Luxembourg

Geography

Luxembourg is a small landlocked country in Western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is one of the four official capitals of the European Union and the seat of the European Court of Justice, the highest judicial authority in the EU. Its culture, people, and languages are highly intertwined with its neighbors, making it a mixture of French and German cultures.

A panoramic view of the lush green landscapes of Luxembourg, showcasing the country's rolling hills and dense forests.

History

The history of Luxembourg is intertwined with that of its larger neighbors, particularly Belgium and Germany. It was a major battleground throughout history due to its strategic location. The country's history is marked by periods of foreign domination, primarily by Spain, France, Austria, and Prussia. Luxembourg gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1839 but continued to be a part of the German Confederation until 1867.

Politics

Luxembourg is a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with a constitutional monarch as the head of state and an elected parliament as the legislative body. The current monarch is Grand Duke Henri. The Prime Minister of Luxembourg is the head of government, and is appointed by the monarch.

Economy

Luxembourg has a highly developed economy, with the highest Gross Domestic Product per capita in the world as per the World Bank. The country is a major center for large private banking, and its finance sector is the biggest contributor to its economy. The country's main industries are iron and steel, information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation, and biotechnology.

Culture

Luxembourg's culture is a mix of French and German influences, reflecting its geographic position. The country has a high standard of living and strong traditions of folklore and customs. Luxembourgish, French, and German are the three official languages. The country has contributed significantly to the world of fine arts, with famous natives such as the painter Joseph Kutter.

Education

Education in Luxembourg is multilingual and starts at pre-school age, continuing through to secondary school and beyond. The University of Luxembourg is the only university in the country, and there are several other higher education institutions.