Classification of migration: base and taxons

On the basis of the analysis of mostly domestic works there are identified the criteria that were used in the Soviet years and are currently applied in the classification of population migration. It is shown that some of these criteria as subjective constructions are not suitable for distribution of the manifold migration by various taxons. Some of the used criteria are not criteria at all. The author substantiates using for the purpose of classification six main criteria that have an objective basis. Among them are: crossing state or administrative borders, migration between settlements of different status, etc. The paper gives a critical assessment of the taxons used for breaking down the migration manifestations, it shows that the taxon best suited for differentiation of migration are type, shape and form. In the final part of the article there is a table with an approximate breakdown of the manifestations of migration for various reasons, indicating to what taxons may be attributed certain manifestations.