Abstract
In this article, the principal factors that explain the basic pattern of population distribution will first be outlined from a historical perspective. The current mobility of the population will then be examined, since it is the main factor that now determines population distribution. Historically, but particularly now, the town plays a decisive role, although the extensive immigration of foreigners is also important. Brussels is an example, which illustrates all aspects of this. It also sheds some light on the relative nature of the concept of ‘foreigner’ in the statistics. The vast amount of commuting provides the final key to an understanding of the distribution of the population.
Highlights
Population distribution from a historical and modern perspective Herman Van der Haegen, Etienne Van Hecke and Sandra Savenberg
Analysis of the migration balance according to the functional level of the municipalities and the age of the migrants provides a broad outline of the geographical pattern of migration and shows that urban structure to a large extent determines migration flows, whether as a place of attraction or a place of departure
The migration balance according to the age of the migrants and the functional level provides a clear picture of what applies in each area (Table 1)
Summary
ISSN: 2294-9135 Publisher: National Committee of Geography of Belgium, Société Royale Belge de Géographie Printed version Date of publication: 30 December 2000 Number of pages: 173-188 ISSN: 1377-2368. Electronic reference Herman Van der Haegen, Etienne Van Hecke and Sandra Savenberg, « Belgians on the move », Belgeo [Online], 1-2-3-4 | 2000, Online since 12 July 2015, connection on 19 April 2019. This text was automatically generated on 19 April 2019. Belgeo est mis à disposition selon les termes de la licence Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International. Population distribution from a historical and modern perspective Herman Van der Haegen, Etienne Van Hecke and Sandra Savenberg
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