The recorded history of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg begins with the construction of Luxembourg Castle in the middle ages. Around this fortress a town gradually developed, which became the centre of a small but important nation of great strategic value to France, Germany and the Netherlands. After centuries of conquest and rule by foreign states, Luxembourg eventually became an independent neutral nation in the nineteenth century.

However, the country was repeatedly attacked by Germany in the twentieth century, which led it to abandon its policy of neutrality after World War II, when it became a founding member of NATO, the United Nations and the European Economic Community (later the European Union).

Politics

Main article: Politics of Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a parliamentary form of government with a constitutional monarchy by inheritance. Under the constitution of 1868, executive power is exercised by the Grand Duke and the cabinet, which consists of a prime minister and several other ministers.

Legislative power is vested in the Chamber of Deputies, elected directly to 5-year terms. A second body, the "Conseil d'Etat" (Council of State), composed of 21 ordinary citizens appointed by the Grand Duke, advises the Chamber of Deputies in the drafting of legislation.

Districts

Main article: Districts of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is divided in to three administrative subdivisions, or districts:

Geography

Main article: Geography of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe. It is ranked 166th in size. The country is about 2,586 km�. This makes it approximately the same size as many counties in the United States.

The north of the country, part of the Ardennes, has hills and low mountains, with the Buurgplaz as the highest point at 559 m. The rest of the country is also hilly.

Luxembourg's eastern border is formed by three rivers, the Moselle, the S�re and the Our.

The capital Luxembourg is the largest city of the country. Other important cities are Esch-sur-Alzette (a.k.a. Esch), to the south-west of the capital, and Echternach, against the German border in the east.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Luxembourg

The stable, high-income economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, until recently dominated by steel, has become increasingly more diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. During the past decades, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services, especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the economy. Agriculture is based on small family-owned farms. Luxembourg has especially close trade and financial ties to Belgium and the Netherlands, and as a member of the EU, enjoys the advantages of the open European market.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Luxembourg

As a small country, much of the population of Luxembourg originates from neighbouring countries, and there are three languages spoken. Besides French (spoken in neighbouring Belgium and France) and German (Germany), Luxembourgish is spoken. There are sizeable minorities of Italian and Portuguese speakers.

Most Luxembourgers adhere to the Roman Catholic faith.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Luxembourg

The language of Luxembourg is Luxembourgish, a blend of old German and Frankish elements. The official language of the civil service, law, and parliament is French, although criminal and legal debates are conducted partly in Luxembourgish and police case files are recorded in German. German is the primary language of the press. French, German and English are taught in the schools, with German spoken mainly at the primary level; French and English at the secondary level.

Miscellaneous topics

External links

Official Website (http://www.luxembourg.lu)

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