Internal Migration

Internal migration is associated with the redistribution of population within the borders of states and territories. The difficulties of measuring internal migration and generating comparable data are highlighted. Rarely are internal population movements simple origin-to-destination flows; they are made up of complex systems of return migration, repeat migration, or circular flows of people. The patterns of internal migration by urban and rural sector are examined, with emphasis on rural-to-urban movements, and the great transition to urban-based societies is described. However, the other intersectoral migrations are also outlined, and particular attention is paid to the implications of rural-to-rural movements for the construction of the state. The processes of integration of migrants into the social and economic fabric of cities are discussed, as are the emerging linkages between internal and international migrations.