Which term describes the movement of people from one place to another for the purpose of settlement?

Migration is the term that specifically refers to the movement of people from one location to another with the aim of establishing a new residence. This movement can occur over short distances or can be international, and it often involves significant changes in social, economic, and environmental contexts.

In the context of human geography, migration encompasses various types, including voluntary migration, where individuals move based on personal choice (for better opportunities, for example), and forced migration, where individuals are compelled to move due to factors such as conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.

While the other terms have relevance in geographic and societal contexts, they do not directly define the act of moving for settlement purposes. Diffusion, for instance, refers to the spread of cultural elements, ideas, or practices over time and space, while urbanization describes the process of population movement towards cities and the growth of urban areas. Relocation typically denotes the act of moving from one place to another, but it does not explicitly imply the intention to settle permanently, as migration does.