Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. This status is recognized internationally, granting them certain rights and protections under global agreements.
Related terms
Asylum Seeker: An individual who is seeking international protection from dangers in their home country but whose claim for refugee status has not yet been determined.
Internally Displaced Person (IDP): A person who is forced to flee their home for similar reasons as a refugee but remains within their country's borders.
The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas, often influencing patterns of movement including those of refugees seeking safety and opportunities in urban settings