Luxembourg
Official Country Name
Luxembourg
Luxembourg Overview
Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839, but gained a larger measure of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany in both World Wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Economic Community (later the European Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.
Luxembourg Economy
This stable, high-income economy - benefitting from its proximity to France, Belgium, and Germany - features solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially dominated by steel, has become increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the financial sector, which now accounts for about 28% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks are foreign-owned and have extensive foreign dealings. Agriculture is based on small family-owned farms. The economy depends on foreign and cross-border workers for about 60% of its labor force. Although Luxembourg, like all EU members, has suffered from the global economic slump, the country enjoys an extraordinarily high standard of living - GDP per capita ranks second in the world.
Luxembourg Location
Luxembourg is located in Western Europe, between France and Germany
Region
Luxembourg is located in Europe
Luxembourg Population
Luxembourg has population of 474,413 (July 2006 est.)
Luxembourg Climate
Luxembourg has modified continental with mild winters, cool summers
Luxembourg Terrain
mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast
Luxembourg Natural Resources
iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land
Ethnic Groups in Luxembourg
Luxembourg has the following ethnic groups - Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo) and European (guest and resident workers)
Luxembourg Religions
Roman Catholic 87%, other (includes Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 13% (2000)
Luxembourg Languages
Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language), French (administrative language)
Luxembourg Capital
Luxembourg capital is Luxembourg
Luxembourg Currency
Luxembourg currency is euro
Map of Luxembourg
