Chapter 5: External and Internal Migration

Who migrates to Tehran, and where do migrants move to? After having presented the north-south socio-spatial division of Tehran's population (chapter 4), this post will focus on its external and internal migration patterns, in particular the distribution of migrants in the different parts of the city.

 

Tehran is in fact a migrant city. The largest part of Tehran’s population has migrant origins, both as result of migration from outside Iran and migration from inside the country.

 

Figure 1: Migration to Tehran from neighbouring countries (own illustration)

External immigration

 

Tehran is a prime destination for many migrants from neighbouring countries. Migrants come from Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghans are most largely represented in Tehran. They account for 84% of the total immigration group. Most Afghan migrants come to find work in Tehran as low-paid and illegal labour forces. In contrast, Pakistani migrants are usually wealthier.

 

Figure 2: Nationality shares in Tehran (own illustration)
(source: Atlas of Tehran Metropolis)

Internal Immigration

 

Tehran also attracts many migrants from other parts of the country, mainly for employment reasons, family reunification, doing one’s military service or to continue education.

 

Figure 3: Internal migration to Tehran (source: Tehran statistical yearbook
1996, 2006 and 2011-2012)

As a new capital in the 1960s, Tehran experienced rapid population growth. Between the 1930s and 60s, many villages suffered from economic breakdown, which led to an important migration wave from rural areas to Tehran.

Increasingly, there has been migration not only from rural areas or villages, but also from other cities. Today, Tehran remains one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

(source: TehranDailyPhoto.com)

Sources:

- The Brookings Institution
- Debeljak, K. (2013). Youth in Iran: A Stroy Half-Told. Values, Priorities and Perspectives of Iranian Youth. Young Publics Research Paper Series, No.1 - Iran. Retrieved June 19, 2013

- Atlas of Tehran Metropolis

-  Tehran statistical yearbook 1996, 2006 and 2011-2012



>>  Read about Iran's young generation in Chapter 6 !

(source: TehranDailyPhoto.com)