageSource: Model Migration Schedules, Andrei Rogers and Luis J. Castro, 1981

Age distribution of international migrants - 2010Source: UNPD estimates - 2010

Age distribution of migrants and total population - 2010Source: UNPD estimates - 2010

Age distribution of migrant stock 2010Source: UNPD estimates

Age distribution of migrant stock by development level 2010Source: UNPD estimates

Regional distribution of migrant stock aged 15-24 - 2010

Percentage of migrant stock aged 15-24 over total migrants

Percentage female among the migrant stock by age 2010Source: UNPD estimates

Percentage female among the migrant stock by age 2010Source: UNPD estimates

Percentage female migrants: 15-24 and total - 2010

ConclusionsReasons and patterns for youth migration very different by age, region and socio-economic background.

Percentage of youth among migrants is relatively small compared to that of youth among the world population (12.4 to 17.6 respectively)

but the proportion of youth migrants in Africa and Asia is higher than in the rest of the world.

Percentage female starts to decline around age 20, to reach its lowest level around age 40 - in particular in developing regions.

Percentage of migrant stock aged 15 to 24