Key Definitions
Migration — the movement of people between areas.
- Push factors — the factors that cause or force people to leave an area.
- Pull factors — the factors that attract immigrants to move to an area.
- Immigration — migration into a country.
- Emigration — migration out of a country.
- Rural-urban migration — migration within a country from rural to urban areas.
- Involuntary migration — forced migration.
Push and Pull Factors
| Push factors | Pull factors |
|---|
| War / conflict | Job opportunities |
| Bad climate | Good weather |
| Lack of job opportunities | Better education |
| Lack of quality education | Better healthcare |
| Poor sanitation | Better transportation |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Migration
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| Better workforce; more skills | Fewer jobs for locals |
| Diversity | Racism |
| Increased productivity, higher value of exports | Loss of original culture |
| Beginning of congestion |
| Lack of resources (especially in droughts) |
Case Study: International Migration — Eritrea to Italy
Facts
- 1 in 10 migrants to Europe are Eritrean.
- 5,000 people leave the country monthly.
Reasons for Emigration
- Totalitarian government for almost 30 years, with no freedom of speech. People practising illegal religions such as Protestantism are arrested and tortured.
- Food insecurity due to government spending on defences rather than food imports.
- 80% of Eritreans lack water security. Droughts also cause food shortages.