Emigration from Prekmurje (Trans-Muraland)

Abstract

Due to its geographical position along the border and agrarian over-population Prekmurje has been o typical migration area for many centuries. In the time of counter-reformation (18th century) the protestants were migrating individually or with their families to Hungary to the parish Somogy, where they founded their own parish and schools in Slovene language. In the second half of the 19th century and all up to the first world war they migrated in crowds to America. From some vlliages in Goričko hills even up to 20 % of young population left. Between the vvorld wars they were leaving for seasonal work to France, Germany, Austria and elsewehere in Europe; some of them have settled down there for ever. The Prekmurje people migrated also to their close vicinity, espedally to the Mura Field, Apače Field and outskirts of Radgona.