“Move abroad” and “Move To Canada” Internet Searches Spike Up by Over 1,000% After US Election Result!

By Kushani Gunathilaka
November 11, 2024
6:47 GMT-0830
“Move abroad” and “Move To Canada” Internet Searches Spike Up by Over 1,000% After US Election Result!

The 2024 US presidential election, ended recently as the former president Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President. The election created an unusual online trend. People across the US began searching for ways to move abroad. Especially to countries like Canada, with a remarkable surge in related Google searches. According to VisaGuide.World, searches for leaving the country jumped by an incredible 1,514%. Between November 5 and November 6 alone, there was recorded a 338% increase in search traffic. These searches are a result of various emotional and political reactions to Trump’s victory. Let’s have a closer look at some of the popular searches and destinations.

As more Americans look for a potential new home, certain countries have seen a significant increase in interest:

  • Costa Rica: Searches to move here rose by 302%.
  • Norway: Interest in relocating to Norway spiked by 437%.
  • Ireland: This country saw a 355% increase in interest.
  • United Kingdom: Searches to move to the UK increased by 375%.

These countries offer unique benefits that might appeal to Americans. For example, Costa Rica has a reputation for natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle. Norway and Ireland are known for their quality of life and welcoming communities. The United Kingdom, with its shared language and cultural ties, may also seem familiar to those considering a move abroad.

Image source: CNBC

VisaGuide.World’s data revealed some specific search terms that gained massive popularity after the election. It highlights the destinations people were particularly interested in:

  1. “Moving to New Zealand from the US”: A record-breaking 7,600% increase, making it the most-searched term during this period.
  2. “Moving to Germany from the US”: This search rose by 4,200%.
  3. “Moving to the Netherlands”: Interest here spiked by 3,233%.

Other popular search terms included:

  • “Moving to Ireland” (2,400%)
  • “How to move to Europe” (1,566%)
  • “Immigrate to New Zealand” (1,566%)
  • “English-Speaking Countries” (1,328%)
  • “Moving to Norway” (1,150%)
  • “Moving to Australia” (1,150%)
  • “Moving to Portugal” (1,100%)

These search trends reflect a strong focus on stable, comfortable countries, with many Americans showing interest in moving to English-speaking destinations or nations known for their high quality of life.

Image source: Forbes

Preferred Categories of Destination Countries for Relocation

Based on the data, Americans seem to have specific preferences for the types of countries they want to move to, divided into three main groups:

  1. English-speaking Countries: Many Americans are considering Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia as top destinations. The shared language and similar cultural backgrounds make these places appealing, easing the transition for those who want to move.
  2. European Countries: Countries like Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands are also attracting interest. Many Americans have an admiration for Europe’s quality of life, healthcare systems, and stability, and these nations offer diverse cultures and histories.
  3. Other Popular Destinations: Costa Rica and Mexico stand out as non-European options. With their warm climates, natural beauty, and relatively low cost of living, these countries are attractive to those seeking a change in lifestyle.
Image source: TOI

Conclusion

The sharp increase in searches related to moving abroad after the 2024 election highlights how political changes can drive people to think about new possibilities for their lives. It raises the question: will this search trend translate to actual relocation, or is it just a temporary reaction? As Americans consider the impact of political decisions on their personal choices, the growing interest in other countries may signal an evolving relationship between government policies and individual decisions on where to build their lives.

In the end, it reflects a broader desire for stability, comfort, and a high quality of life—whether at home or abroad.

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