What does net migration represent?

Net migration represents the difference between the number of people entering a country (immigration) and the number of people leaving that country (emigration). This measure provides insight into the overall movement of people and can indicate whether a country is gaining or losing population due to migration. A positive net migration figure signifies more immigrants than emigrants, contributing to population growth, whereas a negative figure indicates a loss, with more people leaving than arriving.

This concept is crucial for understanding demographic changes within a nation, affecting social, economic, and cultural aspects of society. It can be influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, political stability, and environmental conditions, making it a key indicator in geography and social studies. Other choices do not accurately capture the essence of net migration, as they refer to different aspects of migration or displacement without addressing the balance between immigration and emigration.