Christians represent the largest share of international migrants, making up 47% of the global migrant population. This is notably higher compared to their 30% share of the world’s total population, according to PEW Research centre.
International migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, safety, and personal connections. Religion plays a significant role in shaping these migration patterns. According to Pew Research Center analysis, religious affiliation heavily influences both the origins and destinations of international migrants.
Mexico is the most common origin country for Christian migrants, while the United States stands as their most frequent destination.
MUSLIMS: SLIGHTLY OVERREPRESENTED IN MIGRATION
Muslims constitute 29% of international migrants, slightly more than their 25% share of the global population. Syria is the predominant origin country for Muslim migrants, with many moving to other countries within the Middle East-North Africa region, such as Saudi Arabia.
RELIGIOUSLY UNAFFILIATED: UNDERREPRESENTED AMONG MIGRANTS
People without a religion make up 13% of international migrants, which is less than their 23% share of the global population. China is the leading origin country for religiously unaffiliated migrants, with the United States being their top destination.
HINDUS: UNDERREPRESENTED IN INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION
Hindus are notably underrepresented among international migrants, accounting for only 5% compared to their 15% share of the global population. India is both the top origin and destination country for Hindu migrants.
BUDDHISTS: PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
Buddhists make up 4% of both the global population and international migrants. Myanmar is the most common origin country, while Thailand is the primary destination for Buddhist migrants.
JEWS: THE MOST LIKELY TO MIGRATE
Jews form 1% of international migrants, a significant increase compared to their 0.2% share of the global population. Israel is both the most frequent origin and destination country for Jewish migrants. Approximately one in five Jews live outside their country of birth, marking them as the most migratory of the major religious groups.
CONNECTION BETWEEN RELIGION AND MIGRATION
Migration often results from the search for better job opportunities, educational prospects, or familial reunification. However, religious factors also play a crucial role. Many individuals migrate to escape religious persecution or to join communities with shared beliefs.
Migrants frequently move to countries where their religion is prevalent, contributing to gradual changes in the religious landscape of their new homes. For instance, Muslims often migrate to Saudi Arabia, while Jews move to Israel. Conversely, some migrants adopt the predominant religion of their new country or convert to different beliefs.
COMMON TRENDS ACROSS RELIGIOUS GROUPS
Despite differences in migration patterns, common trends emerge across religious groups. Migrants generally move from less affluent or more hazardous regions to countries offering greater prosperity and safety. Christians and religiously unaffiliated migrants, for example, commonly migrate to the US., Germany, and Russia.
