Human Migration Patterns

Study Notes

South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with a total population of 1.6 billion, 1.2 billion of which are in India.

The largest flow of internal migration is from the northern, mountainous areas to cities or the southern, fertile farmland due to high population density and expensive land.
People migrate to seek new opportunities, especially in the south.

In 2001, only 2% of migrations were from outside the country, with most people emigrating to developed countries like the United States and Europe.
The main reason for internal migration is marriage, accounting for over 50% of movements, especially for women who are expected to move in with their husband's family.
Other reasons for internal migration include better employment, education, and avoidance of turmoil, such as conflicts in Jammu, Kashmir, and Assam.

After the British left India, there was a surge of migration from India to Pakistan, with Hindus moving to India and Muslims to Pakistan.
Internal migration occurred mostly from rural areas to cities, driven by people seeking jobs or better opportunities, with some migrants sending money back to their families.
External migration is common, with many people moving to the Middle East for oil industry jobs, seeking to get rich.

Migration data is limited due to informal or abusive governments, but people seasonally migrate to Iran and Pakistan for work, sending money back to their families.
Some Afghans leave the country to escape persecution, seeking asylum in Europe, the U.S., and other countries, or flee war and conflict.

Both countries see a lot of migration, driven by limited opportunities, with people moving to other countries for work, especially in the Middle East, South Korea, and Singapore, and sending money back home.
Tourism is a significant source of revenue, with many short-term migrants visiting the countries.
The Maldives is especially vulnerable, with climate change threatening the country's existence, and the government planning to buy land in Australia for future relocation.

The most common flows of migrants are from neighboring Nepal and India, but immigration is generally discouraged, and even banned at times, especially for settlers from Nepal.
Moving to Bhutan requires demonstrating an understanding of the culture and willingness to assimilate.
Internal migration is common, with people moving from the east to the west for employment, family, education, and marriage.