A country of emigration and immigration : the early paradox of Luxembourg (until 1914)

In the modern period, Luxembourg used to be one of those countries which traditionally sent out emigrants to various parts of the world (Europe, South and North America). A very high percentage of the population had been leaving the country. As of the 1880s the southern part of the Grand Duchy became a part of an industrial zone covering Lorraine and the Saar Basin where the heavy industry was developed – ore mines, steel mills, iron foundries. At that time the region attracted immigrants from the territory of Luxembourg and, increasingly often, also form other countries – Germany, Italy, France, Belgium. Nevertheless emigration from Luxembourg continued. Thus, at the turn of the century the country which produced a sixth of the worlds pig iron remained a land of emigration. A complete explanation of this paradox requires in-depth studies on the economy of the region. This should lead to answering a more basic question: when and under what circumstances did traditional migrant sending countries start to receive them? This article recalls basic facts and statistical data and presents the tendencies dominant at the time.