Demographics
Brain Drain
Definition
The emigration of highly educated or skilled individuals from developing to developed countries, depleting the origin country's human capital.
Explanation
Brain drain affects countries like India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe, where educated professionals — doctors, engineers, IT workers — emigrate for higher wages and better opportunities. The US, UK, Canada, and Australia are major recipients. Remittances partially offset the loss, and "brain circulation" (emigrants returning with skills and capital) can eventually benefit origin countries. India's IT sector benefited from returning diaspora talent.