What is the term for the movement of people from the countryside to the city?

The movement of people from the countryside to the city is called rural-urban migration. This term specifically refers to the process in which individuals or groups relocate from rural areas, often seeking better job opportunities, education, and living conditions typically found in urban environments.

Rural-urban migration is a significant component of urbanization, which is the broader process of increasing population density in urban areas and the overall growth of cities. However, while urbanization encompasses many aspects of societal change related to urban growth, rural-urban migration specifically highlights the migration aspect of this trend.

Understanding rural-urban migration is essential for interpreting various socio-economic changes, including shifts in demographics, cultural exchanges, and the challenges of urban planning and infrastructure development that arise as cities expand to accommodate incoming populations.