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Luxembourg
Not even big enough on most maps of Europe to contain the
letters of its name, Lilliputian Luxembourg makes up in snazz
what it lacks in size. A respected member of the European
Union, a role model of international finance and a benchmark
in comparisons of quality of life, Luxembourg enjoys a prosperity
that nations many times larger aspire toward and envy. Visitors
to the country pay for their luxury accordingly, but in exchange
they find a wealth of spectacular verdant landscapes crisscrossed
by rivers and dotted with the sort of rural hamlets that most
people associate solely with fairy tales.
This is not to say that Luxembourg is all swanky suits and
medieval villas. Its capital, Luxembourg City, manages to
maintain a tranquil air of antiquity despite playing frequent
host to fist-pounding, finger-pointing gatherings of financial-world
leaders and EU officials. The north of the country lures outdoors
enthusiasts with sylvan settings promising fabulous skiing
and hiking. The Moselle Valley, just east of Luxembourg City,
is one of Europe's most idyllic wine-producing regions. And
what's most convenient, the capital is no more than an hour's
drive from anywhere else in the country, so you can truly
get a sense of the lay of the land without spending eons in
doing so.
Luxembourg may not be as big a tourist draw as its superpower
neighbours, but its charms are nonetheless unique and its
people justifiably proud of their heritage and of their homeland.
Just in case you'd doubt it, take a look at the writing on
the wall: the nation's motto is inscribed everywhere throughout
the capital - Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sin - 'We want
to remain what we are'. After a visit, you're sure to hope
they do.
Full country name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Luxemburg,
Letzeburg)
Area: 2586 sq km (999 sq mi)
Population: 430,000
Capital city: Luxembourg City (pop 90,000)
People: 70% nationals (Celtic stock, with French and German),
30% resident foreigners (mostly Belgian, French, German, Italian
and Portuguese)
Language: Luxembourgish (Letzeburgesch), French, German
Religion: 97% Roman Catholic
Government: Constitutional monarchy
President: Grand Duke Henri
Prime Minister: Jean-Claude Juncker
GDP: US$14 billion
GDP per head: US$32,700
Annual growth: 3%
Inflation: 1.5%
Major industries: Iron and steel, plastic and rubber, chemicals,
mechanical and electrical equipment
Major trading partners: EU (esp. Belgium, France, Germany,
UK, Netherlands)
Member of EU: yes
Euro zone participant: yes
Luxembourg
Flight from UK
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