Over four in ten global migrants identify as Christians
In recent years, Europe has become a significant hub for migrants, with the continent now home to over 86.8 million migrants, according to the latest data. This represents a 74% increase in the number of international migrants in Europe between 1990 and 2020, growing from 7% to 12% of Europe's total population.
The United States, Germany, and Russia are the top three destination countries for migrants, with Christians and religiously unaffiliated migrants sharing these top spots. Christians, who make up 30% of the global population, represent almost half of the world's migrants.
The Pew Research Centre's report sheds light on the religious composition of migrant communities. It reveals that 47% of migrants are Christians, 29% are Muslim, and 13% do not identify with a specific religion. This diversity is reflected in the numbers of migrants from various countries. For instance, the numbers of migrants from Russia and Ukraine stand at 6.5 million and 5 million respectively, while Romania, Kazakhstan, and Poland each host 4 million migrants.
Germany, with its welcoming immigration policies, hosts the most migrants in Europe with 15.8 million. Russia follows closely with 11.6 million migrants, and France hosts 8.5 million migrants. Spain and the United Kingdom each host 6.8 million and 9.4 million migrants respectively.
Many migrants move to Europe to escape religious persecution or to live among people with similar religious beliefs. However, it's important to note that underrepresented groups among migrants leaving their home countries include single parents, particularly single mothers, who face integration challenges due to lack of childcare, as seen with Ukrainian refugees in Germany.
The global migrant population is over 280 million, representing an 83% increase in the last three decades. Despite this, the non-religious are underrepresented among migrants. Most of the people coming to Europe define themselves as Christians (56%), while 20% are religiously unaffiliated and 18% Muslim.
Most of the world's Christian migrants live in Europe (37%) or North America (30%). This distribution underscores the importance of Europe as a destination for Christian migrants. As the continent continues to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by this growing migrant population, it remains crucial to promote integration, address the unique challenges faced by different groups, and ensure that the rights and opportunities of all migrants are respected and protected.
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