For many reasons, but especially due to the decrease in the fertility rate, we will see much more immigration in the 21st century, unlike what we have seen before.

Over a period of decades – or the century – this will have tremendous changes in the populations of many countries. Europe is likely to receive far more immigrants from southern Europe, the mid-east, and Africa. The U.S. is likely to receive far more immigrants from Central and South America, and Asian rim countries. This will gradually change the ethnic composition of the population.

Depending on the language skills of the immigrant populations and their ability to assimilate into the culture of the destination country, this could result in ethnic islands within countries and potential conflicts. Everything, of course, “depends” on many factors.

Regardless, the next decades will lead to profound changes in these countries as the shift from historic white-centric populations (Europe and North America) changes to more diverse populations and possibly more multi-lingual.

Coldstreams