Immigration of asylum applicants from Africa to the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland increased from approximately 50,000 in 2010 to approximately 200,000 in 2016. In 2017, there were approximately 175,000 asylum applicants. Which of the following best explains the trend in asylum seekers from African countries to Europe since 2010? Responses Improvement in the level of economic development in African countries led to an increase in the number of asylum seekers. Improvement in the level of economic development in African countries led to an increase in the number of asylum seekers. A decrease in the number of armed conflicts in African countries meant a higher number of asylum seekers traveling to Europe. A decrease in the number of armed conflicts in African countries meant a higher number of asylum seekers traveling to Europe. Political instability and conflict along with high fertility levels over the long term has led to an increase in asylum seekers. Political instability and conflict along with high fertility levels over the long term has led to an increase in asylum seekers. Low fertility rates and more stable political systems led to an overall decrease in asylum seekers as they found more economic opportunities at home. Low fertility rates and more stable political systems led to an overall decrease in asylum seekers as they found more economic opportunities at home. An influx of asylum seekers from the Middle East led to a decrease in the number of accepted asylum applications from Africa.