Majority vs. Minority Migration: A Comparison of Characteristics from the Vietnam 2009 Population and Housing Census

Abstract

Migration in Vietnam is intensifying along with the socio-economic development process, involving all sub-groups of the population including ethnic minorities. However, there are very few studies on migration of ethnic minorities due to a lack of information about these poor and vulnerable population groups. In this regard, the 2009 Population and Housing Census provides comprehensive information about ethnic minority populations including their movement. Analysis of the census data shows that the minority population is in a disadvantaged position in comparison to the Kinh majority in terms of geographical distribution, education
and socio-economic status. Although migrants from the minority groups are similar to those from the Kinh majority in many aspects, they are quite different with regards to the distance migrated. Information from other sources also suggests that many minority migrants might not move for economic reasons as in the case of the Kinh majority migrants.