A multinational mini-state in Western Europe with a population of 660,809 people. In terms of area, the country is in second place after Malta in the ranking of small European states. Half of the people living in Luxembourg are immigrants. The state has no access to the sea. Its neighbors are Belgium, France and Germany.
Luxembourg belongs to an ancient state that was inhabited by Gauls and for a long time was part of the Roman Empire. In the 5th century, the Franks conquered the country, converting the population to Christianity. In 1060, the state was named a county, later changed its title to a duchy and retains it to this day.
In 1697, Spain gained political influence over Luxembourg, but later it returned to France and ended with the departure of Napoleon I. During the First World War, Luxembourg remained neutral, and during the Second World War it was captured by Nazi troops and was liberated in 1944. In 2002, the duchy became part of the Eurozone.
Climatic conditions
The country has a temperate continental climate. It is cold in Luxembourg during the winter months, but there are no severe frosts, and the average temperature stays at 0 °C. In summer, it is relatively cool, the average temperature remains around +17 °C. The most comfortable time to travel around Luxembourg is from the second half of May to the second half of September.
The relief of the country consists of soft low hills and fertile valleys. In the north of the country there are the higher Ardennes Mountains. The warm south of Luxembourg is more densely populated than the north. The inhabitants of this region actively grow vineyards.
Demographics
Luxembourg's capital of the same name is home to 341,000 people, which is half of the total population of the state. 56% of the residents speak Luxembourgish, which is part of the German group. The official language is German. Portuguese is in second place in terms of prevalence, and French is in third place.
The largest national minorities are Portuguese, French, immigrants from Italy and Belgium. The majority of the inhabitants are Catholic Christians and Protestants. Orthodox Christians, Jews and people professing Islam are in the minority.
The average life expectancy according to WHO for 2020 is 82,4 years. For men, this figure is 80,6 years, for women – 84,2 years. The Duchy is ranked 12th in the global ranking.
Economy
In terms of income per inhabitant, the country ranks fourth in the world, ranks among the richest EU states and is called the financial center of Europe. In terms of the minimum wage, the state ranks first in the world ranking. The head offices of many organizations are based in the capital of the duchy.
Luxembourg has an offshore zone and a flexible tax system. Therefore, more than a thousand investment funds and more than two hundred banks operate in its capital – this is a world record. The foreign trade of the state and its international financial transactions are combined with Belgian ones, controlled by the National Bank. The most developed economic area is considered to be the service sector, including financial services for entrepreneurs and individuals. 9,2% of employed residents of the state are engaged in banking.
There are many telecommunication networks in the country, there are enterprises producing audio equipment and video shooting equipment. Other areas of production are the manufacture of chemicals, machinery, polymers, textiles, glass and porcelain. American entrepreneurs believe Luxembourg is a convenient place for business development. They are attracted to the local workers by their knowledge of several languages.
The duchy does not produce gas, petroleum products and coal, these products are imported from neighboring countries. Economically significant industries are meat and dairy farming, horticulture, viticulture, and iron ore mining.
The disadvantages of the Luxembourg economy are a large external debt, sensitivity to changes in the financial systems of other countries.
Freedom of movement
In 2024, Luxembourg's passport is ranked 4th in the ranking of all countries. Holders of such a passport can travel to 191 countries without restrictions. To visit 17 countries, Luxembourgers will need a visa on arrival or an electronic entry permit. The length of stay may vary from country to country and is determined individually.
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