Internal migration and socio-economic change in Laos

Abstract

This study analyzes how the migration pattern in Laos is influenced by the regionally differentiated modernization process, socioeconomic change, international migration and resettlement, by using census data from 1995 and 2005. Though Laos has experienced a rather dramatic socio-economic change during this period the inter-district and inter-province migration rate has decreased. But the empirical analyses show an increasing rural-urban migration and indicate a strong impact on migration from socio-economic changes. But internal migration patterns are also influenced by international migration patterns and resettlement of rural populations. Although socio-economic changes are major determinants to migration, also regional policies and opportunities for international migration are key factors influencing migration in developing countries.