Luxembourg is a small Western European state. Despite its tiny size, this country is one of the richest in the world. The history of this state is fraught with many mysteries. The modern development of the country is ahead of many Western European powers. What is the secret? This article will discuss the history and modernity of this tiny state. Perhaps some interesting fact about Luxembourg will surprise you very much.
Government and politics
- The official name of the country is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It comes from the word "lucilinburch", which translates as "small town".
- Luxembourg is today the only duchy in the world.
- The head of this state is the Duke of Henry (since 2000).
- The capital is the city of Luxembourg. It is considered one of the most calm and safe in the world.
- Another interesting fact about Luxembourg. This country is the birthplace of Robert Schumann, a well-known French politician and foreign minister. He is the creator of the plan, during the implementation of which the Coal and Steel Association was formed - the first European community.
- Travelers will be interested to know that Luxembourg is the main state language here. It is a mixture of different dialects - French, German and Dutch. It should be noted that these languages are also official in Luxembourg. In addition, most of the population is fluent in English.
Society and Economics
- Speaking about the development of this state, it is worth noting such an interesting fact about Luxembourg: here is the highest level of GDP per capita in the whole world. It is several times higher than the average in Europe.
- Today, the Duchy has the highest minimum wage in the world.
- In Luxembourg - one of the best entities in the world. The population literacy here is 100%.
- Luxembourg has the largest number of banks in the world.
- The Duchy takes first place in Europe in terms of economic freedom.
- The population of Luxembourg has the largest number of mobile phones in the world (15 units per 10 people).
- The country is actively developing business. In terms of its effectiveness, it takes 3rd place in Europe (after Finland and Denmark).
- Luxembourg has the most crowded roads in the world. Moreover, there are never traffic jams.
- Luxembourg is one of the founders and current members of the EU, NATO, and the UN.
History
Every traveler or just an interested person knows what Luxembourg is at the present stage. Interesting facts about the country these days can be listed endlessly. But not everyone knows what this state was in antiquity.
The most interesting facts about Luxembourg from history.
- In the Middle Ages, this country was three times larger. Previously, the Duchy included a huge territory of the Belgian province of Luxembourg.
- Natives of the ruling dynasty of this country three times managed to occupy the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. These were Henry II, Charles IV and Sigismund.
- The territory of Luxembourg has repeatedly become an arena of struggle between strong European states. So, in the XV century. these lands were ruled by France, and in 1555 - by Spain. At the beginning of the XIX century. Luxembourg was transferred under the control of the Netherlands. In 1839, the territory was divided into 2 parts. The first came under the rule of Belgium, and the other became part of the German Confederation.
Culture
Despite the fact that you can endlessly list interesting facts about Luxembourg, for children and tourists the most fascinating and informative will be information about the culture and traditions of this state.
- Starting from the 7th century the main art center in the country was the monastery in Echternach. His masters became famous for their beautiful miniatures, which combined Irish and German traditions.
- Most Luxembourgish medieval castles and fortresses have not survived to this day.
- The culture of this state developed under the strong influence of other Western European powers. It should be noted that the musical art of Luxembourg was formed on the basis of German traditions. Vivid evidence of this is the annual festivals in Echternach.
- Almost none of the Luxembourgish artists became famous outside their homeland.
- Edward Static (the founder of American photography) is a native of this small state.
sights
Each tourist will be interested to know the following facts about Luxembourg and its attractions.
- One of the main places worth visiting here is the Bock casemates. These are mysterious passages in Le Bock rock, built in the 17th century. Today, some old residential buildings still have underground passages to the Bock casemates.
- The wine trail is the most “delicious” attraction in the country. It is located along the Moselle River border from Germany from Schengen to Remich. Interestingly, the most delicious grapes grow on the Luxembourg side, as the fertile valleys are located on the southern slope and receive more sun. Luxembourg wines from the Moselle Valley are world famous. In addition, the production of beer, liquors, juices, and mineral waters has been established on this territory.
Interesting cities and places of Luxembourg
- Viaden is one of the most picturesque cities in Luxembourg. It is located near Wilz at the foot of the old fortress. V. Hugo once lived in this town. Today, on the site of his house is a museum. It is especially popular among tourists.
- Echternach is a city that can rightfully be considered an open-air museum. Here is an ancient abbey, one of the oldest in Europe, the church of St. Peter and Paul, the pavilion of Louis XV, the canyon "Wolf's Mouth" and other no less interesting sights. Echternach is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Luxembourg.
- Luxembourg Switzerland is a special region and the most picturesque place of the Grand Duchy. It is located in the north-east of the country. This territory got its name due to its resemblance to the most beautiful mountainous regions of Switzerland. This area is famous for its many caves, unique flora and fauna, as well as the Beaufort fortress.
Interesting facts about the city of Luxembourg
- Luxembourg is the capital of the Grand Duchy.
- The city is located at the confluence of two rivers: Petrus and Alzette.
- Luxembourg is divided into 24 districts. However, tourists are usually only interested in 4. Among them, the Upper and Lower Towns. The first is the historical center, where the main attractions of the capital are located.
- The second is the territory on the opposite bank of the Alzette River, where the main banks, factories, and company boards are located. Of particular interest to tourists is the Station and Kirchberg area (all the main buildings of the European Union are located here).
- Another interesting fact about Luxembourg: the two main metropolitan areas (Lower and Upper City) are interconnected by many bridges. There are more than 100 of them.
- Luxembourg has many interesting sights. That is why the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sights of the capital
Luxembourg, despite its tiny size, is rich in a variety of historical monuments and attractions. Here is the residence of the Grand Duke, a large number of bridges and cathedrals.
- Consider interesting facts about the Palace of the Duke (Luxembourg). Until the end of the XIX century. this building served as the town hall, the residence of the French administration and the Dutch governors. Only since 1890 this palace became the residence of the Luxembourg dukes. The history of the construction of the building is very interesting. Until the 16th century in its place was the Franciscan church. In 1554, it was destroyed by a lightning strike and the entire Upper City burned down. That is why a new large town hall was erected, which today is the residence of the Luxembourg dukes.
- Adolf Bridge is the national symbol of the state. It is located in the beautiful valley of the Petrus River. Its construction began in 1900. The first stone in the bridge was laid personally by the Duke Adolf.