EN
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.