Economic differences between countries have been widening, encouraging international migration for incomes and jobs. The world’s GDP was $30 trillion in 2000, making average per capita income $5000 a year, but there was significant variation—the range was from $100 per person per year in Ethiopia to $38000 in Switzerland. When countries are grouped by their per capita GDPs, the gap between high income countries, with $9300 or more per person per year, versus low (below $750 per person per year) and middle income countries climbing into the high-income ranks.[1]For example, in 1975 per capita GDPs in the high income countries were on average 41 times higher than those in low-income countries, and 8 times higher than in middle income countries. By 2000, high income countries had per capita GDPs that were 66 times those in low-income countries and 14 times those in middle- income countries.[2] Rising per capita income differences help to explain why so many migrants from low and middle income countries take big risks to enter high income countries.
[1] Philip L. Martin, ’Migration and Development: Toward Sustainable Solution,’ International Institute for Labour Studies Discussion Paper, No. 153,2004,p.4
[2] Ibid
[1] Philip L. Martin, ’Migration and Development: Toward Sustainable Solution,’ International Institute for Labour Studies Discussion Paper, No. 153,2004,p.4
[2] Ibid