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Highest Number Of People Living Abroad:  In an interconnected world, millions of people live abroad, leaving behind their home countries for better employment opportunities, a higher standard of living, along with a good healthcare and education system. These people who leave their own country and settle in another are referred to as emigrants. These immigrant families significantly influence economies, societies and cultures around the globe.

Surprisingly, some nations, due to historical, economic and even cultural reasons, have massive emigrant populations. To know more, let’s take a look at the list of the top ten countries with the highest number of people living abroad, according to the UN International Migration Report 2024.

Top 10 Countries With The Highest Number Of People Living Abroad: 

Rank Country  Emigrants
1 India  18.1M
2 Mexico  11.2M
3 Russia  10.8M
4 China  10.5M
5 Bangladesh  7.8M
6 Philippines  6.5M
7 Ukraine  6.1M
8 Pakistan  6.0 M
9 Indonesia  4.5 M
10 Nigeria  2M

1. India

India is topping the charts with the highest number of its people living abroad, which is around 18.1 million Indians. Indians have settled in countries like the Middle East, North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Africa for better opportunities, schooling, standard of living and family connections. However, in a digital age, Indians are making their mark in the global market of business, technology, academia, and culture.

2. Mexico

Mexico also has a rich history of migrations, where population is shifting to its northern neighbours, the United States. It is estimated that 11.2 million Mexicans reside overseas for better by jobs and standard of living.

3. Russia

Russia's 10.8 million emigrants shifted mainly due to the historical event -the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russians mainly migrate to Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Israel, and even the United States.

4. China

China's 10.5 million emigrants are spread worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe. Migration is a traditional practice here, due to trade, investments, education, and improved standards of living.

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5. Bangladesh

7.8 million Bangladeshi settled abroad in 2024, because of work, especially in places like the Middle East, Malaysia, and the UK.

6. Philippines

Almost 6.5 million people shifted overseas in the Philippines to work in sectors like healthcare, domestic, and shipping. People mainly settle in the Middle East, Europe, and other Asian countries.

7. Ukraine

Almost 6.1 million Ukrainians live abroad, all due to political turmoil and war, which have been the major causes of emigration. The people mostly went to the European Union, Russia and North America.

8. Pakistan

Pakistan's 6 million emigrants are found in the Gulf States, the UK, and North America. The reason for their shift was employment and education opportunities.

Also Read: Which Are The Top 10 Countries With Lowest Birth Rates?

9. Indonesia

Indonesia has 4.5 million citizens overseas, especially in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and other Asian countries. These emigrants are mainly employed in manufacturing, domestic services, and the construction industries.

10. Nigeria

Nigeria concludes the list of the top ten countries with the highest number of people living abroad. Over 2 million Nigerians reside outside the country, especially in the US, UK, and South Africa, making a significant contribution to these countries' economies and cultures.

Human migration continues to influence the social and economic landscape across the globe. These top 10 nations with the highest number of people leaving abroad showcase economic necessity and political conditions, along with educational and healthcare facilities, that attract millions to look for new lives abroad. The good thing is that this emigrant population builds cross-country connections around the world.

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