Countries with the most (and least) immigrants

Highest concentration of immigrants

To begin, let's look at the countries with the highest immigrant populations as a percentage of the entire population.

19. Gabon (18.7%)

Gabon has a high percentage of immigrants due predominantly to its lucrative oil industry, which attracts large numbers of foreign workers seeking employment opportunities.

17. Germany (20%)

Germany’s population is aging steadily alongside a declining birth rate, thereby leading lawmakers to accept immigrants as a solution to labor shortages.

15. Kazakhstan (20%)

Kazakhstan’s geographic location, plus economic growth coupled with foreign investments, have made it a desirable country for immigrants.

13. Israel (23%)

Israel offers great options for individuals and families who are Jewish. Non-Jewish immigration, however, is very restricted.

11. Switzerland (27% )

Immigrants in Switzerland are largely from EU/EFTA countries. They are drawn by Switzerland’s strong economy and skilled migrant policies.

9. Australia (30%)

Australia has a multicultural ethos as well as skilled migrant policies. Its approach to asylum seekers, though, has faced international criticism, showing a complex attitude regarding immigration.

7. Oman (39%)

Despite their significant presence, immigrants in Oman have faced challenges due to the fact that the sponsorship system, called “kafala,” ties migrant workers’ legal status to their employers and can lead to exploitation.

5. Singapore (43%)

Singapore’s government encourages immigration to fill workforce gaps and boost the economy, but also has historically enforced tight controls to maintain social harmony.

3. Kuwait (69%)

Kuwait is a wealthy nation that relies heavily on foreign workers. However, its own kafala sponsorship system makes it difficult for these workers.

1. United Arab Emirates (88%)

This small but mighty nation in the Middle East boasts an immigrant population of around 8.7 million people.

10. Philippines (0.21%)

The Philippines has a low immigration rate due, in part, to limited economic opportunities.

8. North Korea (0.19%)

North Korea has very isolationist policies as well as strict government control and ultimately a lack of economic opportunity.

6. Myanmar (0.14%)

Myanmar is considered an unattractive place for immigrants due to its political unrest, ethnic conflicts, and economic underdevelopment.

4. Indonesia (0.13%)

Indonesia has a large population which suffers from economic disparity. Additionally, complex immigration laws often discourage foreign settlers.

3. Vietnam (0.08%)

Vietnam’s strict immigration policies, relatively uniform population, and lacking economic conditions do not attract many foreign workers.

2. China (0.07%)

China has approximately a million immigrants living there. This may seem like a lot, but less so when you consider their population is in the billions!