Luxembourg is ruled by a Grand Duke and remains the world's only remaining sovereign grand duchy.It has a population of 512,353 and the country is spread over the area of 2,586 square kilometers.
It is one of the world’s most developed countries, with an advanced economy and the world’s second highest GDP. Luxembourg is a trilingual country with German, French and Luxembourgish being the three official languages. Its culture reflects Romance and Germanic Europe.
Luxembourg Facts
Climate
Luxembourg is a very small country and its climate is very consistent. During the late summer months there is a lot of rain in the country. The hottest weather is found from May to September. In winters you might get to see snow.
Government
Luxembourg has a constitutional monarchy and it is considered to have a parliamentary government. The executive power is held by the Grand Duke, Grand Duchess or the cabinet. Luxembourg is one of the founder members of the European Union and the government is extremely stable here.
Medical care
SInce Luxembourg is a small country there are only three major hospitals but there are plenty of small clinics all across the country. The hospital care is good and well staffed but sometimes for some specific treatment you may have to go to specialized centers in Belgium or France.
Cost of living
Luxembourg has the highest per capita income with US$68,000 (€52,700) per individual and therefore the cost of living is one of the highest in the world. This country provides lot of opportunities for professionals and also a lot of opportunities to enjoy your free time. If you are looking for an upper middle class or truly affluent lifestyle in Europe then Luxembourg is the place to live in.
Language
Luxembourgish is the mother tongue of nearly all Luxembourgers. Despite this most written business is carried out in French and German is the first language taught in school and used in the media.
Food
Many of Luxembourg’s speciality dishes are of the type one would expected in a forested country. They include jugged hare and Ardennes ham. Trout and pike, fresh from the country's rivers, also feature regularly on menus here. Luxembourg shares the Moselle valley with Germany and the local white wines are well known and popular. Like other northern European countries, Luxembourg also produces popular brands of beer.
The Royals
From 1310 to 1437 the then Dukes of Luxembourg were also Kings of Bohemia (the modern Czech Republic). The current ruler, Crown Prince Henri was sworn in as Grand Duke in October 2000. He replaced his father Jean, who had been head of state for 26 years.
Etiquette and customs
Even though Luxembourgers are friendly, they are pretty reserved when it comes to dealing with outsiders. They generally try to keep their personal and professional life separate. You must always take gifts with you if you are invited to someone's home. The gifts can be good chocolates or flowers to the hostess. The flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, because it is considered an unlucky number.
Population
There are more than 181,000 immigrants in in Luxembourg, accounting for 39.6% of the total population. 15% of the country's inhabitants (over ⅓ of all immigrants) are of Portuguese origin.
Police and safety
Luxembourg is a safe, low crime country. There are no dangerous or unsafe areas. That’s not to say being a victim of crime is impossible, just that it´s extremely unlikely.