US, Germany, Russia Host Biggest Migrant Populations

The United States, Germany and Russia, along with 17 others, hosted two thirds of all international migrants last year, the UN statement said citing the 2015 dataset entitled "'Trends in International Migrant Stock."

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — The United States, Germany and Russia are the world’s top three destinations for migrants, figures unveiled Tuesday by the United Nations show.

The three countries, along with 17 others, hosted two thirds of all international migrants last year, the UN statement said citing the 2015 dataset entitled "'Trends in International Migrant Stock."

The new UN dataset shows that the number of international migrants has been growing faster than the world’s population. In 2015, it rose by 41 percent to 244 million, compared to year 2000. This figure includes almost 20 million refugees.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has described international migration as an integral part of modern economies and societies, and urged greater responsibility from host countries for protecting thousands of migrants who are compelled to undertake dangerous and sometimes fatal journeys.

The UN General Assembly has agreed to convene a high-level meeting on large movements of migrants and refugees on September 19, 2016.