New classification of population by origin
Replacing classification based on migration background and the concepts western/non-westernAbout this publication
In 2022, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) will adopt a different approach when publishing data on people currently referred to as having a western or non-western migration background:
1. Greater emphasis will be placed on where a person was born and less on where their parents were born. The term ‘migration background’ will no longer be used in this regard. In the new classification, CBS will refer to (international) migrants and their (Netherlands-born) children.
2. The main categories western/non-western will be replaced by categories based on continents and a few countries that share a specific migration history with the Netherlands.
This article explains the new classification, its background, and how it differs from the system of classification that has been used to date.