Study on the changing spatial focusing of inter-provincial migration in China based on Gini index

In this paper, we examine the degree of spatial focusing of the inter-provincial migration in China by using the Gini index. Based on the data from the 2000 and 2010 censuses in China, we analyze the changes of spatial focusing of inter-provincial migration flows between 2000 and 2010. The results indicate that, firstly, the spatial distribution of inter-provincial migration flows in China is highly focused, and the migration flows are in the direction of equality. Secondly, the provinces with lower degree of spatial focusing of in-migration tend to focus on the inland areas, and the provinces with a higher degree of spatial focusing of inmigration tend to focus on the southeastern, northwestern, and northeastern coasts of China. This “inland dispersed, outland focused” distribution pattern will exist for a long time. Thirdly, China´s inter-provincial out-migration flows are spatially more focused than in-migration in particular. The provinces with lower degree of spatial focusing of out-migration, mainly distribute in the southeastern coast China and northwestern China. The provinces with higher degree of spatial focusing of out-migration tend to focus on the southern China. This “outland dispersed and inland focused” pattern is strengthening. Finally, there is a negative correlation between in-migration and out-migration flows of spatial focusing in China. We speculate the relationship will become u-shaped in the future.