Population Movements: Migration
Understanding Why People Move and How It Shapes Our World
Migration is one of the easiest Population Geography topics to connect to real life because learners can see its effects in both rural and urban areas. This page covers the main types of migration, the push and pull factors involved, and the effects of movement in South Africa.
Key Types of Migration
By Boundary
Internal Migration
Movement within the same country. Example: relocating from Eastern Cape to Gauteng.
Rural-Urban Migration: Moving from rural areas to cities for jobs, education, healthcare.
Urbanisation: The process resulting from rural-urban migration, increasing urban populations.
International Migration
Crossing national borders to settle in a new country.
Emigration: Leaving one's country of origin.
Immigration: Entering a new country to establish residency.
By Duration
Temporary Migration
Movement for a limited period.
Migrant labor: Seasonal or short-term work.
Commuting: Daily travel to work.
Permanent Migration
Relocating with no intention of returning to the original home.
By Choice
Voluntary Migration
Individuals choose to move, often for better economic opportunities or improved living conditions.
Forced Migration
Movement due to factors beyond control: war, natural disasters, persecution. Those affected are often refugees.
Quiz 1 - Types of Migration
What is the term for leaving one's country to live in another?
Why People Move: Push and Pull Factors
Geographers use the Push-Pull Model to explain motivations behind migration.
Push Factors (Negative)
- Lack of jobs or low wages
- Poor services (schools, healthcare)
- Natural disasters (droughts, floods)
- War, crime, political instability
Pull Factors (Positive)
- Better employment opportunities
- Superior healthcare and education
- Safer environment, favorable climate
- Political stability and personal safety
Quiz 2 - Push-Pull Factors
Which of the following is a PUSH factor?
Impact of Migration in South Africa
On Rural Areas (Origin)
- Rural depopulation
- Brain drain - loss of young, skilled workers
- Decline in local economies and services
On Urban Areas (Destination)
- Growth and expanded labor force
- Pressure on infrastructure
- Overcrowding, traffic congestion
- Proliferation of informal settlements
Quiz 3 - Impacts
What term describes money sent home by migrants to their families?
Practice & Assess
Test your knowledge of migration with these interactive games.
Match - Migration Types
Fill - Rural-Urban Migration
The movement of people from rural areas to cities is called ______ migration.
Fill - Emigration/Immigration
Leaving one's country is ______; entering a new country is ______.
Word Scramble
G R U F E E
Key Terms
Key Recap
The most important point in this topic is that migration has causes and consequences. Learners should be able to classify migration, explain push and pull factors, and use South African examples to describe how migration changes both places of origin and destinations.
