Luxembourg — map and facts

About Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the world's smallest sovereign states, with a population of approximately 660,000 and an area of just 2,586 square kilometres, landlocked between Belgium, France, and Germany. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is one of the four official capitals of the European Union and a major financial centre. Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy, ruled by Grand Duke Henri, and has been an EU founding member since 1957. The country has the world's highest GDP per capita, driven by a thriving financial sector, steel industry legacy, and growing technology and logistics sectors. It is one of Europe's most multilingual countries, with Luxembourgish, French, and German all holding official status. Nearly half the workforce commutes from neighbouring countries, and foreign nationals make up nearly half the resident population, reflecting Luxembourg's exceptional openness.

Geography and Landscape

Luxembourg is divided into two main geographic regions. The Oesling in the north is part of the Ardennes plateau, a hilly, forested upland rising to 560 metres at Kneiff, the country's highest point. The Gutland (or Bon Pays) in the south is more fertile and densely populated, containing Luxembourg City and the main agricultural areas. The Moselle River forms the eastern border with Germany and flows through one of Europe's northernmost quality wine-growing regions, known for its Riesling and Crémant sparkling wines. The Our, Sûre (Sauer), and Alzette rivers add to the varied hydrography. Luxembourg has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild temperatures moderated by Atlantic air masses, though winters in the Oesling can be cold and snowy.

History

Luxembourg's history begins with Count Siegfried, who in 963 AD built a castle on the Bock promontory, the nucleus of today's capital. The county grew in importance, and in the fourteenth century Luxembourg became a duchy and produced three Holy Roman Emperors. It passed through the hands of the Habsburgs, Spain, France, Austria, and the Netherlands over the centuries. The 1839 Treaty of London confirmed Luxembourg's independence and neutrality after a period as part of the Netherlands. The Belgian Revolution led to Luxembourg losing its western territories (now Belgian Luxembourg). The country was occupied by Germany in both world wars, suffering significant damage. Post-war, Luxembourg co-founded the Benelux, the European Coal and Steel Community, and later the EU. It has become one of the most prosperous nations in the world.