Understanding the Drivers of Migration

Migration is the permanent change of residents by an individual or group.

Push factors are negative situations, conditions, events, and factors that make people want to leave a geographic area.

Pull factors are positive situations, conditions, events, and factors that make people want to move to a geographic area.

People migrate for economic reasons such as lower taxes, job opportunities, and access to goods and services.

Political factors like corruption, lack of individual freedom, and unstable government policies push people to migrate.

Societal factors such as discrimination, lack of healthcare and education, and income and gender inequality also drive migration.

🌍 Environmental factors play a significant role in migration.

🏞️ Areas with arable land, clean drinking water, and preferred climates attract migrants.

❄️🏄 Preference for climate varies among individuals, with some considering cold climates appealing while others prefer warmer climates.

🏙️⏩ Urban areas are seen as pull factors for businesses requiring a large workforce, while businesses needing more land and a smaller workforce seek dispersed populations with cheaper land.

Emigration is leaving a place, immigration is moving into a place.

People migrate for various reasons, but migration can be hindered by intervening obstacles or opportunities.

Intervening obstacles are negative situations that prevent migrants from reaching their final destination, while intervening opportunities are positive situations that have the same effect.

💡 Intervening obstacles and intervening opportunities can both prevent migrants from reaching their final destination.

🔍 Consider the push and pull factors that exist in your current location and the factors that influenced your choice.

📚 Practice what you've learned by answering the questions provided and check your answers in the comments section.