Luxembourg, officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a landlocked country located in Western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west, Germany to the east and north, and France to the south. Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a total area of 2,586 square kilometers (998 square miles) and a population of approximately 650,000 people.
The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and its role as a financial center. Luxembourg City, the capital and largest city, is home to many historical landmarks, including the Grand Ducal Palace, the Bock casemates, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Luxembourg is also known for its natural beauty, with scenic landscapes that include the Ardennes forest, the Moselle River valley, and the Müllerthal region, known as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland.
The official languages of Luxembourg are Luxembourgish, French, and German, and English is widely spoken throughout the country. Luxembourg is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, and NATO, and has a highly developed economy with a focus on financial services, technology, and logistics.
Tourism is an important industry in Luxembourg, with visitors attracted to the country's historic sites, picturesque countryside, and cultural events such as the annual Schueberfouer fair and the Echternach International Festival. The country is also known for its excellent cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans) and Gromperekichelcher (potato pancakes).
Telephone Code
352
Local Emergency Phone
112/ 113
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
Climate
Modified continental with mild winters, cool summers
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Luxembourgish, German, Italian, English
Major Religions
Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 70.4%, Muslim 2.3%, other (includes Buddhist, folk religions, Hindu, Jewish) 0.5%
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Luxembourg Ardennes; Bourscheid Castle; Upper Sûre Natural Park & Esch-sur-Sûre village; Luxembourg American Cemetery in Hamm; Luxembourg City (includes Grand Ducal Palace, Walls of the Corniche, Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM), Grund District, Fort Thungen, Citadel wall)
Major Sports
Soccer, cycling, tennis
Cultural Practices
It is impolite to begin eating until the hostess begins.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge of 15% is added to most restaurant bills, but leaving 1-2 euros for good service is appreciated. Tip taxi drivers 10%, bellhops and doormen 1-2 euros, and washroom attendants 50 cents to 1 euro.
Souvenirs
Carved wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and clocks; luxury fashions, jewelry, watches, crystal, and perfumes; porcelain, pottery/terracotta bird whistles
Traditional Cuisine
Judd mat Gaardebounen — smoked pork collar and broad beans
Geography
Area
total: 2,586 sq km
land: 2,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
modified continental with mild winters, cool summers
Natural resources
iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land
People and Society
Population
660,924 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups
Luxembourger 52.9%, Portuguese 14.5%, French 7.6%, Italian 3.7%, Belgian 3%, German 2%, Spanish 1.3%, Romania 1%, other 14% (2022 est.)
Languages
Luxembourgish (official administrative and judicial language and national language (spoken vernacular)) 55.8%, Portuguese 15.7%, French (official administrative, judicial, and legislative language) 12.1%, German (official administrative and judicial language) 3.1%, Italian 2.9%, English 2.1%, other 8.4% (2011 est.)
Religions
Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 70.6%, Muslim 2.3%, other (includes Buddhist, folk religions, Hindu, Jewish) 0.4%, unaffiliated 26.7% (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
1.58% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
constitutional monarchy
Capital
name: Luxembourg
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, EU-member European economy; global financial and information storage leader; high government spending; one of highest GDP per capita countries; unique audit accountancy based on company sizing; aging labor force; hit by COVID-19
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$74.045 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$115,700 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
milk, wheat, barley, triticale, potatoes, pork, beef, grapes, rapeseed, oats
Industries
banking and financial services, construction, real estate services, iron, metals, and steel, information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation and logistics, chemicals, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum, tourism, biotechnology
Exports
$177.831 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Germany 23%, France 13%, Belgium 12%, Netherlands 6%, Italy 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities
iron and iron products, tires, cars, broadcasting equipment, clothing and apparel (2019)
Imports
$148.15 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Belgium 27%, Germany 24%, France 11%, Netherlands 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, scrap iron, aircraft (2019)