Luxembourg

Luxembourg, small independent duchy in Europe, bordered by Germany, France, and Belgium, and without access to the sea. Under their hereditary ruler, the Grand Duke, the bilingual Luxembourgers (just over one-third of a million) show a strong sense of national pride. The majority live in compact village communities. Luxembourg is one of the Low Countries and a member of the European Community. The capital is also named Luxembourg.

Land

Only 55 mi (89 km) long and 35 mi (56 km) wide, Luxembourg is divided into several topographical areas. The Oesling, or E'sleek, in the north is part of the rugged highland of the Ardennes, with large forests but poor soil. The Bon Pays, or Gutland (Good Country), in the south is a low, hilly, fertile area of intensive farming; it is also the site of the capital. The southwest region is rich in iron ore. The largest industrial center here is Esch-sur-Al-zette. The area to the southeast, where the Moselle River marks the German border, is fertile and widely cultivated.

People

The native dialect, a low German with French and Dutch components, is referred to as Letzeburgesch. French and German are also widely spoken. The prevailing religion is Roman Catholic, and there are small numbers of Protestants and Jews. Education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15. There are several technical and professional colleges. The capital is the site of the International University of Comparative Science, founded in 1958.

Economy

The iron and steel industry, centered in the southwest, provides a large proportion of Luxembourg's gross income. Banking is also an important cornerstone of the economy. There is no coal, but fuel for the steel works is imported, and they in turn provide electricity for much of the country. Slate and limestone are the only other mineral resources. Agriculture provides 3% of the national income and employs 3% of the labor force. The fertile Gutland provides potatoes, rye, barley, oats, and wheat. Frisian cattle are kept. Near the German border the equally fertile Moselle region produces fruits and white wine.

History

Founded by Count Siegfried of Ardennes in 963, Luxembourg grew in size during the reigns of his successors. It was converted from a county into a duchy by Emperor Charles IV in 1354. After a long period of foreign rule, Luxembourg was granted independence at the London Conference of 1867. The Treaty of London also declared Luxembourg's neutrality and it was demilitarized. In 1945 Luxembourg became a charter member of the United Nations. Three years later it entered into a customs union with Belgium and the Netherlands, referred to as Benelux. Luxembourg was a charter member of the European Community.