Movement of people within the boundaries of a single country is a demographic process characterized by shifts in residence that do not cross international borders. This phenomenon can involve relocation between regions, states, or even from rural to urban areas, or vice versa. An example includes the movement of individuals from the agricultural Midwest to cities on the East Coast seeking employment opportunities in the finance sector.
Understanding this population shift is crucial in human geography as it impacts regional demographics, economic landscapes, and cultural diffusion within a nation. It can alleviate population pressure in some regions while creating challenges like overcrowding and resource strain in others. Historically, large-scale internal movements have been driven by factors such as industrialization, economic depression, and environmental disasters, shaping the distribution of populations across the country.