Luxembourg - Country facts
Location
Western Europe, between France and Germany
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.
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
Population
468,571 (July 2005 est.)
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 (2000)
Languages
Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language), French (administrative language)
Map of Luxembourg
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