At a time when remittances are widely recognised as of growing importance for development in many countries, John Connell and Richard Brown present this comprehensive overview of the role of remittances in economic and social development. They investigate various topics including reflections on methodology, the motives and determinants of remittances, their socio-economic impacts, the particular role of community organisations and social remittances, and the broad social and cultural impacts of remittances. They pay special attention to small island and Central Asian states, where remittances are of particular significance and explore the recent historical evolution of remittances and the policy implications in both sending and receiving countries.