Population: 503,302 (July 2011 estimate)
Capital: Luxembourg
Border Countries: Belgium, France and Germany
Area: 998 square miles (2,586 sq km)
Highest Point: Buurgplaatz at 1,834 feet (559 m)
Lowest Point: Moselle River at 436 feet (133 m)
Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country located in Western Europe. It shares borders with Belgium, France and Germany and has a total area of 998 square miles (2,586 sq km). The country is a member of several international organizations like the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations. Luxembourg is known for its highly developed economy, wealthy population and historic architecture.
History of Luxembourg
Luxembourg has a long history - the early part of which was dominated several different European nations. On June 9, 1815 however the Congress of Vienna granted it the status of Grand Duchy. In 1835 the Treaty of London gave Luxembourg its independence and it got full political autonomy in 1839 according to the U.S. Department of State. In 1867 it was recognized as independent internationally and considered a militaristically neutral country. During both World War I and World War II however Luxembourg was occupied by Germany and as a result it became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1949.
In 1951 Luxembourg became one of the six original members of the European Coal and Steel Community which later became the European Union. Today the country has a strong economy, a wealthy population and political stability.
Government of Luxembourg
Luxembourg, officially called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. Its executive branch is made up the chief of state, a head of government and a cabinet filled by the Council of Ministers. Luxembourg also has a unicameral Chamber of Deputies for its legislative branch and judicial courts and tribunals and administrative courts and tribunals for its judicial branch. The country is divided into three districts (Diekirch, Grevenmacher and Luxembourg) for local administration.
Economics and Land Use in Luxembourg
Luxembourg has a strong, stable economy because of its central location in Western Europe near large countries such as France and Belgium. Its industrial sector is also highly diversified and the major industries in the country include banking and financial services, iron and steel, information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass and aluminum (CIA World Factbook). Agriculture also plays a small role in Luxembourg's economy and the main products are grapes, barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, dairy and livestock products (CIA World Factbook). In addition, tourism is also a major industry of Luxembourg.
Geography and Climate of Luxembourg
Despite its small size, Luxembourg has a varied topography that consists of gently rolling hills and uplands with shallow valleys between them. In the northern part of the country the uplands are more rugged and mountainous, while southeast is dominated by the Moselle River floodplain. The highest point in Luxembourg is Buurgplaatz at 1,834 feet (559 m) and the lowest is the Moselle River at 436 feet (133 m).
The climate of Luxembourg is continental and it has mild winters and cool summers. Luxembourg, the capital of the country has average January low temperature 28˚F (-2.3˚) and the average July high temperature is 72˚F (22˚C).
To learn more about Luxembourg, visit the Geography and Maps page on Luxembourg on this website.
References
Central Intelligence Agency. (17 May 2011). CIA - The World Factbook - Luxembourg. Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/lu.html
Infoplease.com. (n.d.). Luxembourg: History, Geography, Government, and Culture- Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107734.html
United States Department of State. (12 May 2011). Luxembourg. Retrieved from: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3182.htm
Wikipedia.org. (23 May 2011). Luxembourg - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg