MIGRATION: Introduction

-

Along with birth rates and death rates, one must also consider migration in order to accurately analyse population growth in a nation. 


Image: From the International Organization for Migration 

What is Migration? 

Migration can be defined as the temporary or permanent movement of people from one location to another. 

  • Emigration is the process of a person migrating from one location to another. 
  • Immigration differs as it is the process of migrating to a new location, from another. 

Causes of Migration

There are numerous factors that could lead someone to decide to migrate. These are called push factors. Some examples include: 

  • War
  • Political Instability 
  • Natural Disasters 
  • Lack of work opportunities 
  • Lack of education opportunities
There are also factors that influence migrants to go to a specific location. These are known as pull factors. Some examples:
  • Better job opportunities 
  • Better work opportunities 
  • Good healthcare 

Types of Migration 

Migration can be divided into 4 main categories:

1. Permanent Migration 
  • External (international): This refers to the movement of migrants across national boundaries and and between countries. External migration can be either; 
                        Voluntary: Jamaican Citizens to U.S.A 
                                                            or
                        Involuntary (forced): African Slaves to the West Indies 
  • Internal: This is the movement of migrants within a country.
                        Rural to Rural : St Elizabeth to Manchester 
                        Rural to Urban: Westmoreland to Kingston
                        Urban to Urban: Kingston to Portmore 
                        Urban to Rural: Portmore to St. Thomas 
                        Regional: Jamaica to Trinidad & Tobago 

2. Semi-Permanent: This is migration to another location for several years, with the intention to eventually return home. 
For example: Migrants who go abroad to go to University. 

3. Seasonal: This migration usually only lasts for a few months or weeks before the migrant returns home. 
For example: This can also be applied to university students (so internal migration by going to another state or parish to board and attend the university for a term). 

4. Daily: Refers to the movement of persons known as commuters. 
For example: Commuting from Spanish Town to Kingston daily for work. 

Important terms to note: 

  • Gross Migration: Total number of migrants in and out of the country
  • Migration Balance: Calculated difference between immigration and emigration 
  • Net Migration Loss: When the there are more emigrants than immigrants

Comments

Post a Comment

MOST POPULAR

Drainage Basin: Elements

-
Image
 Inputs, Outputs, Transfers, Storage...Woahhh Characteristics of the Drainage Basin Inputs : in the form of precipitation and snow Outputs : this is where water is lost from the system, either through being carried to sea (by rivers) or through evapotranspiration.  Within the system some water is: Stored : In rivers, soil, vegetation. Transferred : Infiltration, through-flow etc.  Key:    INPUT             STORAGE             TRANSFERS             OUTPUTS Precipitation This term refers to the act of water/moisture (in its solid or liquid form) falling from clouds in the sky.  Examples include: Rain, hail and snow.  Influencing Factors: Presence of Vegetation  Time of Year Altitude  Latitudinal Location Evaporation This is the process by which the suns energy converts water into water vapour. Influencing Factors: Atmospheric Conditions (temperature, humidity, hours of sunshine, wind speed) Time of Year Transpiration This a biological process by which water is lost from a plant through t
Read more

Population Density and Distribution: INTRODUCTION

-
Image
No, population distribution and population density are not the same thing...here's the difference: Image: From Conde Nast Traveller India  What is Population Distribution?  Population Distribution is the way people are spread across a geographical area. Population distribution is usually uneven and over time, changes. Population distribution can be represented on a dot map .  What is Population Density? Population Density refers to the number of people that leave per square unit area. Population Density can be represented on a choropleth map.   Population Distribution Formula: On a global scale, population density and distribution patterns can be influenced by physical factors such as:  Relief Climate  Water Supply Vegetation  Soil On a smaller scale, namely local or regional, patterns of population distribution and density can be influenced by  Economic factors Social factors  Political factors 
Read more

MIGRATION: Advantages and Disadvantages

-
Image
Migration can be both beneficial and harmful to a country  Image: From Agrim Housing Finance  Advantages of Migration: The are that people move or migrate from becomes less crowded. This can ease the pressure placed on the resources of the country of origin.  The country of origin benefit from remittances. Remittances are monies sent by migrants (mostly family members) abroad, to people in another country (their home country) The government can tax this money, thus making an income from it. The host (receiving) country experiences brain gain. Brain gain is the process by which highly skilled and educated workers migrate to the country for various reasons . This is beneficial to the receiving country as they will see a spike in their human resources.  Those skilled workers who migrate to another country, may come back to their home country and can share any new skills or knowledge they acquired abroad, to further the development of the country.  Disadvantages of Migration:  The biggest
Read more