Approximately 258 million people have left their country of birth and now live in different regions, according to the United Nations report unveiled on the occasion of World Migrant Day.
This is an increase of 49% compared to the year 2000 and 18% compared to 2010.
From the data analysis, it emerges that 60% of migrants live in Asia (80 million), 78 million in Europe, 58 million in North America, and 25 million in Africa.
It is noteworthy that two-thirds of migrants live in 20 countries: the highest number is in the United States (50 million), followed by Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Russia, each with around 12 million, while the United Kingdom accounts for 9 million.
The number of refugees and asylum seekers is estimated at nearly 26 million. Turkey hosts the largest number (3 million), followed by Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
None of the European countries nor the United States appear at the top of this “ranking.”
Asia is the leading continent of origin for migrants (106 million, with India being the foremost country), followed by Europe (61 million).
The top nations in the list include Mexico, Russia, China, Bangladesh, Syria, Pakistan, and Ukraine.
No African nations are in the forefront, but it is estimated that within the continent, 36 million have left their country of origin.
The most traveled migration route is from Mexico to the United States (12.7 million people), followed by the route from India to Saudi Arabia (3.3 million). A separate case is that of Syrians who moved to Turkey due to the war (3.3 million).
It is noteworthy that, among the 15 most traveled routes, none lead to European countries.
“A correct analysis of the data is fundamental to combat erroneous perceptions and to establish migration policies,” commented Liu Zhenmin, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
In 2018, the organization’s 193 member states committed to a global pact for common policies for refugees and migrants, for their protection, and to oppose xenophobia and intolerance.
