looking for

Global migrants and incomes, 1975-2000



Year

Migrants
millions

World pop
billions

Migrants
world pop
Countries grouped
by per capita GDP($)

Ratios
Low
middle
high
High-low
High-middle
1975
85
4.1
2.1%
150
750
6,200
41
8
1985
105
4.8
2.2%
270
1,290
11,810
44
9

1990
154
5.3
2.9%
350
2,220
19,590
56
9
1995
164
5.7
2.9%
430
2,390
24,930
58
10
2000
175
6.1
2.9%
420
1,970
27,510
66
14

However, most migrants are young people looking for work. The world’s labour force was 3 billion in 2000, and is growing much faster in developing than in developed countries. For example, between 2001 and 2010, the labor force in developing countries is projected to grow four times faster than the labor force in developed or high income countries. Since many high income country social welfare systems are based on contributions from workers, immigration could help to stabilize high-income labor forces.