Provides a much-needed perspective on the geopolitical, economic and social consequences of refugees, drawing out key global themes and illustrating them with empirical and comparative material. The first section (of three) deals with the background of the refugee crisis; its effects in the countries of first asylum, predominantly in the poorer countries of the ``south''; and the new challenges facing governments and migrants in the richer countries of the ``north''. Prospects for future research on refugees by geographers and social scientists as well as its rising significance for economic development and social welfare in both poor and rich nations are discussed in the final section.