The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a small country in the north-west of continental Europe, bordered by France, Germany and Belgium.
During World War II, Luxembourg abandoned its policy of neutrality, when it joined the Allies in fighting Germany. The government exiled to London set up a small group of volunteers, who participated in the Normandy invasion. It became a founding member of NATO and the United Nations. 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. Several European agencies are located in Luxembourg. In 2005 a referendum on the EU treaty establishing a constitution for Europe was held in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe. It is ranked 167th in size of all the countries of the world. The country is about 2,586 km² in size. In the west it borders the Belgian province of Luxembourg, which is (at 4,443 km²) nearly twice the size of the country.
The north of the country, part of the Ardennes, has hills and low mountains, with the Buurgplaatz 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 Sauer/Sūre and the Our.
The culture of Luxembourg refers to the cultural life and traditions of the small European nation of Luxembourg. Most citizens are trilingual; speaking the Germanic Frankish dialect of Letzebuergesch, and also German and French. As such, the country has been overshadowed by the culture of its neighbours.
Long a deeply rural and folkloric nation, Luxembourg retains folk traditions. Notable is the Echternach Dancing Procession which happens annually.
Luxembourg has little of distinctive architectural merit, but the military town of Denzelt in Echternach is on the Unesco World Heritage List.
Things you should know when travelling to Luxembourg
The crime rate is low. Pickpocketing occurs around train stations, the airport, and youth hostels in Luxembourg City. Exercise normal safety precautions and do not leave personal belongings unattended, especially in vehicles. There are reports of an increasing number of carjackings occurring at traffic lights. Drive with doors locked and windows closed. For emergency assistance, call 113 for police and 112 for medical services.
