Why are there so few Esperanto speakers who are members of the UEA?

Question

I surveyed the membership totals of each country a few days ago and was shocked to find that they added up to not much more than a few thousand. I understand the financial problems many have, especially in underdeveloped countries and eastern Europe, but I wonder why Esperanto speakers in the relatively affluent West don't sign up to promote a language which we know works even if it isn't perfect.

Update:

http://www.uea.org/landoj/index.html

Homeboy · Accepted Answer

Good question. I suppose one of the main considerations is that people feel they can go right ahead using Esperanto and having Esperanto societies without having to show solidarity with the overall body. And, as you said, it costs too.

rich · Answer

I'm a member of an Esperanto club in my city but I don't intend to join the UEA. My feeling is the UEA is focused at Europeans - it's headquartered in Europe, its leaders are mostly European, and its events are mostly held in Europe. And judging by articles from the UEA its culture is also European.

The UEA is just not that relevant for someone living outside Europe.

However, that argument doesn't explain the low membership inside Europe too...

Jimmy Flanger · Answer

I noticed the same thing about pig-latin.

Why are there so few Esperanto speakers who are members of the UEA?

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