| | |  Travel & Outdoors | September 2009 
Top 10: Immigrant Cities
 Steven Shaw - AskMen.com
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September 26, 2009
| | For far and away the biggest immigrant population anywhere in the world is found in the Middle East, where the 2006 census suggested that a little over one million of Dubai’s 1.4 million citizens were foreign nationals. (Leoncillo Sabino/Flickr) | |
Ever since early humans left Africa, migration has been a fact of our existence. Population pressure grows, so families, tribes and others move on to pastures new. Steppe nomads such as the Magyars and the Mongols moved west, while Visigoths, Vandals and Vikings all sought new lands to call home. In more recent times the great migrations of the tired, poor and various huddled masses came to the United States, and these have all been variations on the same theme: people seeking a new home, a new start and new opportunities.
In the case of some of the cities on this list, migration has been inorganic, rather than a “natural” process, for example to fulfill a shortage in the labor force. In cases like these, the outcome isn’t always positive for the newcomers. In every case, however, the places where these groups settle inevitably experience changes in population distribution and new cultural influences. For the most part, these migrations inject a town or city with new blood, new ideas and new vibrancy. People bring with them music, cuisine, fashion, and language. They help to make these places more cosmopolitan, enriching the societies they are entering.
Here are the 10 biggest centers of immigrant populations in the world today, in other words, the top 10 immigrant cities.
No.10 - Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Immigrant population: 37.75%
As one of the key holy sites for the Islamic faith and the final destination for anyone undertaking the Hajj, it makes sense to see Mecca attracting massive numbers of immigrants. The scale of this is truly staggering, as on an annual basis an estimated four million people descend upon this top immigrant city. In 1996, some 1.7 million non-natives resided in Mecca. Recently, Mecca has undergone an enormous rebuilding program, with skyscrapers appearing across the city. In order to accomplish this, a labor force has been introduced from elsewhere, and they're not necessarily given the treatment and wages that their work deserves.
No.9 - Geneva, Switzerland
Immigrant population: 38.37%
One of the smallest cities on this list, Geneva has a population of around half a million, and is a center for some 200 international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and several divisions of the UN. Much of its immigrant population is, therefore, highly educated, coming from overseas to work within one of the multinationals that have set up in this beautiful city. Geneva has cultivated a reputation for being urbane and cosmopolitan, and offers massive tax incentives to wealthy immigrants.
No.8 - Aukland, New Zealand
Immigrant population: 39%
Auckland is actually the smallest city on this list, and in 2001, almost 40% of its residents were non-native. It is easy to see why, when you realize that New Zealand has one of the most benign environments in the Southern Hemisphere, which has made it extremely attractive for many. New Zealand also has well-developed businesses and infrastructure. Government data shows that people are attracted to New Zealand from a vast array of countries, leading to events such as the Japan festival, Italian festival and reminders of its indigenous heritage as well.
No.7 - The Hague, Netherlands
Immigrant population: 40%
As the home to the international criminal court, as well as 150 other international organizations, it may come as no surprise that The Hague makes it on to our list. The official website claims that out of a population of 474,000, some 40% are non-Dutch nationals. What is perhaps most interesting about this is the fact that the vast majority of the immigrants coming to this city will be well-educated, multilingual and well-paid (and possibly a much higher than normal concentration of war criminals) in contrast to many cities that will attract people who are desperately seeking a new start.
No.6 - Masqat, Oman
Immigrant population: 44.61%
Data on Musqat’s population is a little patchy, but the immigrant count was estimated in 2003 by the Oman census at around 40%. Like many Middle Eastern states, Oman has made great use of its oil wealth, and has grown rapidly as it has attracted foreign investment. Once again, construction has been a major source of employment for non-natives, particularly from the Asian subcontinent. Perhaps as many as 600,000 foreigners now live in Oman, and the vast majority reside in Masqat. Once again, there are serious question marks over exploitation of immigrant workers.
No.5 - Vancouver, Canada
Immigrant population: 45.6%
If New Zealand is considered a great place to live, the same can be said of Canada, which rarely courts international controversy and has some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere on the North American continent. Vancouver just west of the Rocky Mountains, so while its maritime climate is mild, great skiing is very close by. According to the Canadian census of 2006, almost 50% of Vancouver residents are immigrants, many of whom have now claimed Canadian citizenship. Many of these immigrants are of European or Asian origin, bringing with them a wide range of cultures and traditions.
No.4 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Immigrant population: 47.28%
Amsterdam is perhaps best known for its -- ahem -- liberalism and relaxed attitudes. It’s little wonder that it attracts so many foreigners. With a long and distinguished history as a settlement, Amsterdam has a population of around 750,000, of which around 350,000 are non-native. Many of its settlers come from former colonies, such as Suriname, the Antilles and Aruba, while others come from Asia and Africa. This gives Amsterdam a rich variety of cultures to draw from, much as it did in the early modern period, when it first became a major economic center.
No.3 - Toronto, Canada
Immigrant population: 49.9%
Canada claims its second city on our list, with the 2006 census stating that almost exactly half of Toronto’s urban population is foreign-born. Canada has been taking steps in recent years to attract young people to the country, to alleviate potential issues with its aging workforce, making it an extremely attractive proposition for young and ambitious people. With 1.2 million foreigners having settled in Toronto, it is one of the most diverse urban centers in the world. It claims to be one of the safest cities in the world as well, and with numerous carnivals, festivals and cultural celebrations, it really does deserve its place on this list.
No.2 - Miami, USA
Immigrant population: 59.5%
It would have been a huge surprise if no American city had made it into our top 10, and sure enough, Miami flies the flag. The 2000 census suggested that of a population of 2.2 million, more than 1.1 million were foreigners, and the vast majority of those came from Hispanic countries such as Cuba and Nicaragua. This gives Miami a very strong Latin flavor, and Spanish is spoken as widely as English. Since the millennium, Miami has been going through a period of growth, and has attracted many businesses to accompany its huge tourist industry.
No.1 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Immigrant population: 71%
For far and away the biggest immigrant population anywhere in the world is found in the Middle East, where the 2006 census suggested that a little over one million of Dubai’s 1.4 million citizens were foreign nationals. Other studies place that figure between 80% and 90%. While this diaspora is predominantly from the Asian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, there is also a significant western population as well. These people have been essential in making Dubai the glamorous and opulent destination it seeks to be, although this is tarnished somewhat by suspected abuses of immigrant workers. |
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