nettomuuton

Netto-muutto, commonly translated as net migration, is a demographic measure that describes the balance of people moving into and out of a defined area during a given time period. The form nettomuuton is the genitive form in Finnish, and may appear in phrases such as “nettomuuton vaikutus” (the effect of net migration). Net migration is calculated as immigrants minus emigrants. It can be presented as an absolute number or as a rate per 1,000 inhabitants (net migration rate).

In population accounting, net migration is one of the factors that shape overall population change, together with natural increase (births minus deaths). Regions with high economic opportunity or amenities often experience positive net migration, while areas facing out-migration may see negative net migration. Data for net migration come from sources such as population registers, censuses, and statistical surveys; in many countries, migration statistics are compiled from administrative records to separate immigration and emigration flows.

Limitations of net migration data include the distinction between temporary and permanent moves, seasonal or short-term flows, and movements motivated by asylum or refugee status. Additionally, net migration figures do not alone determine population dynamics, as their impact interacts with births, deaths, age structure, and housing capacity.

See also: demography, migration, population change, net migration rate. In Finnish statistical usage, netto-muutto is the standard term, with nettomuuton serving as the grammatical form in context.