Latin America

The number of international migrants in Latin America* is estimated at 7.5 million in 2010. Latin America is a region of net emigration with emigration flows being larger than immigration flows. Mexico is the top emigration country in the world, with 10.1 million people abroad. Following that, the top emigration countries in the region are Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, El Salvador, Brazil and Jamaica with flows predominantly to North America and in the case of Europe to Spain.

Argentina and Venezuela are the two top destination countries in Latin America, 1.4 and 1 million immigrants in 2010, with Mexico in third place. Migration flows within Latin America are increasingly important and are mainly between bordering countries such as from Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay towards Argentina; and from Nicaragua towards Costa Rica. Brazil receives more migrants from outside the region compared to other destination countries in Latin America.

Migration policy including integration, mainly of their own nationals abroad, is a priority area on the political agenda in Latin America. Regional Consultative Processes (RCPs) such as the Puebla Process and South American Conference on Migration have integration on their agenda. Integration of migrants within Latin America is an emerging issue in particular for newer countries of destination with several policies already in existence.

Read here about an example of a Latin American City dealing with integration: Rio de Janeiro

Information taken primarily from UNDESA Trends in International Migrant Stock; the World Bank Development Prospects Group; International Organization for Migration World Migration Report 2008.

* Refers to South America, Central America and the Caribbean

South America

Central America

Caribbean