Internal migration in Finland 1977-78: a survey investigating the reasons for migration

Abstract

The article is based on a survey compiled by Central Statistical Office of Finland on reasons for internal migration. The survey data consisted of two sample surveys. In one interviews were conducted with 1443 persons over age 15 who had changed their place of residence from one municipality to another in 1977-1978. The other sample formed control data and was composed of 1103 persons who had not migrated in period under study. The survey aimed at clarifying reasons for migration demographic characteristics of migrants and their life circumstances before and after migration and at comparing characteristics of migrants with those of persons who had not changed residence to another municipality within two preceding years. It is found that most migrants are under age 35 and actively employed and that approximately 84 percent are migrating to obtain a new job to find new housing or to get married. In addition the decision to migrate is made relatively rapidly--for most in less than six months. (EXCERPT)