Flow of migration Based on data from the United Nations
Although the data and accompanying map visualisation give an insight into the staggering scale of movement, because only European data is available, there is not the same level of appreciation for the higher numbers of refugees in Turkey and across other countries in north Africa — i.e. the neighbouring countries of conflict areas. Taken in isolation it can give the false impression that Europe is bearing most of the cost of the refugee crisis which is not the truth of the matter. This is an impression which is widespread and has far reaching consequences for the policies and responses of people and governments to the refugee crisis at the moment.
However, the visual representation offers an insight into comprehending the scale of the issue whilst recognising it is not possible to equate the European direct experience with the pressure on neighbouring countries. The football pitch graphic at the end is used to in some way put the data into context.