Iceland

1950

2025

2100

1950

2025

2100

Net immigration of 2,709 people per year—more people arriving than leaving.

Since 1950, Iceland has gained a cumulative 52,617 people through migration.

By 2100, projections show continued net immigration.

Net migrants

+2,709

Net migration rate

+6.8 per 1,000 people

Key terms

Net migration: — Immigrants minus emigrants. Positive = more people arriving, negative = more leaving.
Net migration rate: — Net migration per 1,000 population per year.
Immigration: — People entering the country from abroad.
Emigration: — People leaving the country to live abroad.

Migration flows

Net migration from 1950 to 2100 (projections after 2024)

Net migrants

+86,208

Cumulative over selected range

Peak immigration

8,348

Top year: 2017

Peak emigration

-4,785

Lowest year: 2009

Recent avg (10 yrs)

+204

Per year

Iceland receives approximately 2,709 net migrants per year (6.8 per 1,000 population). Peak immigration was 8,348 in 2017.

Migration flows in Iceland are relatively modest. The high immigration rate reflects economic opportunities or policy openness.

Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024. Historical estimates (1950–2024) and medium-variant projections (2025–2100).