Diminutive Luxembourg owes its continued existence to a mixture of good fortune and good diplomacy, which have prevented it from being permanently absorbed into the territories of its larger neighbors.
By the time that Luxembourg’s
independence was finally confirmed in 1867, however, the Grand Duchy was left with such a tiny territory that its people had to look across its borders for economic survival. This has resulted in a
cosmopolitan attitude, exemplified not only by the fact that the nation has the highest percentage of foreigners of any EU country, but also
by the
trilingual ability of its people.
It is an
attractive country with a green and
picturesque landscape of rolling hills and valleys, and many closely packed
historical sites. Visitors will also discover forests, vineyards and striking sandstone rock formations here.
The capital,
Luxembourg-Ville, is split into two districts: the delightful
old center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), complete with fortress towers, turrets and winding, cobblestone streets; and the modern downtown area on the Plâteau du Kirchberg, home to Luxembourg’s renowned
international finance businesses.
Proud of its role as a
founding member of the
EU, Luxembourg sees itself as playing a prominent position in European affairs and there are a number of European Union institutions based in Luxembourg-Ville.
GeographyThe Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares borders to the north and west with Belgium, to the south with France and to the east with Germany. One-third of the country is made up of the hills and forests of the Ardennes, while the rest is wooded farmland. In the southeast is the rich wine-growing valley of Moselle. The capital, Luxembourg-Ville, is built on a rock overlooking the Alzette and Petrusse valleys.
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