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Luxembourg - The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. State device. Legal system. Civil law. Criminal law. Judicial system. State structure and politics of Luxembourg

Luxembourg- state in Western Europe. In the north and west it borders with Belgium, in the east with Germany and in the south with France.

The name comes from the High German lucilinburch - "small town".

Official name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Capital: Luxembourg

The area of ​​the land: 2,586 thousand sq. km

Total population: 480 thousand people

Administrative division: 3 districts, which, in turn, are divided into cantons, and those - into communes.

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Composition of the population: 30% Luxembourgers, 36.9% Portuguese, 13.5% Italians, 11.2% French, 8.9% Belgians and 6.8% Germans.

Official language: Luxembourgish (a dialect of German with elements of French), French and German.

Religion: 90% - Catholics, there are Protestants.

Internet domain: .lu, .eu

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +352

Country barcode: 540 - 549

Climate

By climatic features Luxembourg is similar to the Netherlands and Belgium. Summer is warm average temperature July 17 ° C. In winter, positive temperatures prevail, but in the foothills of the Ardennes there are sometimes frosts - up to -15 ° C. During the year, 760 mm of precipitation falls on average in the city of Luxembourg, partly in the form of snow. In the north of the country, the average annual precipitation increases to 850–900 mm, and snowfalls are more frequent. Hail often falls in the valleys of the Moselle and the lower reaches of the Sur.

Geography

The country is located in Western Europe, between 6 ° 10 "East and 49 ° 45" northern latitude. It borders in the east with Germany (138 km), in the south with France (73 km) and in the west with Belgium (148 km). In the east, the country is limited by the Moselle River. The relief is mainly a hilly elevated plain, in the north of which the spurs of the Ardennes rise (the highest point is Burgplatz, 559 m.). The total area of ​​the country is about 2.6 thousand square meters. km. The capital is also called Luxembourg, as is the neighboring province of Belgium, which occupies large area than the Duchy of Luxembourg.

The territory of Luxembourg can be divided into 2 parts - northern (Esling) with spurs of the Ardennes and southern (Gutland - "good land"). The southern half of Luxembourg is a continuation of the Lorraine Plateau and is characterized by an undulating cuesta relief. Here the relief is represented by a system of ridges and ledges, gradually lowering to the east. Cultural landscapes predominate. In the north of the country, in Essling, occupied by the foothills of the Ardennes, a strongly dissected relief is developed with heights up to 400–500 m.

The most high point- Mount Burgplatz (559 m). Soils in the north are composed of quartz and slate rocks, which are infertile. In the south - fertile loamy soils.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

More than 1/3 of the territory of Luxembourg is occupied by oak and beech forests. They are concentrated in Essling and the northern part of Gutland. IN upper parts slopes of the Ardennes appear larch and spruce. In some places there are heaths and peat bogs. In Luxembourg, in gardens and parks, heat-loving plants are cultivated, such as Walnut, apricot, holly, boxwood, dogwood, barberry.

Animal world

The animal world is severely depleted. Hares can be seen on arable land, and individual individuals of roe deer, chamois and wild boars can be seen in the forest thickets. Lots of squirrels live here. Birds include wood pigeons, jays and buzzards, as well as pheasants. Sparrowhawk became a rare guest. Hazel grouse and capercaillie live in dense forest thickets. Trout is found in the rivers and streams of Essling.

Attractions

The first mention of Luxembourg dates back to 963, at that time it was known as "Luklinburhuk", which in the local dialect meant "little castle". A person who first came to this tiny country is struck by the variety of landscapes that fit in such a small area, as well as the originality of traditions and way of life. local residents.

From the strongest fortress in Europe, Luxembourg, built by the French Marshal Vauban and destroyed in 1868, many buildings have survived to this day - separate walls with loopholes, some of the fortress gates (for example, the original Three Doves Gate, the Trev Gate and etc.), long passages and casemates in the bowels of the rock, the towers "Three Acorns" along the edges of the rocky platform above the cliff and the citadel of the Holy Spirit. Near the square, on the site of ancient fortifications, there is a park, which on the other side ends with a cliff, from which a wonderful view of the ancient suburb of Bokk and the ruins of the castle opens.

Of interest is the garden of the Spanish governor Ernst Mansfeld (end of the 16th century), the labyrinth of old houses of the National Museum of History and Art, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1751), Notre Dame Cathedral (Our Lady, 1613-1621), famous for its majestic sculptures and the tomb of the Grand Dukes, as well as the tomb of the King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg John the Blind. It is worth visiting the Refugium of the Trier Abbey of St. Maximin (1751), the former Jesuit College (1603-1735, now the National Library is located here), the Town Hall building (1830-1838), the Church of Saint-Michel (built in the 10th century . and rebuilt in the 16th century), the chapel of St. Quirin (XIV century), the church of St. John on the Stone (XVII century), the bastion of the Holy Spirit, the Casino (1882) and many other monuments of history and culture.

One of the places of pilgrimage for tourists is the former underground defensive systems of the Bock and La Petrus casemates, in which 35 thousand people took refuge during the Second World War. Above the Bock casemates on the rock lie the ruins of the first count's fortress. During tourist season the main bridges and buildings, as well as all the ancient fortifications, are artfully illuminated.

Royal Boulevard and the Ring of Parks, densely built up with dozens of bank buildings, offices and shopping centers, surrounded by a semicircle ancient center cities. There are two pedestrian streets departing from Gamilius Square - Post Street and Monterey Avenue. Nearby lies Arm Square - once a meeting place for young Luxembourgers (now there is a pedestrian zone and dozens of restaurants and bistros), which was "replaced" in this role by Gamilius Square.

Also of interest here are the Waldbilig Chapel, a small passage on Wilhelm II Square, the City Hall building, the National Monument of Solidarity with the Eternal Flame, etc. St. John the Baptist, the building of the Palace of European Justice in the Kirchberg district, the Central Archive of the Grand Duchy in the building of the old arsenal, as well as the Fish Market Square and see the many old houses of the local bourgeoisie, most of which are made in a very original architectural style.

Banks and currency

Since January 2002, the official currency of Luxembourg has been the euro. 1 euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Banks are open in weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00 with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00. On weekends, banks are open until 12:00. Most exchange offices are open throughout the week.

You can exchange foreign currency in banks and currency exchange offices, which are located at banks, on railway stations, in hotels and at the airport. Banks offer better exchange rates.

Accepted everywhere for payment credit cards and traveller's checks. Some stores only accept credit cards for purchases over €100.

Useful information for tourists

Luxembourgers give the impression of being reserved and overly reserved (most locals live in small families and prefer their own homes), although this is not entirely true. In communicating with visitors, the inhabitants of the country are extremely polite and correct, they also easily come to the aid of a tourist in any difficult situation.

In Luxembourg, there is practically no tradition of "nightlife", and the entertainment industry is aimed mainly at foreigners.

In the spring, the country widely celebrates Shepherds' Day with a colorful procession and carnival. Luxembourg is famous for its Moselle wines. Flower shows are held annually.

You can freely move around the country, but you should carefully monitor the observance of the rights of private properties - crossing the latter, and even more so arranging on private territory for the night, fishing or picking plants is possible only with the permission of the owner or tenant. Otherwise, the police have the right to apply any measures of influence, up to detention and expulsion from the country.

Tipping in most establishments is 10%, in a taxi the amount is rounded up.

Officially, the country is called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which, according to the state system, is a constitutional monarchy headed by a duke. The administration of the government is carried out by the prime minister.

Here is where Luxembourg is located on the world map:

Sorry, the map is temporarily unavailable Sorry, the map is temporarily unavailable

Geographic features

Luxembourg is a state located in Western Europe (between 49°45′ north latitude and 6°10′ east longitude), with a total area of ​​approximately 2.6 thousand km² and a population of about 473 thousand people. The capital has the same name - Luxembourg. Countries bordering the state: Germany - from the east, Belgium - from the west and north, France - from the south. The state is bounded by the Moselle River from the east. Luxembourg is a member of the European Union and economic union Benelux.

The climate is temperate continental, characterized by rather cool summers and mild winter time year with an average monthly temperature in July - 18 ° C, in January - 2 ° C.

Relief features

Luxembourg is located on an elevated hilly plain. In the relief area, the northern and southern regions can be distinguished. In the north, the spurs of the Ardennes stretch, the highest point of which is Mount Burgplatz with a height of 559 m. The soil here is characterized by low fertility due to the presence of slate and quartz rocks. The southern part is characterized by a wavy cuest relief, which is an elevation of ridges and ledges with asymmetric slopes, which gradually decrease to the east. The loamy soils here are quite fertile, allowing the cultivation of cultural landscapes.

Luxembourg city map.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, despite its magnificent name, is one of the dwarf states of Europe, but this does not in the least detract from its beauty, its historical role in the development of neighboring countries and its current influence.

Country Information

Luxembourg has a very small size, its area is only 2586 square meters. km., but this does not prevent placing 220 bank offices on it and being one of.

The Grand Duchy is part of 49 international organizations, including the UN, WTO, NATO, Benelux, etc. and has in them big weight. The country of Luxembourg lies at the crossroads of important transport routes, which makes it attractive and convenient for tourism as well. In addition, in Luxembourg, about 65% of the treasury income is provided by banking and registration foreign companies, also Luxembourgers are happy to breed livestock, break vineyards and make fine wine.

Since 2002 national currency in Luxembourg is the euro. The capital of the duchy is of the same name.

Where is Luxembourg located?

The State of Luxembourg was formed in Western Europe and has no access to the sea. It shares the northern and western borders with Belgium, the southern with France, and in the east it borders with Germany. Geographically, Luxembourg is a hilly plain, in the north resting on the Ardennes mountains.

Weather and climate in Luxembourg

The climate in the country is temperate, moving from maritime to continental. Average winter temperatures balance around 0 degrees, usually positive. But in the north of the country at the foot of the Ardennes mountains often comes real winter with frosts down to -15 degrees. Summer is warm and comfortable, average temperatures are kept at +17.

Precipitation falls mainly in winter, about 760 mm, and even in the form of snow, and in the north of the country, snowfalls are increasingly common and are considered a common winter phenomenon.

Population of Luxembourg

The distant ancestors of the modern inhabitants of the duchy are considered to be numerous Germanic tribes, Franks and Celts, who lived in the area both before and after the domination of the Roman Empire.

In 2013, the population of the country exceeded 500 thousand inhabitants, most of whom live in the southern part of the country. It is worth noting that both men and women have an average life expectancy of about 80 years, and this figure is growing positively.

It can be called that there has been preserved its own own language- some mixture of Germanic dialects and numerous loanwords from French. By the way, French and German languages are also recognized as the official languages ​​of Luxembourg. In addition, many residents are fluent in English.

Religion

Most of believers are Catholics, but since freedom of religion is guaranteed in the country, in the cities of a small country, mostly large ones, there are Protestant organizations and Jewish communities.

State structure of Luxembourg

The head of the Duchy of Luxembourg is the Grand Duke, the form of government is a constitutional monarchy, and the right to inherit power belongs to the Nassau family. In 2000, Grand Duke Jean abdicated in favor of his son Henri. Under the Constitution, the head of state appoints the government and the prime minister. The Chamber of Deputies (60 people) is elected by the residents for a term of 5 years. The monarch has his assistants - an advisory council, membership in which is for life.

Administratively, there are three districts in the country: Luxembourg, Grevenmacher and, which are then divided into 12 cantons, and they, in turn, into 118 different communes.

History of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is perhaps one of the few countries that in the entire history of Europe passed from one conqueror to another, and as a result found its own path and independence.

The history of the state originates from a small fortress, which, according to assumptions, was the first to be built and strengthened by the Romans. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the lands were conquered by the Franks and became part of the new empire of Charlemagne. The ruler of this territory were the descendants of Charles, one of whom was Conrad. In the 11th century, he took the title of Count of Luxembourg, thereby becoming the ancestor of a dynasty that ruled until the 14th century.

When a relative of Conrad and the German king Albert II married, the territory of the future Luxembourg was transferred to the Habsburg dynasty as a dowry. And then a series of medieval wars began, in which the duchy more than once passed into ownership from Spain to France and back. The two powers were constantly at war with each other. And only after the French Revolution and even after Napoleon, who proudly walked around Europe, did the Vienna Congress of 1814-1815 define the Duchy as a separate territory and profitably exchange it from the Netherlands for possessions of interest. Since then, the borders of Luxembourg have decreased somewhat, and in May 1867 the small country became completely independent, led by the Nassau dynasty.

Both the First and Second World Wars passed through the borders of Luxembourg, and since then the ruling dynasty has been actively participating in all post-war agreements and playing important role in the life of Europe.


Nature of Luxembourg

The natural landscapes of the country are fascinating, especially the north, where the mountainous terrain and weather changes are more pronounced. The highest point of the duchy is located here - Mount Burgplatz with a height of 559 meters. largest river Sur comes from Belgium, crossing the whole country and merging with local rivers. On the east side, Luxembourg is washed by the waters of the Moselle River.

Oaks and beeches grow everywhere, but these, as in all of Europe, are already secondary forests. The mountain slopes are covered coniferous trees, spruces and larches are often found, and in some places there are even wetlands of the forest. More delicate plants are planted and cultivated in parks: apricot, dogwood, boxwood, barberry and even walnut.

The fauna has been greatly impoverished over the past 500 years, but there are many hares and squirrels here, in the forests you can meet chamois, wild boar or roe deer. Of the birds, you can see the jay or pheasant, capercaillie and hazel grouse. Trout is also found in local rivers, which, however, does not prevent it from being artificially bred.

Landmarks of Luxembourg

The first and most ancient is the ancient Roman fortress, from which everything once began, but only the watchtower has survived to this day. The second most important fortress was built in the 10th century by Marshal Vauban. And although it was partially destroyed in 1868, many buildings have been preserved for posterity: these are towers on the very cliff, they are called casemates, fragments of walls, gates, tunnels and much more. A park was once laid out next to the castle on a cliff; today it is a must-visit point for tourists and a wonderful observation deck for admiring the surroundings.

Country with rich history boasts countless interesting and mysterious sights, including the most beautiful ones. This list also includes castles and, XVII century with the tomb of the Grand Dukes, secret passages and labyrinths of the National Museum, Mansfeld Garden, St. Krivin's Chapel, the bastion of the Holy Spirit, and the Ministry itself, and other monuments of history and culture.

An amazing place for fans of the history of the Second World War is La Petrus, and next to them are the ruins of an ancient fortress. In the city of Wormeldange you can see the chapel of Saint-Donatien, and in Henin - the Luxembourg Wine Museum.

Lovers of secluded relaxation will love the Essling area with its vast pastures and forests. And most beautiful city Luxembourg is the city of Echternach. In addition to architecture, you can admire the Basilica of St. Willibror, fragments of the fortress wall, the market square and visit the Wolf's Mouth Canyon. Its surroundings are called "Luxembourg Switzerland". And there is a resort near the border with France mineral waters Mondorf.

The cities themselves and their buildings, streets and parks, squares with Gothic architecture and tiles are also a kind of beauty and monuments; many tourists are always walking on the streets of any city.

Where to stay?

IN tourist country problems with finding housing are extremely rare, except perhaps during national and international periods. But in any case, in Europe it is customary to book a hotel in advance, and if you go to Luxembourg directly, this is already required condition when obtaining a visa.

Despite the dwarf size of the country, in almost every city you can find hotels of excellent comfort and high service - this common feature all, regardless of stardom and distance from the center. Most of it is located in the eponymous capital of the Grand Duchy. Fans of comfortable rooms and a buffet will like Hotel Le Royal 5 * and Parc Hotel Alvisse 4 * in Luxembourg. There are even simpler accommodation options: the difference in the cost of rooms in local hotels lies in the range of services they offer. It is worth noting cozy hotels (Hotel Auberge Aal Veinen 3*, Hotel Oranienburg 3*), (Hotel Anciennes Tanneries 3*) and Echternach (Hotel Du Commerce 3* and Hotel Au Vieux Moulin 4*).

In Luxembourg, there are also very simple hotels for tourists who decide to spend the night in a specific place once, and continue their journey in the morning.

Restaurants and Cuisine of the Duchy of Luxembourg

Although it carries the interweaving of the culinary tastes of its neighbors, it also has its own fragrant features carried through the centuries of history.

The menu of restaurants in the Grand Duchy is replete with fish and pork dishes. Perch and trout, pike and crayfish are very popular - all this can be tasted in one of the specialized fish restaurants, for example, Brasserie Guillaume. From meat dishes all over Europe are famous jellied suckling pigs and Arden ham, black pudding and smoked pork backbone. For example, the menu of the Mousel Cantine restaurant is simply replete with local Luxembourg delicacies.

Shopping in Luxembourg

In a special country - special shops and, as a result, interesting for everyone. There are no crazy sales of expensive designer collections or bargain prices for foreign novelties here. Life flows measuredly and tastefully, boutiques and branded stores are located in a crowd, which is very convenient.

Of the expensive purchases, men's clothing and accessories are popular, as well as various jewelry, crystal, leather goods, watches and electronics - all this often has tourist discounts of 15-20%.

Most travelers want to bring back memorabilia, souvenirs, and treats—all over the country of Luxembourg, these items are sold in abundance. Chocolate, beer and wine are the first in the rating of delicious purchases, followed by tobacco products, Arden ham and cheeses. Of the inedible, for a long memory, souvenirs, tourists like to buy figurines, whistles and kites. Various symbols and paintings, sketches and sketches by local artists are very popular.

Almost all shops on weekdays are open from 9.00-20.00, on Saturday - until six in the evening.

Transport in Luxembourg

No wonder they say that the wealth of a country is reflected in its roads. And the country of Luxembourg is no exception: the small duchy is very developed.

Firstly, the Luxembourgers have their own airport near the capital. Secondly, the country is crossed by two main branches railway France-Belgium and Germany-Belgium, which form a large railway junction in the Grand Duchy. In addition, 270 km of their own directions scatter from the main branches throughout the dwarf country. Third, all communes are connected to each other by more than 5,000,000 km of good, safe roadways. Using regular buses, you can easily get to even the most remote town or village.

How to get to Luxembourg?

There are no direct flights from the cities of the CIS countries to Luxembourg, but there are many connecting options with transfers in Vienna, Istanbul, Munich and others major cities Europe. Many European and international airlines fly to Luxembourg, so choosing the most convenient option is not difficult. As a rule, the total flight time does not exceed 4 hours.

Most tourists come to this country from neighboring countries by car, bus or train to see the rich region and its sights for several days. In Luxembourg, underground parking lots have been built in abundance, so often visiting car owners leave their car there and change to a city bus, from where it is much easier and more interesting to see the horizons.

When crossing the Luxembourg border, keep in mind that:

  • there are no restrictions on the import and export of any currency;
  • personal belongings and items in reasonable quantities (1-2 units per person) are not subject to duty when declaring: photo and video equipment, sports equipment, receivers, binoculars, etc.;
  • antiques, weapons, family heirlooms are prohibited to import.

Do I need a visa to enter Luxembourg?

The Grand Duchy is part of the Schengen area, thus. to enter you will need a visa, a foreign passport, life and health insurance and confirmation of your residence reservation.

As a rule, it takes about 10-14 days, for this, in addition to the mandatory entry documents mentioned above, it is necessary to provide questionnaires with photos in three languages: English, German and French. Depending on the length of stay, the consular fee varies between $23-38. There are no discounts for children, but if the child is entered in the parent's passport, but does not yet have an independent identity card by age, then the fee is not paid for him.

Note to tourists

Luxembourgers, of course, do not give the impression of sociable and cheerful people, but this is a tribute to family and upbringing. They are always polite to strangers and will come to your aid in a difficult situation.

In Luxembourg, all night life» created for tourists, local population participates in such events very rarely. Tipping is usually 10% everywhere, and taxi services are always rounded up.

The historical region of Luxembourg exceeded the modern borders of the Grand Duchy, it also included the eponymous province of Belgium and small areas neighboring countries. Now the country is a "triangle" (2586 km²) in the center of Western Europe, bordering France, Belgium and Germany.

Most of the territory is located at an altitude of 300 to 500 m above sea level. Northern part of the country, Essling (Oesling), located on the spurs of the Ardennes and the Rhine slate mountains. The relief of Esling is like a mosaic: wooded interfluve ridges, undulating foothills, river valleys. To the south, the mountains abruptly break off, forming a very rugged terrain in the central part of the country. Extreme southern part of Luxembourg, Gutland (Gutland.), is a low hilly plain, which gradually descends in stepped ridges from west to east to the wine-growing valley of the Moselle.

The climate of Luxembourg is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. Winter is mild, the average temperature in January is from 0 to 2 °С, in July -17 °С. There is quite a lot of precipitation - 700-850 mm per year.

The rivers belong mainly to the Moselle river basin. Forests, mostly beech and oak, occupy more than a third of the country's territory. No wonder Luxembourg at the end of the XVIII - early XIX For centuries it was part of France under the name "Forest Department" (Forkt).

History

  • 2nd century The Romans captured the territory of the Celtic tribe of the Trevers.
  • 5th century The territory of Luxembourg was conquered by the Franks. It later became part of Charlemagne's empire.
  • 11th century Conrad I appropriated the title of Count of Luxembourg and became the ancestor of a dynasty that ruled until the 14th century. 1244. The city of Luxembourg received communal rights. 1437. The duchy passed into the possession of the Habsburgs.
  • 1443. Luxembourg captured the Duke of Burgundy.
  • 1477. The power of the Habsburgs is restored.
  • 1555. The duchy passed to the Spanish king Philip II and, together with Holland and Flanders, fell under the rule of Spain.
  • 17th century Luxembourg was repeatedly involved in wars between Spain and France.
  • 1713. After long wars, Luxembourg fell under the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs.
  • 1815. The Congress of Vienna created the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and gave it to King William I of the Netherlands.
  • 1830. Belgium, which belonged to Wilhelm I, revolted, Luxembourg joined it, with the exception of the capital, which was held by the Prussian garrison.
  • 1831. The Great Powers proposed to partition Luxembourg. His western (francophone) part became a province of independent Belgium.
  • 1867. Under the agreement of the London Conference, the Prussian garrison was withdrawn, and the fortress was liquidated. The independence and neutrality of Luxembourg was proclaimed. The throne in the Grand Duchy remained with the Nassau dynasty.
  • 1890. After the death of William III, the personal union of the Grand Duke with the Netherlands was interrupted (his daughter Wilhelmina succeeded to the Dutch throne). The Grand Duchy passed to another branch of the House of Nassau - Grand Duke Adolf became the ruler of Luxembourg.
  • 1905-1912. The reign of William, son of Adolf.
  • 1912-1919. Governing body grand duchess Mary Adelaide, daughter of Adolf.
  • 1914. Luxembourg is captured by Germany, which promised Luxembourg to pay reparations for violating its neutrality (occupation continued until the end of World War I).
  • 1940. Germany violated the neutrality of Luxembourg for the second time.
  • 1942, August. Accession of Luxembourg to the Third Reich. The population of the country declared a general strike, to which the Germans responded with mass repressions.
  • 1945. Luxembourg is liberated from German occupation.
  • 1949. The country joined NATO.
  • 1957. Luxembourg participates in the founding of the European Economic Community.
  • 1999. Luxembourg joins the euro zone.
  • March 15, 2005 According to Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Luxembourg is recognized as the safest city in the world.

First thing

The tourist office sells two types of discount tourist cards.

With the Luxembourg Card, you can visit many attractions throughout the country and enjoy public transport. The price depends on the validity of the card, there are also family cards (for a family of two to five people). Stater Museekart allows you to visit the main sights of the capital for free for 2 days, for example: the Museum of the History of the City of Luxembourg, the National Museum of History and Art, the Luxembourg Casino and the Bock Casemates.

Changing of the Guard

According to tradition, the throne of the Grand Duchy is transferred to the eldest man in the family, and if there is none, then the eldest daughter. The ducal family is very popular among the people. It symbolizes the stability and prosperity of the country.

In 1964, Grand Duke Jean succeeded to the throne after the 45-year reign of his mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, and was at the head of the country until 2000, when he abdicated in favor of his eldest son Henri. Henri is married to Cuban Maria Theresa, they have 4 sons and a daughter.

In the centre of Europe

Luxembourg participated in the UN institution, Benelux, European Union and the Schengen Agreement. Two representatives of Luxembourg - Gaston Thorne (1981-1984) and Jacques Santer (since 1995)- acted as presidents of EU commissions. Luxembourg is home to many institutions of the European Community, in particular the European Parliament (along with Strasbourg), Audit Commission, European Investment Bank and European Court of Auditors. Luxembourg presided over the European Union from July to December 1997.

However, the most striking event in the history of Luxembourg after the Second World War was the signing of a pan-European agreement (1985) near the Schengen village. From the name of this village comes the name of the visa to almost all European countries.

LUXEMBOURG

(Grand Duchy of Luxembourg)

General information

Geographical position. Luxembourg is a state in Western Europe. It borders Belgium to the north and west, Germany to the east, south with France. Area. The territory of Luxembourg covers 2,586 sq. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital is Luxembourg (75 thousand people). Administratively, Luxembourg is divided into 3 districts.

Political system

Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy with a unicameral parliament; the country is headed by the Grand Duke Jean, who ascended the throne in 1964) The Cabinet of Ministers consists of 12 ministers. The legislature is the Chamber of Deputies.

Relief. Northern mountainous part of Luxembourg ( maximum height 560 m) is located in the spurs of the Ardennes. South part- gradually descending plain.

Geological structure and minerals. Luxembourg has rich iron ore deposits.

Climate. In Luxembourg, the climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental: mild, wet winters and cool summers; snow often falls in the Ardennes in winter. The sunniest months are: May, June, July and August; however, it is also sunny in the first half of September. In early spring, you can observe the lush flowering of wild plants.

Inland waters. The rivers belong to the Moselle basin.

Soils and vegetation. The plain in the south of the country is very fertile. One third of the territory is occupied by forests. There are protected areas.

The population of Luxembourg is about 425 thousand people, the average population density is about 164 people per 1 sq. km. km. Ethnic groups: Germans and French.

official languages in the country are French, German and Luxembourgish (one of the Rhine dialects of German); Luxembourgish was adopted as an official language only in 1985. Luxembourgish is spoken on the streets and at home, French and German are used for business correspondence and on official occasions. English is widely spoken in the capital, but almost never spoken in the countryside.

Religion

Over 95% of the indigenous population are Catholics.

Brief historical outline

The Duchy of Luxembourg arose in 963. Until 1792, it was part of the Spanish and then the Austrian Netherlands, in 1795-1813. attached to France.

In 1815, by decision of the Congress of Vienna, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was formed, the crown of which was presented to the King of Holland and Belgium, William I. Until 1891, Luxembourg was in a personal union with the Netherlands.

In 1830-1839. after the formation of Belgium, it included the western (Walloon) half of the Grand Duchy.

In 1914-1918. The country was occupied by the German army during the First World War. In 1939-1945. The occupation was repeated during World War II.

In 1944-1948. The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg united in the Benelux customs union, and in 1958 they created an economic union.

Brief economic essay

The main industry is ferrous metallurgy; chemical, leather, cement, faience, woodworking, sewing, food industry. Dairy and meat animal husbandry, grain and fodder crop production, viticulture, vegetable growing. Luxembourg is a major international financial center. Foreign tourism. Since 1921, Luxembourg has been in an economic (including customs) union with Belgium.

The monetary unit is the Luxembourgish franc.

Brief essay culture

Art and architecture. Luxembourg. Cathedral Our Lady (formerly a Jesuit church (1613-1618), which was significantly expanded in 1935-1938. Inside, the Renaissance portal and Baroque organ are of the greatest interest. In the crypt of the cathedral, the tomb of John the Bold, who died in the Battle of Crecy in 1346, has been preserved); the classicist building of the New City Hall, built in 1830-1838; palace of the Grand Duke; National Museum (Roman finds from excavations in Echternach - marble bust of Septimius Severus, bronze figurines, tombstones and fragments of medieval sculpture, geological collection, department of arts and crafts, several interiors of the 18th-19th centuries, a collection of German, Dutch and Dutch paintings ( L. Cranach, Cornelis Harlemsky, J. van Cleve, K. Meisseis, F. Hale, F. Ball, A. Ostade, etc.), the Church of St. Michael, founded in the XI century, but significantly rebuilt in the 16th century