Map 4.3 - Global Voluntary Migrations

These three maps show dramatic differences in the directions of migratory flows. During the European colonial era, Europeans were motivated to migrate out of Europe because of opportunities in the colonies (first map). After the Second World War, decolonization saw a reversal in the flow, as non-Europeans and non–U.S. Americans began moving into Europe and the United States in search of new opportunities for themselves (second map). Today, most migrants stay within the same major region of the world in which they are born (final map).