portugal geography test, 8th grade pt; migration (more detailed)

Migration Cycles

First Phase: Late 19th Century – Mid 20th Century (Before & During WWII)

• Where?

Mainly from Europe (Portugal, UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, Russia) to the Americas (USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina).

• Why?

  • Overpopulation in Europe → led to poor living conditions.

  • The Americas had job opportunities and better living conditions.

  • Improvements in maritime transport made migration easier.

• Effects:

  • The Americas received millions of European immigrants.

  • Some countries, like the USA, made rules to reduce how many immigrants could come in. This changed where people chose to live and how many people moved to different places.

Second Phase: Mid 20th Century – 1970 (After WWII)

• Where?

From Southern Europe and Africa

to Western Europe and North America

• Why?

  • WWII left Western Europe destroyed → these countries needed workers to rebuild.

  • Many people in Southern Europe and Africa faced high unemployment, low wages, and poor living conditions.

• Effects:

  • Large numbers of temporary workers (many from Portugal) moved to countries like France and Germany.

  • Migration helped rebuild economies but also led to social tensions.

Third Phase: Late 20th Century – Present (1990s - Today)

• Where?

  Migration occurs within continents and between continents.

• Why?

  • Economic issues: Low salaries, unemployment, job insecurity, high living costs.

  • Wars and conflicts: Refugees flee to safer countries.

  • Environmental disasters: Some people leave areas affected by climate change.

• Effects:

  • People move to wealthier countries for better salaries, safety, and a higher quality of life.

  • Some migrations are temporary, others are permanen

migration in detail

What is Migration?

• Migration = movement of people from one place to another.

• Two main types:

  • Emigration = Leaving a country.

  • Immigration = Arriving in a country.

Formula:
Net Migration Rate = Immigration – Emigration

Causes of Migration

• Economic: People move for jobs, better salaries, or professional opportunities.

• Humanitarian: Wars, persecution (religious, political, or ethnic), natural disasters.

• Other reasons: Family reunification, education, or lifestyle choices.

Effects of Migration

• On the country people leave (origin country):

  • Fewer workers → economic problems.

  • Aging population → fewer young people.

  • Families receive money (remittances) from emigrants, helping reduce poverty.

• On the country people move to (destination country):

  • More workers → boosts the economy.

  • More cultural diversity.

  • Possible social conflicts (racism, xenophobia, job competition).

Types of Migration

• By Space:

  • Internal Migration: Inside a country.

  • International Migration: Between countries.

  • Intercontinental: Between continents.

  • Intracontinental: Within the same continent.

• By Duration:

  • Permanent: Moving forever.

  • Temporary: Moving for a short period (e.g., seasonal work).

• By Decision:

  • Voluntary: People move by choice.

  • Forced: People flee due to war, persecution, or natural disasters.

Migration in Portugal

• Portugal has a long history of emigration:

  • Before WWII: People moved to Brazil, Venezuela, South Africa, USA due to poverty and wars.

  • 1950s-1970s: Many Portuguese emigrated to France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany for work.

  • 2008 Crisis-Present: Migration to UK, Spain, Switzerland due to economic difficulties.

• Portugal also receives immigrants, mainly from Brazil, African countries, and Eastern Europe.