Special Problems: Some Basic Facts

Abstract

To give some idea of the magnitude of migration these data, from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) website (www.iom.int), give both facts and commentary. In 2009 the IOM noted that:

• There are more than 200 million migrants in the world today, about 3 per cent of the world’s population.

• That number, if in a single sovereign state, would constitute the world’s fifth most populous nation.

• There are an estimated 20 to 30 million illegal migrants in the world today, comprising between 15 and 20 per cent of all migrant stock.

• In 2007 there were an estimated 26 million internally displaced peoples in the world in at least 52 countries — the result of conflict.

• In 2007 the estimated number of refugees reached 11.4 million people.