Discovering Luxembourg

Page 7

Geographic Overview

Luxembourg, which sits in central

Europe, borders Belgium to the

northwest, Germany to the east, and

France to the southwest. At 2,586 sq.

km., Luxembourg is one of the smallest

countries in Europe. The country is

divided into three districts with Diekirch in

the north, Luxembourg in the southwest,

and Grevenmacher in the southeast.

Most of northern Luxembourg is covered

in forests and dominated by hills and

small mountains as part of the Adrennes.

Southern Luxembourg is more densely

populated and sits on a large, sandstone

plateau while western Luxembourg has

uneven terrain and is part of the Moselle

River Valley.

Major Cities

Luxembourg City is the largest city in the

country with nearly 100,000 people. Many

of the surrounding suburbs have large

populations such as Esch-sur-Alzette and

Dudelange. In the district of Diekirch in

the north, Ettelbruck and Diekirch are the largest cities with over 6,000 residents each.

People and Culture

Demographics

Luxembourg has a population of approximately 562,000. The majority of Luxembourgers are

of Luxembourgish heritage with an influx of immigrants moving to the country in the past

century. Many residents of Luxembourg are of Belgian, Germany, French, or Portuguese

heritage. There is also a growing number of immigrants from eastern Europe, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. Today nearly 37% of the population is made of

immigrants. Other minorities include those of Romani (nomadic people) and Jewish heritage.

Language

Luxembourg has three official languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish.

Additionally, English is commonly spoken as a way of international communication.

Luxembourgish is at the heart of all communication between residents and it is most

commonly spoken in everyday life, but rarely written.