Introduction to Human Migration

Introduction to Human Migration

the movement of people from one place in the world to another

Poll

Are you or is someone in your close family an immigrant?

• Yes

• No

Population Density

World population distribution describes how people are spread out across the globe. The human population is not spread evenly. Few people live in locations that are sparsely populated and densely populated places have many. The distribution of people is often shown using a dot distribution map.

Population Density

The Himalayas are a good example of an environment that is difficult or challenging for people to live and work in. This large mountain range in Asia has low temperatures, poor soil quality and the slopes are too steep for people to live on and cultivate - and so it is sparsely populated. Other locations, such as parts of the UK, are more densely populated because they have flatter land, good soils and a mild climate.

Multiple Choice

Look at the map. Is Colombia a densely populated, moderately populated, or sparsely populated country?

• Densely populated

• Moderately populated

• Sparsely populated

Mapping global population and the future of the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur77lDetI9Q

Types of human migration 

• internal migration: moving within a state, country, or continent

• external migration: moving to a different state, country, or continent

• emigration: leaving one country to move to another

• immigration: moving into a new country

• return migration: moving back to where you came from

• seasonal migration: moving with each season or in response to labor or climate conditions

People who migrate fall into several categories

• An emigrant is a person who is leaving one country to live in another.

• An immigrant is a person who is entering a country from another to make a new home.

• A refugee is a person who has moved to a new country because of a problem in their former home.

Open Ended

Why do people move? What forces do you think drive human migration?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfSD9_t61g8

Push and Pull Factors

• A food shortage

• War

• A flood

• Nicer climate

• More job opportunities

• Better food supply

Multiple Select

Which of these reasons for migrating could be considered pull factors?

• Natural disasters

• Job opportunities

• Better education

• More safety

• Lack of natural resources

Multiple Select

Which of these reasons for migrating could be considered push factors?

• Few jobs

• Better health care

• Natural disasters

• Famine

• Job opportunities

Open Ended

What effect does a region’s economy, climate, politics, and culture have on migration to and from the area?

The story of humanity is migration: Watch this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC2Egw1Yfjc