International migration: what is measured (and what is not)

Among the events contributing to population dynamics, migration is the most difficult to quantify. Unlike births and deaths, it is defined variously in different countries, using much less standardized measures, leading to confusion in public debate. Cris Beauchemin, Louise Caron, Marine Haddad, and Franck Temporal provide an overview of the question and examine how France compares with its European neighbours.

Most countries do not have the tools to produce regular statistics on international migration. Definitions and measurement methods may vary from country to country. Since the early 2000s, international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union have been promoting more standardized approaches that allow comparisons to be made. Whatever the indicator used, France appears to be one of the countries with the lowest immigration in Western Europe.

Published on: 10/11/2021