A small country in Western Europe is Luxembourg. Despite its miniature size, the state has a rich history, a peculiar culture and a very patriotic population. Luxembourg has a high quality of life, which has a positive effect on the demography of the state.
Geography
It is not easy to see Luxembourg on a map of Europe. The capital, area, population can be characterized in very small numerical indicators. The area of the country, for example, is only 2,586.4 km². Close to neighbors such as Belgium, Germany and France, the country, of course, looks very modest. However, the state and population, for whom Luxembourg is a beloved homeland, are very proud that they manage to maintain sovereignty surrounded by such powerful countries.
The relief of the country is mainly a hilly hill, which in the north abuts the Ardennes mountains. The main waterway of the state is the Moselle River and its tributaries. Also, several medium-sized reservoirs flow here. If you look at the map of Luxembourg, it becomes clear that the country is predominantly populated. The free territory (about 20% of the total area) is occupied by dense forests and rivers. The climate here is temperate, influenced by the near Atlantic. Luxembourgers often compare their state with Switzerland, claiming that they have similar living conditions. However, the mountains are smaller and the climate is milder.
Settlement history
The territory on which modern Luxembourg is located was settled already in ancient times. Archaeologists have found a lot of evidence that already in the era of the Upper Neolithic people were here. The settled population appears around the 13th century BC. Later, Gauls and Franks lived here. During this period, the population of Luxembourg was small. Actually, the history of the country begins in the Middle Ages, when a protective fort was created here in the X century. At this time, a gradual mass settlement of the territory begins. For several centuries, this piece of land has been inherited by several aristocratic families in Europe. Castles, cities are being built here, population density is growing. Soon, the country takes on a modern look.
State of Luxembourg
Luxembourg - a state whose population is of interest because of its size - has all the attributes of a modern country. From the point of view of the political system, a power is a constitutional monarchy. The main person in the state is the Grand Duke, today it is Henry, or Henry (in the German manner), from the Nassau monarchical family. He has the right to accept and dismiss the government, intervene in legislative activity, and represent the country at the highest levels. In addition, it may have some impact on the work of deputies.
However, in reality, all legislative power remains with the parliament, while the executive remains with the government. The duke is only the face of the country. The state has a multi-party system. Thanks to democratic elections, a parliament is elected. The state of Luxembourg has great weight in the European Union. Here are several institutions of a united Europe, including the treasury. In 1867, the permanent neutrality of the state was proclaimed. And only to enter the united Europe, the country decided to give up part of its sovereignty.
Territorial division
The country is divided into three districts, which, in turn, are divided into cantons, and those into communes. The main population of Luxembourg lives in cities. In total, the state has 12 cantons, each of which heads a large settlement. The largest city is the capital of the same name. Its number is about 100 thousand people. The second largest is the city of El-sur-Alzette. Its population is about 30 thousand. Next comes the almost equal Differdange and Dudelange, which slightly did not reach 20 thousand each. In other cities, less than 10 thousand people live. The smallest town is Vianden. Only 1.5 thousand inhabitants live here.
Traditions and Culture
The population, demography, religion, traditions, customs, culture of Luxembourg are a subject for long discussion and research. It can be briefly noted that local features were formed under the strong influence of the closest neighbors, especially Germany and France. The culture of the Netherlands also had a certain impact. Despite a fairly short independent history, the population, Luxembourg for which is their beloved Motherland, very patriotically and diligently maintains its national identity. Since the state was formed on the basis of a Christian monastery, the canons of faith are still very strong here.
Approximately 70% of the population profess Catholicism, but Orthodox, Jews, Protestants and Anglicans coexist in peace and harmony with them. The most beloved and widely celebrated holiday in the country is Easter. On this day, national dishes are prepared, festivals and concerts are held. Luxembourg's cuisine is original, although features of neighboring countries can be seen in it. Locals love meat and know how to cook it, also on their tables there are a lot of pastries, cheeses and unique Moselle wines. The country's population is characterized by healthy conservatism. They don’t really like innovations and respect traditions. Residents are also extremely polite.
Language
Close proximity to several large countries forces the population to be polyglot. The official languages of Luxembourg are German and French. This allows residents of the country to easily communicate with their neighbors. In 1982, Luxembourg became the official language, which is the Moselle-Frankish dialect. It is owned by all local residents. It is on it that they prefer to talk in everyday life. Today, integration into greater Europe is forcing residents to learn English. And young people speak it fluently. But people in small villages may not understand this language at all.
Ethnic composition
Recent statistics on the population of Luxembourg suggests that 60% of its composition are indigenous Luxembourgers. These are the descendants of the Celtic tribes with a large admixture of Germanic and Frankish blood. Also, many immigrants from Germany, Belgium and France live in the country. A fairly large number of the Dutch diaspora. In recent years, Luxembourg has experienced a large influx of immigrants from Italy and Portugal. In connection with recent events in the Middle East, the country expects the appearance of Syrian refugees, but so far their number has not reached a significant figure. The government is taking certain steps to discourage large numbers of visitors. Therefore, so far nothing threatens the number of indigenous people.
Population dynamics
The main value of the country is the population of Luxembourg. The population over 300 years of monitoring the dynamics of growth has grown by more than 100 times. Today, more than 500 thousand people live in the country. And sociologists predict a further increase in residents. On average, the country's dynamics change as follows: about 18 children are born here daily. Every day, 12 people die. Also, an average of 30 emigrants come to Luxembourg daily.
Today, the country has one of the highest population densities in Europe. And experts say that this indicator will only grow, especially as a result of migration processes. Today, the density is more than 156 people per square kilometer. For example, in Russia this figure is estimated at 8.5, and in France - 116.
Demographic indicators
Today the population of Luxembourg is growing slightly more than 2000 people a year. Moreover, the increase is mainly provided by emigrants, since the birth rate here, as in all of Europe, is not very high. So, over the past 100 years in the country, this figure has decreased from 31 to 11 people per 1000 inhabitants. But in the country there is a steady increase in life expectancy. It is today: for men - 73 years old, for women - 80 years old. This is slightly higher than the world average. Sociologists estimate the coefficient of demographic load in the country, that is, the number of disabled people. It includes people under 15 and over 65 years old. This indicator is 49.5. It is considered quite low, since the number of working-age population is quite able to feed the dependents. Aged dependency ratio is 22%.
Speaking of age indicators, it should be noted that Luxembourg belongs to a successful rejuvenating type of state. The number of youth here prevails over the elderly by about 15%, and the largest number are residents of working age. The sex ratio in Luxembourg generally fits into the European trend. At birth, the number of boys slightly prevails over girls, and at the age of 65, the number of men is already almost a third less than women.
Employment
The country recorded a fairly large number of residents. The population, Luxembourg for which is a place of permanent residence, is experiencing some difficulties with employment. The unemployment rate is 6.6. This is due to the fact that labor migrants annually come to the state, whose number reaches 50% of the working population. About 80% of the population is engaged in the service sector, a considerable share of which is catering and tourism. About 18% work in the field of industrial production, in agriculture - only 2.5%.
A country's economy
Luxembourg, whose GDP per capita is about 100 thousand dollars, is one of the richest countries in the world. Local residents are accustomed to a high standard of living and do not want to part with it. Today the country has one of the best medical services in Europe. The government constantly cares about the quality of education and the living conditions of its people. The country has a fairly low unemployment rate and low inflation. Today, the crisis leaves its mark on economic indicators, but they are quite optimistic.
The country is actively developing industry. If earlier the steel industry was the main source of income, today the chemical industry is developing, and the production of products is growing. The biggest problem with the Luxembourg economy is the huge external debt. It is 80% of GDP. The government is trying to reduce economic risks by actively diversifying production, contributing to the development of entrepreneurship.