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Country information - Luxembourg 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. The country was invaded and occupied by Germany during World War I and World War II. 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. Geography Luxembourg Location Western Europe, between France and Germany Area total: 2,586 sq km Land 2,586 sq km Water 0 sq km Land boundaries total: 359 km Border countries Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km Coastline 0 km (landlocked) Climate modified continental with mild winters, cool summers Terrain mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast Elevation extremes lowest point: Moselle River 133 m Highest point Buurgplaatz 559 m Natural resources iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land Natural hazards NA People Luxembourg Population 468,571 Nationality noun: Luxembourger(s) Adjective Luxembourg Ethnic groups Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo) and European (guest and resident workers) Religions 87% Roman Catholic, 13% Protestants, Jews, and Muslims Languages Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language), French (administrative language) Government Luxembourg Country name conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Conventional short form Luxembourg Local long form Grand Duche de Luxembourg Local short form Luxembourg Government type constitutional monarchy Capital Luxembourg Administrative divisions 3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg Independence 1839 (from the Netherlands) National holiday National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23 June Constitution 17 October 1868; occasional revisions Legal system based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch chief of state Grand Duke Henri (since 7 October 2000); Heir Apparent Prince Guillame (son of the monarch, born 11 November 1981) Head of government Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 1 January 1995) and Vice Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July 2004) Cabinet Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch Elections none; the monarch is hereditary; following popular elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies Legislative branch unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) Elections last held 13 June 2004 (next to be held by June 2009) Flag description three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; design was based on the flag of France Economy Luxembourg This stable, high-income economy features solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially dominated by steel, has become increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the financial sector, which now accounts for about 22% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks are foreign-owned and have extensive foreign dealings. Agriculture is based on small family-owned farms. The economy depends on foreign and cross-border workers for more than 30% of its labor force. 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. Although Luxembourg, like all EU members, has suffered from the global economic slump, the country enjoys an extraordinarily high standard of living - GDP per capita ranks first in the world. Labor force 200,000 (of whom 105,000 are foreign cross-border workers commuting primarily from France, Belgium, and Germany) Labor force - by occupation agriculture 1%, industry 13%, services 86% Unemployment rate 3.7% Population below poverty line NA Household income by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%, highest 10%: NA% Agriculture - products barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; livestock products Industries banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum, information technology, tourism and banking Currency (code) euro (EUR) Transportation Luxembourg Airports 2 Airports - with paved runways total: 1 Airports - with unpaved runways total: 1 Heliports 1 Pipelines gas 155 km Railways total: 274 km Roadways total: 5,210 km paved 5,210 km (including 147 km of expressways)) Waterways 37 km (on Moselle River) Ports and terminals Mertert

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