In Zelinsky's Migration Transition, which statement best describes the shift in migration patterns as development progresses?

• A. International migration remains dominant throughout development
• B. Rural-to-rural migration increases most
• C. Internal migration becomes dominant as development progresses
• D. Emigration to other continents decreases

Answer: (C)

Migration patterns change as a country develops: people move from rural areas to cities within the same country as industrial jobs, better wages, and urban services attract them. This internal, rural-to-urban migration grows to become the main form of relocation as development advances, because most opportunities arise domestically and barriers to moving within the country are relatively low. International migration remains important in some contexts, but the dominant flow shifts to moving within the country toward urban centers. That’s why internal migration becoming dominant best fits Zelinsky’s pattern.