According to European statistical agencies INSEE (France), ONS (United Kingdom), and Statbel (Belgium), some European cities have migrant populations reaching record levels — for example, Brussels at around 74%, Frankfurt at 51.8%, and London at about 37%.

In Narva, the latest statistics show that migrants make up approximately 51% of the population, one of the highest rates in Estonia and Europe. Despite this, the city is rapidly losing residents.

The main reasons are low birth rates and high mortality, as well as a mass outflow of young people who move to Tallinn, other Estonian cities, or abroad in search of jobs and better living conditions. Narva suffers from a lack of employment opportunities and low wages, worsening the demographic situation.

Unlike other European cities with high migrant shares that leverage this for economic growth and cultural diversity, Narva faces demographic stagnation and the risk of extinction.