India has largest diaspora population in the world
According to a survey conducted by the UN department of economic and social affairs (DESA), India has the largest diaspora population in the world, with 16 million Indians living abroad. Statistics indicate that over 244 million persons were living in a country other than where they were born in 2015. Europe is the most popular destination with over 76 million residents from other countries.
Diaspora refers to a scattered population that has a common geographical origin. People who migrate to other countries for work, out of persecution or personal choice, become their country's diaspora in the new country.
Indian immigration to North America started as early as the 1890s. There are nearly 13,00,000 Indians settled in Canada, and the Defence Minister of Canada, Harjit Sajjan, is a Sikh. There are nearly 33,00,000 Indians living in the US of which the largest group of 6,79,000 Indians, Iive in New York. Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-American Astronaut.
The migration of Indians to South America began during the colonial era. The French and Dutch colonialists "imported" Indians to Suriname. There are approximately 9300 Indians living in Brazil, and about 900 in Argentina. These are the two largest groups of Indians in South America. Indians primarily work as traders and shopkeepers in South America.
There are approximately 1.6 million Indians in the UK. 45% of these are Hindus while 26% are Sikhs. In germany there are approximately 1.1million Indians, while in France there are approximately 400,000 Indians. There are also approximately 1,00,000 Indians living in the Netherlands. Indians in Europe are primarily engaged either as small business owners or in the service sector.
There are approximately 6 to 7 million Indians working across West Asia, most of who hail from the state of Kerala. Remittances from West Asian countries account for over $35 billion. A large proportion of Indians working in West Asia are employed either as contractual labor, or in senior positions in major companies. Saudi Arabia and UAE account for highest regional remittances to India.
The largest population of Indians in Africa are settled in East Africa, numbering over 30,00,000. These settlers traveled to Africa in pre-colonial times as traders and entrepreneurs. South Africa is the country with the largest population of Indians in Africa, with over 13,00,000 Indians. Indians in Africa run small businesses and are also heavily involved in import-export businesses.
There are over 500,000 Indians living in Australia, accounting for a little over 2% of its population. There 186,000 Indians in New Zealand, accounting for over 4% of its population. Indians in Australia and New Zealand are largely comprised of individuals involved in technology, IT and business. Indian's make up one of the largest migrant communities in Australia and New Zealand.
