Causes of migration before and after the banking collapse

Abstract

A persistent flow of migrants from rural regions to the capital area of Iceland has been a matter of considerable concern. Various measures have been implemented by the goverment with limited results. There are however indications that the net flow of migrants between southern and western regions of Iceland and the capital area has changed. This research examines what factors make rural residents consider migration and whether there have been any significant changes after the financial crisis. The research is based on surveys implemented in West-Iceland in 2007 and 2010. The research suggests social rather than economic factors trigger migration considerations in West-Iceland. There are no significant differences between migration push and pull factors.