Migration is a major driver of population change in IB Geography, particularly within the Changing Population unit. Urban areas are especially affected by migration, as they attract people seeking employment, education, healthcare, and improved living standards. Migration reshapes urban population structures in ways that influence age, gender balance, cultural diversity, and long-term development.
One of the most significant impacts of migration on urban population structure is a change in the age profile. Migrants are typically young adults of working age. As a result, cities often develop youthful populations with high proportions of people aged 18–35. This can reduce dependency ratios and increase the size of the labour force, supporting economic growth. However, it can also place pressure on housing, transport, and employment markets.
Migration also affects the gender structure of urban populations. In some regions, economic migration is male-dominated, particularly where employment is concentrated in construction or manufacturing. In other cases, female migration increases due to employment in healthcare, domestic work, or education. These shifts can urbanise gender imbalances, influencing household structures and social dynamics within cities.
Urban migration leads to greater ethnic and cultural diversity. International migrants bring languages, religions, and cultural traditions that reshape urban identity. This diversity can enrich cities socially and economically, contributing to innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. However, it can also create challenges related to social integration, segregation, and access to services if migration is rapid or poorly managed.
Rural-to-urban migration also changes population distribution within cities. Many migrants initially settle in inner-city areas or informal settlements due to lower housing costs and proximity to employment. This can result in overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and the growth of informal housing. Over time, some migrants move to suburbs as income increases, contributing to urban expansion and sprawl.
In IB Geography, migration is often linked to population pyramids. Urban areas experiencing high in-migration typically show wider bases in young adult age groups, while rural source areas may experience population ageing and labour shortages. Understanding this relationship is essential for explaining spatial population change.
Overall, migration reshapes urban population structures by making cities younger, more diverse, and more economically active. At the same time, it creates challenges related to housing, service provision, and social cohesion.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand migration clearly by linking population structure changes to real-world urban issues and exam-style explanations, supporting confident analysis across the syllabus.
