Trends and Patterns of Internal Migration in Iran

This article aims to explore changes in trends and patterns of internal migration during last three decades with using secondary analysis of Iranian censuses data. The results showed changing pattern of migration from intra to inter provincial migration. During last three decades, inter provincial migration increase from 35 to 40 perecent of migrations. The findings indicated that the most inter-provincial migration flows have done toward to their neighboring provinces and Tehran (the capital of Iran). The provinces of Tehran, Alborz, Semnan, Qom, Yazd and Isfahan have always considered destinations for internal migrants. In contrast, the provinces of East and West Azarbaijan, Ardebil, Ilam, Chahar Mahal-e Bakhtiyari, Sistan and Baluchestan, Kordestan, Kerman, Kermanshah, Kohgiluyeh va Boyer-Ahmad, Lorestan and Hamedan have been the most origins of internal migration. In conclusion, regarding high unemployment and lack employment opportunities in the most of origin provinces and also, development inequality, we expect inter-provincial migration flows to increase.