Ivorians in the United Kingdom
Total population | |
---|---|
Ivoirian-born residents 2,794 (2001 UK Census) Other population estimates 5,000-9,000 (2008 community leaders' estimates) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Roman Catholicism |
Ivoirians in the United Kingdom
History and settlement
Ivoirians have been migrating to the UK since the late 20th century, albeit in smaller numbers than those who chose to start a new life in countries such as France. Côte d'Ivoire was under French rule between 1842 and 1960 and formed part of French West Africa.[2] Prior to 1995, Ivoirians did not require a visa to visit the UK, and this is when significant migration to the UK started.[1] The majority of early Ivoirian immigrants were students. The most recent wave of Ivoirian immigrants are much more heterogeneous. Many have fled political and economic instability in Côte d'Ivoire, following the death of Ivoirian president Félix Houphouët-Boigny in late 1993.[2] The power struggle that followed forced many natives to flee before bloodshed similar to that seen in neighbouring Liberia. After the Badie régime was overthrown in 1999, attempts to stabilise a government were in vain and the fear of violence became reality during the Ivorian Civil War (2002–2007).[2] Ivoirians migrating to the UK at this time were primarily asylum seekers and victims of war.[1] Besides students and asylum seekers in the UK, there are many irregular Ivoirian migrants in the country, many of whom overstayed their visas. The IOM has suggested that this is down to their determination to succeed in the UK and not let themselves or their families down.[1] Besides the continuing and increasing number of individuals leaving Côte d'Ivoire for a new life in the UK, there are also significant numbers of secondary migrants moving to the UK from France. France is seen as the hub of the Ivoirian diaspora however many older generations are in fact leaving the country for other nations such as the UK in hope of better prospects for their children and grandchildren.[1] Many young men who have failed to settle and make a life for themselves in France have also left for the UK to "try again".[1]
Demographics
Population
According to the
Population distribution
The majority of Ivoirians (between 3,000 and 4,500) reside in the British capital, London. London is the preferred destination for Ivoirian migrants due to its cosmopolitan nature, the belief that it offers greater and better employment prospects, as well as its long-established Ivoirian and Black African communities.[1] Despite this, there is evidence that numerous Ivoirians who settled in London have since moved on to other cities. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Ivoirians reside in Birmingham, 400 to 1,000 in Newcastle upon Tyne and 100 to 200 in Glasgow.[1] Outside of these large cities, many Ivoirian asylum seekers have been dispersed across the country by the British government, as part of a policy designed to lessen the financial burden on local councils in London and the south east.[1]
Religion
Islam and Christianity are the two main religions in Côte d'Ivoire, however, there are also many indigenous African religions that Ivoirian people follow.[1] Most Ivoirian Muslims in the UK belong to the Mandinka and Mandé ethnic groups from the north and north west of Côte d'Ivoire. Amongst the more commonly visited mosques amongst the community are Brixton Mosque, Lewisham Mosque, Kent Islamic Centre and the Old Kent Road Nigerian Mosque - all of these are located in and around Greater London which reflects the spread of Ivoirians in the UK themselves.[1] The IOM has found evidence that within the UK's Ivoirian community, there are, in fact, larger followers of Christianity - the majority adhering to the Roman Catholic and Methodist faiths. There are many Ivoirian congregations and churches in London and across the UK and where Ivoirian communities aren't so prevalent, many decide to worship alongside other people from other African nations.[1]
Notable individuals
See also
- Black British
- Demographics of Côte d'Ivoire
- Ivorian Americans
- Ivorian Canadians
- Ivorians in Ireland
- Ivorians in France
- Ivorians in Italy
- Ivorians in Switzerland
- Ivorians in Germany
- Ivorians in Belgium
- Ivorians in the Netherlands
- Ivorians in Denmark
- Ivorians in Norway
- Ivorians in Sweden
- Ivorian Australians
Notes
- ^ The demonym 'Ivoirian' is interchangeable with 'Ivorian', as is 'Côte d'Ivoire' and 'Ivory Coast'.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Ivory Coast: Mapping exercise" (PDF). London: International Organization for Migration. August 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
- ^ a b c "Ivory Coast timeline". BBC. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
- ^ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Archived from the originalon 17 June 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2010.