Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of Europe's oldest and smallest independent countries. It lies in northwestern Europe where Germany, France, and Belgium meet. It covers only 2,586 square kilometers.

For Luxembourg's total population, see the Facts in brief table with this article. Luxembourg has scenic areas of rolling hills and dense forests. The whitewashed houses of the country's small towns and villages cluster around medieval castles and churches.

Luxembourg is one of the world's most industrialized countries. Most of its industries are located in the southwest corner of the country.

A Short Background

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.

 

Location:

Western Europe, between France and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

49 45 N, 6 10 E

Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Exchange rates:

1 EURO to US Dollar : 1,1962 (April 2004)

Population:

442,972 (July 2001 est.)