What is internal migration? | Migrants on the margins

Summary

By 2050, cities are projected to house 70% of the world's population, with 5.2 billion urban residents. Migration, both international and internal, is driving this urbanization, influenced by factors like economic opportunities, social conditions, and environmental pressures. The growth of medium and small cities, particularly in developing countries, is outpacing that of mega-cities. This urban expansion brings challenges like inequality and environmental strain, prompting the need for sustainable development to ensure inclusive, safe, and resilient cities by 2030.

Takeaways

• 🌏 By 2050, 70% of the world's population will be urban, with 5.2 billion people living in cities.
• 📈 Urban growth is driven by natural increase and migration, including both international and internal movements.
• 🏙️ Internal migration, particularly within low-income developing countries, is a significant factor in urban population growth.
• 🌍 International migration involves moving between countries, such as from the UK to Spain.
• 🚶‍♂️ Internal migration refers to movement within the same country, often from rural to urban areas.
• 🔄 Migration can be voluntary or forced, with reasons ranging from economic to environmental factors.
• 🏙️🌳 Mega-cities like Delhi, Beijing, and Sao Paulo are well-known examples of urbanization, but smaller cities are growing faster.
• 📊 Cities with populations between 1 to 5 million account for 59% of the world's urban population and are the fastest growing.
• 🌐 South-South migration, movement between developing countries, is a notable trend in global urbanization.
• 📈 Over the next 30 years, more than 1.5 billion people are projected to move into cities, particularly in Africa and Asia.
• 🏡 Migration can improve lives by providing access to jobs, education, and health services but also poses challenges to cities.
• 🛑 Cities need to adapt to the challenges of internal migration, as outlined by the Sustainable Development Goal 11, aiming for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments by 2030.

Q & A

What percentage of the world's population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050?

By 2050, it is projected that 70 percent of the world's population will live in urban areas, up from 54 percent currently.

What are the two types of migration mentioned in the script?

The two types of migration mentioned are international migration, which involves moving from one country to another, and internal migration, which is the movement of people within the same region or country.

What is the difference between forced migration and other types of migration?

Forced migration occurs when people have no choice but to move due to factors such as conflict, development policies, or natural disasters. It is different from other types of migration which may be voluntary and driven by economic, social, or personal reasons.

How many people are projected to move into cities in the next 30 years?

Over the next 30 years, more than 1.5 billion people are projected to move into cities, which equates to more than 50 million people per year.

What are mega-cities and which cities are examples mentioned in the script?

Mega-cities are urban areas with a population of more than 10 million. Examples mentioned in the script include Delhi, Beijing, and Sao Paulo.

What percentage of the world's urban population is accounted for by medium and small cities, and why are they significant?

Medium and small cities, which are not the capital and have a population between 1 to 5 million, account for 59% of the world's urban population. They are significant because they are the fastest-growing segment of urban areas.

What is the term used to describe migration between low-income developing countries?

The term used to describe migration between low-income developing countries is 'South-South migration'.

How many internal migrants are there worldwide, and what challenges does this number present?

There are approximately 740 million internal migrants worldwide, although the actual number is likely to be much higher due to difficulties in capturing data on these movements.

How can migration impact the lives of individuals who move to cities?

Migration can impact individuals by offering them access to jobs, education, and health services, potentially enhancing their lives. However, it may also lead to challenges such as inequality, exclusion, and deprivation, especially if they face poor housing conditions or tensions with existing residents.

What is the Sustainable Development Goal number 11, and how does it aim to address urban challenges related to internal migration?

Sustainable Development Goal number 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for all by 2030. It addresses urban challenges by promoting development that can accommodate the influx of internal migrants without compromising the well-being and sustainability of urban areas.

How does the experience of migration impact people on a personal level?

The experience of migration can impact people by potentially enhancing their lives through new opportunities or refuge. However, for others, it may lead to feelings of insecurity, inability to integrate into new communities, or becoming trapped without the means to return to their previous lives.