A new Pew Research Center report has brought to light an intriguing revelation about global migration – Christians make up nearly half (47 percent) of the world’s international migrants. This significant presence of Christians in migration is shaping religious demographics both in their countries of origin and in the places they move to.
The report identifies Christians as the largest religious group among migrants, accounting for roughly 47 percent of total international migrants. The migration from Christian-majority regions such as Latin America, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa is a key factor contributing to this statistic.
Factors like economic opportunities, political instability, and conflict have led millions of Christians to seek a better life and safety in other countries. The study highlights how religion plays a crucial role in the decision to migrate, with many individuals moving to escape persecution or to be among like-minded people.
In addition to Christians, Muslims make up the second-largest religious group among global migrants, representing 29 percent of the total. The search for stability and better economic prospects often drives Muslims to leave conflict-ridden regions like the Middle East.
While Jews may be a smaller group in absolute numbers, around 20 percent of the global Jewish population lives outside their country of birth, making them more likely to migrate. Migration has also led to religious diversity in destination countries, introducing new religious communities where there was once limited religious variety.
The Pew report underscores how migration has a profound impact on religious landscapes, with individuals either holding on to their faith or adopting new beliefs in their host countries. This dynamic exchange not only shapes the religious makeup of nations but also contributes to global religious diversity.
This fascinating insight into the link between religion and migration was originally published on LiCAS News. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction by third parties is strictly prohibited.
