Few historic phenomena has had a greater impact on Norway and most other European countries than the overseas migration to the United States, Canada, South - America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

In the period between 1825 and 1925 close to 60 million Europeans emigrated to other continents. Today this current of people has changed. Europe has become a continent of immigrants from all over the world. The interest in the theme of migration is growing. The Norwegian Emigration Center has contributed to this increase, and cooperates with a number of institutions worldwide to further strengthen the interest and research in this field.