Stories of movement

France: Europe’s Oldest Country of Immigration When we think of immigration in Europe today, heated debates and political controversies quickly come to mind. But long before immigration became a “hot topic,” France had already carved out its unique place as Europe’s oldest country of immigration. From the early 19th century, France stood apart. While other European nations saw waves of their citizens leaving for the New World—chasing opportunities in the Americas, Australia, or New Zealand—most French people chose to stay put. Apart from small pockets of migration (like the Barcelonnette merchants who ventured all the way to Mexico), France’s outward migration remained surprisingly low. Even French colonial territories, such as Algeria, did not attract large numbers of settlers in those days. Instead, France became the opposite of its neighbors: a country that imported people rather than exported them. Industrial growth between 1850 and 1914 demanded more labor than the French popul...