Meet the countries that pay people to move to rural areas

According to him World Bank, Around 56% of the world population – some 4.4 billion people – lives in cities, this figure will increase to 68% in 2050, according to the UN.

There are many governments that try to convince people to leave the city and move to the countryside, boosting the economic growth of these areas.

These are some of the countries that offer incentives to their citizens to make the change.

Japan

Tokyo is the world’s most populous city, but the Japanese government is now offering families 1 million yen ($7,600) per child to relocate outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area, to create a “regional revitalization”.

These families must live in their new homes for at least five years to receive the aid, and one of their members must be working or planning to open a business.

The government says the remote work trend is helping spread economic opportunity across the country, and has led to population growth in cities like Shirahama, an hour’s flight from Tokyo.

USA

The US state of Vermont wants to attract remote workers by offering a grant of up to $7,500.

This worker relocation incentive program has recently been extended to include people from all walks of life. It is funded by a one-time $3 million appropriation from the Vermont Legislature, and is first-come, first-served.

“This program alone will not solve our demographic challenges, but it is a piece of the puzzle as we continue to work to get other housing and economic development programs in place.”says Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary of the Vermont Community Development and Business Agency.

Spain

The Spanish government is investing 10 billion euros of EU funds earmarked for post-tsunami recovery to try to curb rural depopulation.

Since 1950 there has been a significant decline in the population in almost half of Spain, with 23 provinces considered highly rural being the most affected. According to Funcas, the loss of population has exceeded fifty% in some areas.

The rural relocation plan aims to increase the contribution of these areas to Spanish GDP. These regions represent about 30% of the Spanish economy, while the rural areas of France and Germany account for around 40% of the national GDP.

Swiss

Residents of the Swiss town of Albinen voted to put in place a plan that would pay people to move there.

New residents receive $27,000 to move to the Rhone Valley city, but they have to be under 45, commit to staying for 10 years and invest at least $215,000 in real estate.

For its part, the rural community of Grossdietwil pays those under 30 to stay in the village.

Italy

Local governments in several areas, such as Piedmont in the north and Tuscany in central Italy, offer housing for 1 euro ($1.10) to encourage people to move to rural towns. The plan aims to reactivate abandoned urban centers and redevelop buildings in poor condition.

Remote work can save rural areas

The shift to remote work offers “an unprecedented opportunity in Europe to save many rural areas”Marcus Andersson, CEO of Future Place Leadership consultancy, told the BBC.

“A lot of them are on the verge of bankruptcy – they can’t survive as functioning places or administrations – and this is a really big opportunity… because now they are attracting the people they most need to attract: those with children or on the way. to start a family.”

Finally, in an article for the World Economic Forum, the social scientist and science communicator Tatiana Reuil affirms that remote work can offer a borderless and inclusive future and contribute to creating a truly diverse and global workforce.