Luxembourg

{{Main|History of Luxembourg}}

{{Main|Celtic Luxembourg}}

File:Codex aureus Epternacensis folio 24 2.jpg, an important surviving codex, was produced in the Abbey of Echternach in the 11th century.{{cite book | last=Beckwith | first=John | title=Early Christian and Byzantine art | date=1979 | isbn=0-14-056133-1 | oclc=4774770 | page = 122| publisher=Penguin Books }}]]

The first traces of settlement in what is now Luxembourg are dated back to the Paleolithic Age, about 35,000 years ago. From the 2nd century BC, Celtic tribes settled in the region between the rivers Rhine and Meuse.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p. 9

Six centuries later the Romans named the Celtic tribes inhabiting these exact regions collectively as the Treveri. Many examples of archaeological evidence proving their existence in Luxembourg have been discovered, the most famous being the Oppidum of Titelberg.

In around 58 to 51 BC, the Romans invaded the country when Julius Caesar conquered Gaul and part of Germania up to the Rhine border, thus the area of what is now Luxembourg became part of the Roman Empire for the next 450 years, living in relative peace under the Pax Romana.

Similar to those in Gaul, the Celts of Luxembourg adopted Roman culture, language, morals and a way of life, effectively becoming what historians later described as Gallo-Roman civilization.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 1988 (2013)p. 16 Evidence from that period includes the Dalheim Ricciacum and the Vichten mosaic, on display at the National Museum of History and Art in Luxembourg City.{{Cite web|url=https://collections.mnha.lu/object/mnha00110/1/LOG_0000/|title=Mosaïque de Vichten|website=-: Mosaïque de Vichten, -: – -.|access-date=21 April 2021|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421144306/https://collections.mnha.lu/object/mnha00110/1/LOG_0000/|url-status=live}}

The territory was infiltrated by the Germanic Franks from the 4th century, and was abandoned by Rome in AD 406,{{cite book | last=Trausch | first=Gilbert | title=Histoire du Luxembourg: le destin européen d'un petit pays | publisher=Privat |location=Toulouse | date=2003 | isbn=2-7089-4773-7 | oclc=52386195 | language=fr}}{{rp|page = 65}} after which it became part of the Kingdom of the Franks. The Salian Franks who settled in the area are often described as the ones having brought the Germanic language to present-day Luxembourg, since the old Frankish language spoken by them is considered by linguists to be a direct forerunner of the Moselle Franconian dialect, which later evolved into, among others, the modern-day Luxembourgish language.{{rp|page=70}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.axl.cefan.ulaval.ca/europe/francique-map.htm|title=Francique|website=www.axl.cefan.ulaval.ca|access-date=21 April 2021|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126024438/http://www.axl.cefan.ulaval.ca/europe/francique-map.htm|url-status=live}}

The Christianization of Luxembourg is usually dated back to the end of the 7th century. The most famous figure in this context is Willibrord, a Northumbrian missionary saint, who together with other monks established the Abbey of Echternach in AD 698,Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p. 23 and is celebrated annually in the dancing procession of Echternach. For a few centuries the abbey would become one of northern Europe's most influential abbeys. The Codex Aureus of Echternach, an important surviving codex written entirely in gold ink, was produced here in the 11th century. The so-called Emperor's Bible and the Golden Gospels of Henry III were also produced in Echternach at this time.The Emperor's Bible". Uppsala University Library. Retrieved 17 October 2020{{cite book | last=Pauly | first=Michel | title=Geschichte Luxemburgs |location=München |publisher=Verlag C.H. Beck | date=2011 | isbn=978-3-406-62225-0 | oclc=724990605 | language=de}}{{rp|pages=9–25}}

{{Main|County of Luxembourg}}

File:Charles IV-John Ocko votive picture-fragment.jpg, the 14th-century Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia from the House of Luxembourg{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/fondation-du-luxembourg.html |title=Luxembourg's Origins |date=9 January 2024 |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124090014/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/fondation-du-luxembourg.html |url-status=live }}]]

When the Carolingian Empire was divided many times starting with the Treaty of Verdun in 843, today's Luxembourgish territory became successively part of the Kingdom of Middle Francia (843–855), the Kingdom of Lotharingia (855–959) and finally of the Duchy of Lorraine (959–1059), which itself had become a state of the Holy Roman Empire.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p. 26

The recorded history of Luxembourg begins with the acquisition of LucilinburhucKreins (2003), p. 20 (today Luxembourg Castle) situated on the Bock rock by Siegfried, Count of the Ardennes, in 963 through an exchange act with St. Maximin's Abbey, Trier.{{cite book |title=About... The History of Luxembourg |publisher=Information and Press Service of the Government |date=2022 |isbn=978-2-87999-298-3 |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/publications/ap-histoire.html |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124084539/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/publications/ap-histoire.html |url-status=live }} Around this fort, a town gradually developed, which became the center of a state of great strategic value within the Duchy of Lorraine. Over the years, the fortress was extended by Siegfried's descendants and by 1083, one of them, Conrad I, was the first to call himself a "Count of Luxembourg", and with it effectively creating the independent County of Luxembourg (which was still a state within the Holy Roman Empire).Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p. 28

By the middle of the 13th century, the counts of Luxembourg had managed to gain considerable wealth and power and had expanded their territory from the river Meuse to the Moselle. By the time of the reign of Henry V the Blonde, Bitburg, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Durbuy, Arlon, Thionville, Marville, Longwy, and in 1264 the competing County of Vianden (and with it St Vith and Schleiden) had either been incorporated directly or become vassal states to the County of Luxembourg.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.33-34 The only major setback during their rise in power came in 1288, when Henry VI and his three brothers died at the Battle of Worringen while trying unsuccessfully to add the Duchy of Limburg to their realm. But despite the defeat, the Battle of Worringen helped the Counts of Luxembourg to achieve military glory, which they had previously lacked, as they had mostly enlarged their territory by means of inheritances, marriages and fiefdoms.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.35

The ascension of the Counts of Luxembourg culminated when Henry VII became King of the Romans, King of Italy and finally, in 1312, Holy Roman Emperor.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.37

{{Main|Duchy of Luxembourg}}

File:Festungsplan.von.Luxemburg.jpg

With the ascension of Henry VII as Emperor, the dynasty of the House of Luxembourg not only began to rule the Holy Roman Empire, but rapidly began to exercise growing influence over other parts of Central Europe as well.

Henry's son, John the Blind, in addition to being Count of Luxembourg, also became King of Bohemia. He remains a major figure in Luxembourgish history and folklore and is considered by many historians the epitome of chivalry in medieval times. He is also known for having founded the Schueberfouer in 1340 and for his heroic death at the Battle of Crécy in 1346.Margue, Paul (1974). Luxemburg in Mittelalter und Neuzeit. Editions Bourg-Bourger.Gilbert Trausch, Le Luxembourg, émergence d'un état et d'une nation 2007 p. 93 Edition Schortgen John the Blind is considered a national hero in Luxembourg.{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/helm-holy-roman-empire.html |title=At the Helm of the Holy Roman Empire |website=Luxembourg.lu |date=9 January 2024 |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124090017/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/helm-holy-roman-empire.html |url-status=live }}

In the 14th and early 15th centuries, three more members of the House of Luxembourg reigned as Holy Roman Emperors and Bohemian Kings: John's descendants Charles IV, Sigismund (who also was King of Hungary and Croatia), and Wenceslaus IV. Charles IV created the long-lasting Golden Bull of 1356, a decree which fixed important aspects of the constitutional structure of the Empire. Luxembourg remained an independent fief (county) of the Holy Roman Empire, and in 1354, Charles IV elevated it to the status of a duchy with his half-brother Wenceslaus I becoming the first Duke of Luxembourg. While his kin were occupied ruling and expanding their power within the Holy Roman Empire and elsewhere, Wenceslaus, annexed the County of Chiny in 1364, and with it, the territories of the new Duchy of Luxembourg reached its greatest extent.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p. 41

During these 130 years, the House of Luxembourg was contending with the House of Habsburg for supremacy within the Holy Roman Empire and Central Europe. It all came to end in 1443, when the House of Luxembourg suffered a succession crisis, precipitated by the lack of a male heir to assume the throne. Since Sigismund and Elizabeth of Görlitz were both heirless, all possessions of the Luxembourg Dynasty were redistributed among the European aristocracy.Kreins (2003), p. 39 The Duchy of Luxembourg become a possession of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p. 44

As the House of Luxembourg had become extinct and Luxembourg now became part of the Burgundian Netherlands, this would mark the start of nearly 400 years of foreign rule over Luxembourg.

{{See also|Fortress of Luxembourg}}

In 1482, Philip the Handsome inherited all of what became then known as the Habsburg Netherlands, and with it the Duchy of Luxembourg. For nearly 320 years Luxembourg would remain a possession of the mighty House of Habsburg, at first under Austrian rule (1506–1556), then under Spanish rule (1556–1714), before going back again to Austrian rule (1714–1794).

With having become a Habsburg possession, the Duchy of Luxembourg became, like many countries in Europe at the time, heavily involved in the many conflicts for dominance of Europe between the Habsburg-held countries and the Kingdom of France.

In 1542, the King of France, François I, invaded Luxembourg twice, but the Habsburgs under Charles V managed to reconquer the Duchy each time.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.53

Luxembourg became part of the Spanish Netherlands in 1556, and when France and Spain went to war in 1635 it resulted in the Treaty of the Pyrenees, in which the first partition of Luxembourg was decided. Under the Treaty, Spain ceded the Luxembourgish fortresses of Stenay, Thionville, and Montmédy, and the surrounding territory to France, effectively reducing the size of Luxembourg for the first time in centuries.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.57

In context of the Nine Years' War in 1684, France invaded Luxembourg again, conquering and occupying the Duchy until 1697 when it was returned to the Spanish to garner support for the Bourbon cause during the prelude to the War of the Spanish Succession. When the war broke out in 1701 Luxembourg and the Spanish Netherlands were administered by the pro-French faction under the governor Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria and sided with the Bourbons. The duchy was subsequently occupied by the pro-Austrian allied forces during the conflict and was awarded to Austria at its conclusion in 1714.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.58

As the Duchy of Luxembourg repeatedly passed back and forth from Spanish and Austrian to French rule, each of the conquering nations contributed to strengthening and expanding the Fortress that the Castle of Luxembourg had become over the years. One example of this includes French military engineer Marquis de Vauban who advanced the fortifications around and on the heights of the city, fortification walls that are still visible today.

{{See also|Forêts|Secularism in France}}

During the War of the First Coalition, Revolutionary France invaded the Austrian Netherlands, and with it, Luxembourg. In the years 1793 and 1794 most of the Duchy was conquered relatively quickly and the French Revolutionary Army committed many atrocities and pillages against the Luxembourgish civilian population and abbeys, the most infamous being the massacres of Differdange and Dudelange, as well as the destruction of the abbeys of Clairefontaine, Echternach and Orval.{{Cite web|url=https://today.rtl.lu/luxembourg-insider/history/a/1715144.html|title=Dark Luxembourg: The French massacre of Differdange|access-date=6 October 2021|archive-date=6 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006182254/https://today.rtl.lu/luxembourg-insider/history/a/1715144.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url = http://shenandoahdavis.canalblog.com/archives/2016/03/24/33560312.html|title = LUXEMBOURG – 17 mai 1794 – MASSACRE DE DUDELANGE – l'HORRIBLE FIN DE PIERRE GAASCH, GARDE-FORESTIER ... – la Maraîchine Normande|date = 24 March 2016|access-date = 6 October 2021|archive-date = 6 October 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211006182254/http://shenandoahdavis.canalblog.com/archives/2016/03/24/33560312.html|url-status = live}} However the Fortress of Luxembourg resisted for nearly 7 months before the Austrian forces holding it surrendered. Luxembourg's long defence led Lazare Carnot to call Luxembourg "the best fortress in the world, except Gibraltar", giving rise to the city's nickname the Gibraltar of the North.Kreins (2003), p.64

Luxembourg was annexed by France, becoming the département des forêts (department of forests), and the incorporation of the former Duchy as a département into France was formalized at the Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797.

From the start of the occupation the new French officials in Luxembourg, who spoke only French, implemented many republican reforms, among them the principle of laicism, which led to an outcry in strongly Catholic Luxembourg. Additionally French was implemented as the only official language and Luxembourgish people were barred access to all civil services.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.65 When the French Army introduced military duty for the local population, riots broke out which culminated in 1798 when Luxembourgish peasants started a rebellion. Even though the French managed to rapidly suppress this revolt called Klëppelkrich, it had a profound effect on the historical memory of the country and its citizens.Kreins (2003), p. 66

However, many republican ideas of this era continue to have a lasting effect on Luxembourg; one of the many examples features the implementation of the Napoleonic Code Civil which was introduced in 1804 and is still valid today.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.67

{{See also|Luxembourg question}}

After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, the Duchy of Luxembourg was restored. However, as the territory had been part of the Holy Roman Empire as well as the Habsburgian Netherlands in the past, both the Kingdom of Prussia and the United Kingdom of the Netherlands now claimed possession of the territory. At the Congress of Vienna the great powers decided that Luxembourg would become a member state of the newly formed German Confederation, but at the same time William I of the Netherlands, the King of the Netherlands, would become, in personal union, the head of state. To satisfy Prussia, it was decided that not only the Fortress of Luxembourg be manned by Prussian troops, but also that large parts of Luxembourgish territory (mainly the areas around Bitburg and St. Vith) become Prussian possessions.Johan Christiaan Boogman: Nederland en de Duitse Bond 1815–1851. Diss. Utrecht, J. B. Wolters, Groningen / Djakarta 1955, pp. 5–8. This marked the second time that the Duchy of Luxembourg was reduced in size, and is generally known as the Second Partition of Luxembourg. To compensate the Duchy for this loss, it was decided to elevate the Duchy to a Grand-Duchy, thus giving the Dutch monarchs the additional title of Grand-Duke of Luxembourg. However, from 1816 to 1830, William I ignored the Duchy's sovereignty, treating Luxembourg as a conquered nation while subjecting Luxembourg to high taxes.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-15 |title=Luxembourg - Grand Duchy, Europe, Charlemagne {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Luxembourg/History |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}

After Belgium became an independent country following the victorious Belgian Revolution of 1830–1831, it claimed the entire Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as being part of Belgium, however, the Dutch King who was also Grand Duke of Luxembourg, as well as Prussia, did not want to lose their grip on the mighty fortress of Luxembourg and did not agree with the Belgian claims.Michel Pauly Die Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p. 68 The dispute would be solved at the 1839 Treaty of London where the decision of the Third Partition of Luxembourg was taken. This time the territory was reduced by more than half, as the predominantly francophone western part of the country (but also the then Luxembourgish-speaking part of Arelerland) was transferred to the new state of Belgium, thereby giving Luxembourg its modern-day borders. The treaty of 1839 also established full independence of the remaining Germanic-speaking Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg.Thewes, Guy (2006) (PDF). Les gouvernements du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg depuis 1848 (2006), p. 208{{cite web |url=http://www.landenweb.net/luxemburg/geschiedenis/ |title=LUXEMBURG Geschiedenis |publisher=Landenweb.net |access-date=1 February 2013 |archive-date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510190747/http://www.landenweb.net/luxemburg/geschiedenis/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=The World Factbook|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2088.html|access-date=1 February 2013|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|archive-date=27 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227190053/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2088.html}}Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 1997

In 1842, Luxembourg joined the German Customs Union (Zollverein).Kreins (2003), p. 76{{Citation|last1=Harmsen|first1=Robert|title=Luxembourg and the European Union|date=28 February 2020|encyclopedia=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en|doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.1041|isbn=978-0-19-022863-7|last2=Högenauer|first2=Anna-Lena}} This resulted in the opening of the German market, the development of Luxembourg's steel industry, and expansion of Luxembourg's railway network from 1855 to 1875.

After the Luxembourg Crisis of 1866 nearly led to war between Prussia and France, as both were unwilling to see the other taking influence over Luxembourg and its mighty fortress, the Grand Duchy's independence and neutrality were reaffirmed by the Second Treaty of London and Prussia was finally willing to withdraw its troops from the Fortress of Luxembourg under the condition that the fortifications would be dismantled. That happened the same year.Kreins (2003), pp. 80–81 At the time of the Franco-Prussian war in 1870, Luxembourg's neutrality was respected, and neither France nor Germany invaded the country.Maartje Abbenhuis, An Age of Neutrals: Great Power Politics, 1815–1914. Cambridge University Press (2014) {{ISBN|978-1-107-03760-1}}

As a result of the recurring disputes between the major European powers, the people of Luxembourg gradually developed a consciousness of independence and a national awakening took place in the 19th century.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.75 The people of Luxembourg began referring to themselves as Luxembourgers, rather than being part of one of the larger surrounding nations. This consciousness of Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn ("We want to remain what we are ") culminated in 1890, when the last step towards full independence was finally taken: due to a succession crisis the Dutch monarchy ceased to hold the title Grand-Duke of Luxembourg. Beginning with Adolph of Nassau-Weilburg, the Grand-Duchy would have its own monarchy, thus reaffirming its full independence.Kreins (2003), p. 84

{{See also|German occupation of Luxembourg during World War I|German occupation of Luxembourg during World War II}}

File:Alsace-lorraine.JPG

In August 1914, during World War I, Imperial Germany violated Luxembourg's neutrality by invading it to defeat France.{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/premire-guerre-mondiale.html |title=The First World War: German Occupation and State Crisis |website=Luxembourg.lu |date=9 January 2024 |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124093753/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/premire-guerre-mondiale.html |url-status=live }} Nevertheless, despite the German occupation, Luxembourg was allowed to maintain much of its independence and political mechanisms.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.83 Unaware of the fact that Germany secretly planned to annex the Grand-Duchy in case of a German victory (the Septemberprogramm), the Luxembourgish government continued to pursue a policy of strict neutrality. However, the Luxembourgish population did not believe Germany had good intentions, fearing that it would annex Luxembourg. Around 1,000 Luxembourgers served in the French army;{{cite book |title=About... The History of Luxembourg |publisher=Information and Press Service of the Government |date=2022 |isbn=978-2-87999-298-3 |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/publications/ap-histoire.html |page=22 |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124084539/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/publications/ap-histoire.html |url-status=live }} their sacrifices have been commemorated at the Gëlle Fra.{{cite web|url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/gelle-fra.html|title=Gëlle Fra – a Hallmark of Society and Luxembourgish History|website=Luxembourg.lu|date=26 June 2023|access-date=24 January 2024|archive-date=24 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124093754/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/gelle-fra.html|url-status=live}}

After the war, Grand-Duchess Marie-Adélaïde was seen by many people (including the French and Belgian governments) as having collaborated with the Germans and calls for her abdication and the establishment of a Republic became louder.Thewes (2003), p. 81Kreins (2003), p. 89. After the retreat of the German army, communists in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette tried to establish a soviet worker's republic similar to the ones emerging in Germany, but these attempts lasted only 2 days.

In November 1918, a motion in the Chamber of Deputies demanding the abolition of the monarchy was defeated narrowly by 21 votes to 19 (with three abstentions).Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.84

France questioned the Luxembourgish government's, and especially Marie-Adélaïde's, neutrality during the war, and calls for an annexation of Luxembourg to either France or Belgium grew louder in both countries.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.85 In January 1919, a company of the Luxembourgish Army rebelled, declaring itself to be the army of the new republic, but French troops intervened and put an end to the rebellion. Nonetheless, the disloyalty shown by her own armed forces was too much for Marie-Adélaïde, who abdicated in favour of her sister Charlotte 5 days later.Dostert et al. (2002), p. 21 The same year, in a popular referendum, 77.8% of the Luxembourgish population declared in favour of maintaining monarchy and rejected the establishment of a republic. During this time, Belgium pushed for an annexation of Luxembourg. However, all such claims were ultimately dismissed at the Paris Peace Conference, thus securing Luxembourg's independence.{{cite web |last1=Brousse |first1=Hendry |title=Le Luxembourg de la guerre à la paix (1918–1923): la France, actrice majeure de cette transition |url=https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/tel-02887753/document |website=hal.univ-lorraine.fr |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303094710/https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/tel-02887753/document |url-status=live }}

In 1939, the Luxembourg army increased to 425 due to Nazi Germany presence. On May 9, 1940 Luxembourg closed the defensive Schuster line with Germany; one day later, Luxembourg's neutrality was violated again when Nazi Germany's Wehrmacht entered the country "entirely without justification".{{cite book |section=The invasion of Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg |title=Judgment of the International Military Tribunal For The Trial of German Major War Criminals |location=London |publisher=HM Stationery Office |via=The Nizkor Project |date=1951 |url=http://www.nizkor.org/ftp.cgi?imt/tgmwc/judgment/j-invasion-belgium |access-date=22 December 2021 |archive-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020203/http://www.nizkor.org/ftp.cgi?imt%2Ftgmwc%2Fjudgment%2Fj-invasion-belgium }} In contrast to the First World War, under the German occupation of Luxembourg during World War II, the country was treated as German territory and informally annexed to the adjacent province of Nazi Germany, Gau Moselland. This time, Luxembourg did not remain neutral as Luxembourg's government in exile based in London supported the Allies, sending a small group of volunteers who participated in the Normandy invasion, and multiple resistance groups formed inside the occupied country.{{cite web|url = http://www.zug-der-erinnerung.eu/dostert.html|title = Luxemburg unter deutscher Besatzung 1940–45: Die Bevölkerung eines kleinen Landes zwischen Kollaboration und Widerstand|last = Dostert|first = Paul|website = Zug der Erinnerung|language = de|access-date = 23 April 2021|archive-date = 2 June 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190602113318/http://www.zug-der-erinnerung.eu/dostert.html|url-status = live}}{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/second-world-war.html |title=The Second World War: the Toughest Ordeal |website=Luxembourg.lu |date=9 January 2024 |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124090016/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/second-world-war.html |url-status=live }}

With 2.45% of its prewar population killed, and a third of all buildings in Luxembourg being destroyed or heavily damaged (mainly due to the Battle of the Bulge), Luxembourg suffered the highest such loss in Western Europe, but its commitment to the Allied war effort was never questioned.Michel Pauly, Geschichte Luxemburgs 2013 p.102 Around 1,000–2,500 of Luxembourg's Jews were murdered in the Holocaust.

The Grand Duchy became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945. Luxembourg's neutral status under the constitution formally ended in 1948, and in April 1949 it also became a founding member of NATO.{{cite web |title=Luxembourg and NATO |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_162355.htm |website=NATO |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414144211/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_162355.htm |url-status=live }} During the Cold War, Luxembourg continued its involvements on the side of the Western Bloc. In the early fifties a small contingent of troops fought in the Korean War.{{cite web|url=https://korea.mnhm.net/index.php/en/|title=D'Koreaner aus dem Lëtzebuerger Land (Koreans from Luxembourg)|access-date=24 January 2024|archive-date=24 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124093752/https://korea.mnhm.net/index.php/en/|url-status=live}}

Luxembourg troops have also deployed to Afghanistan, to support ISAF.{{cite web|url=https://www.armee.lu/historique/l-armee-de-nos-jours/la-contribution-otan/isaf-international-security-and-assistance-force|title=ISAF (International Security and Assistance Force)|date=24 April 2023|access-date=24 April 2021|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427023157/https://www.armee.lu/historique/l-armee-de-nos-jours/la-contribution-otan/isaf-international-security-and-assistance-force}} Luxembourg won its first gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki when Josy Barthel won the 1500 metres.

In the 1950s, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Communities, following the 1952 establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, and subsequent 1958 creations of the European Economic Community and European Atomic Energy Community. In 1993, the former two of these were incorporated into the European Union. With Robert Schuman (one of the founding fathers of the EU), Pierre Werner (considered the father of the Euro), Gaston Thorn, Jacques Santer and Jean-Claude Juncker (all former presidents of the European Commission), Luxembourgish politicians contributed substantially to the EU's formation and establishment. In 1999, Luxembourg joined the eurozone. Thereafter, the country was elected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2013–14).

The steel industry exploiting the Red Lands' rich iron-ore grounds in the beginning of the 20th century drove Luxembourg's industrialization.{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/steel-industry-luxembourg.html |title=The Steel Industry That Made Luxembourg's Fortune |website=Luxembourg.lu |date=9 January 2024 |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124090535/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/history/steel-industry-luxembourg.html |url-status=live }} After the decline of the steel industry in the 1970s, the country focused on establishing itself as a global financial center and developed into the banking hub it is reputed to be. Since the beginning of the 21st century, its governments have focused on developing the country into a knowledge economy, with the founding of the University of Luxembourg and a national space program. In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to provide free public transport at a national scale.

On 19 December 2023, Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies adopted a law to modernize the current investment tax credit. It took effect less than two weeks later on 1 January 2024.

{{Main|Politics of Luxembourg|Law of Luxembourg}}

File:Luxembourg City Chambre des députés Nov 2009.jpg, in Luxembourg City]]

Luxembourg is described as a "full democracy",{{Cite web|url=https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=DemocracyIndex2016|title=Democracy Index 2016 – The Economist Intelligence Unit|last=solutions|first=EIU digital|website=www.eiu.com|access-date=29 November 2017|archive-date=11 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111195322/https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=DemocracyIndex2016|url-status=live}} with a parliamentary democracy headed by a constitutional monarch. Executive power is exercised by the grand duke and the cabinet, which consists of several members with the titles of minister, minister delegate or secretary of state, who are headed by a Prime Minister.{{cite web |url=https://gouvernement.lu/en/systeme-politique/gouvernement.html |title=Government Composition |website=Gouvernement.lu |date=28 May 2013 |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219131243/https://gouvernement.lu/en/systeme-politique/gouvernement.html |url-status=live }} The current Constitution of Luxembourg, the supreme law of Luxembourg, was originally adopted on 17 October 1868.{{cite web |url=https://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/constitution/1868/10/17/n1/jo |title=Mémorial A, 1868, No.25, Constitution du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg |website=Legilux.lu |language=fr |access-date=24 January 2024 |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127145014/https://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/constitution/1868/10/17/n1/jo |url-status=live }} The Constitution was last updated on 1 July 2023.{{cite web |url=http://data.legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/constitution/1868/10/17/n1 |title=Constitution du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg |website=Legilux |language=fr |access-date=24 January 2024}}

The grand duke has the power to dissolve the legislature, in which case new elections must be held within three months. But since 1919, sovereignty has resided with the nation, exercised by the grand duke in accordance with the Constitution and the law.{{cite web |url=http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/textescoordonnes/recueils/constitution_droits_de_lhomme/CONST1.pdf |title=Constitution of Luxembourg |access-date=23 July 2006 |year=2005 |publisher=Service central de législation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216021501/http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/textescoordonnes/recueils/constitution_droits_de_lhomme/CONST1.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2008 }}

File:Palacio Gran Ducal de Luxemburgo.jpg in Luxembourg City, the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg]]

Legislative power is vested in the Chamber of Deputies, a unicameral legislature of sixty members, who are directly elected to five-year terms from four constituencies. A second body, the Council of State (Conseil d'État), composed of 21 ordinary citizens appointed by the grand duke, advises the Chamber of Deputies in the drafting of legislation.{{cite web |url=http://www.ce.etat.lu/structure.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619171336/http://www.ce.etat.lu/structure.htm |archive-date=19 June 2006 |title=Structure of the Conseil d'Etat |access-date=23 July 2006 |publisher=Conseil d'Etat }}

Luxembourg has three lower tribunals (justices de paix; in Esch-sur-Alzette, the city of Luxembourg, and Diekirch), two district tribunals (Luxembourg and Diekirch), and a Superior Court of Justice (Luxembourg), which includes the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. There is also an Administrative Tribunal and an Administrative Court, as well as a Constitutional Court, all of which are located in the capital.

{{Main|Cantons of Luxembourg|Communes of Luxembourg}}

{{Further|Administrative divisions of Luxembourg}}

Luxembourg is divided into 12 cantons, which are further divided into 100 communes.{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/territoire-et-climat/territoire.html |title=Luxembourg's territory |publisher=Luxembourg.public.lu |date=20 September 2020 |access-date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925081914/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/territoire-et-climat/territoire.html |url-status=live }} Twelve of the communes have city status; the city of Luxembourg is the largest.{{Cite web|title=Luxembourg – Communications|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Luxembourg|access-date=12 December 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305112826/https://www.britannica.com/place/Luxembourg|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

| align = center

| total_width = 600

| image_gap = 20

| header = Partitions and Cantons of Luxembourg

| image1 = LuxembourgPartitionsMap english.png

| caption1 = There have been three partitions of Luxembourg between 1659 and 1839. Together, they reduced the territory of Luxembourg from {{convert|10700|km2|abbr=on}} to the present-day area of {{convert|2586|km2|abbr=on}}. The remainder forms parts of modern-day Belgium, France, and Germany.

| image2 = Cantons of Luxembourg numbered.png

| caption2 = Cantons of Luxembourg:
Capellen (1) – Clervaux (2) – Diekirch (3) – Echternach (4) – Esch-sur-Alzette (5) – Grevenmacher (6) – Luxembourg (7) – Mersch (8) – Redange (9) – Remich (10) – Vianden (11) – Wiltz (12)

}}

{{Main|Foreign relations of Luxembourg}}

File:EU Court of Justice overview.jpg, seated in Luxembourg City]]

Luxembourg has long been a prominent supporter of European political and economic integration. In 1921, Luxembourg and Belgium formed the Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union (BLEU) to create a regime of inter-exchangeable currency and a common customs. Luxembourg is a member of the Benelux Economic Union and was one of the founding members of the European Economic Community (now the European Union). It also participates in the Schengen Group (named after the Luxembourg village of Schengen where the agreements were signed). At the same time, the majority of Luxembourgers have consistently believed that European unity makes sense only in the context of a dynamic transatlantic relationship, and thus have traditionally pursued a pro-NATO, pro-US foreign policy.{{Citation |chapter=Interdependence, States and Community: Ethical Concerns and Foreign Policy in ASEAN |date=23 March 2016 |title=The Ethics of Foreign Policy |pages=151–164 |publisher=Routledge |doi=10.4324/9781315616179-19 |isbn=978-1-315-61617-9}}{{clarify|reason="doi= value" does not match "chapter= title"; which is the 'one' source that is actually being cited?|date=January 2024}}

Luxembourg is considered a European capital, and is the site of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Auditors, the European Investment Bank, the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) and other vital EU organs. The Secretariat of the European Parliament is located in Luxembourg, but the Parliament usually meets in Brussels and sometimes in Strasbourg.{{Cite web|title=The European institutions in Luxembourg|url=http://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/international-openness/eu-institutions.html|access-date=12 December 2020|website=luxembourg.public.lu|language=en|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119173856/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/international-openness/eu-institutions.html|url-status=live}} Luxembourg is also site of the EFTA Court, which is responsible for the three EFTA members who are part of the European Single Market through the EEA Agreement.[https://eftacourt.int/the-court EFTA Court homepage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203145232/https://eftacourt.int/the-court |date=3 February 2023 }}, Retrieved 3 February 2023.

{{Main|Luxembourg Armed Forces}}

File:Soldats luxembourgeois.jpg

The Luxembourgish army is mostly based in its casern, the Centre militaire Caserne Grand-Duc Jean on the Härebierg in Diekirch. The general staff is based in the capital, the État-Major.{{Cite web|last=SA|first=Interact|title=Accueil|url=http://www.armee.lu/|access-date=13 September 2017|website=www.armee.lu|language=fr-FR|archive-date=10 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310120638/http://www.armee.lu/|url-status=live}} The army is under civilian control, with the grand duke as Commander-in-Chief. The Minister for Defense, Yuriko Backes, oversees army operations. The professional head of the army is the Chief of Defense, who answers to the minister and holds the rank of general.

Being landlocked, Luxembourg has no navy. Seventeen NATO AWACS aeroplanes are registered as aircraft of Luxembourg.{{cite web |url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/lux/luxaf1.htm |title=Luxembourg |access-date=23 July 2006 |date=8 September 2005 |publisher=Aeroflight.co.uk |archive-date=29 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529201100/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/lux/luxaf1.htm |url-status=live }} In accordance with a joint agreement with Belgium, both countries have put forth funding for one A400M military cargo plane.{{cite web |url=https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/No%20Volume/58216/Part/I-58216-0800000280648423.pdf |title=No. 58216 Luxembourg and Belgium |publisher=United Nations |access-date=13 January 2025}}

Luxembourg has participated in the Eurocorps, has contributed troops to the UNPROFOR and IFOR missions in former Yugoslavia, and has participated with a small contingent in the NATO SFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Luxembourg troops have also deployed to Afghanistan, to support ISAF. The army has also participated in humanitarian relief missions such as setting up refugee camps for Kurds and providing emergency supplies to Albania.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mnhm.lu/pageshtml/luxembourgarmy.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702110138/http://www.mnhm.lu/pageshtml/luxembourgarmy.php|archive-date=2 July 2010|title=Luxembourg Army History|date=2 July 2010|access-date=19 December 2019}}

{{Main|Geography of Luxembourg}}

Luxembourg is one of Europe's smallest countries, ranking 168th in size of the 194 independent countries of the world; it is about {{convert|2586|km2|sqmi}} in size, measuring {{convert|82|km|mi|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|57|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide. It lies between latitudes 49° and 51° N, and longitudes 5° and 7° E.{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/eu/lu/where-is-luxembourg.html|title=Where is Luxembourg?|website=WorldAtlas|access-date=3 September 2018|archive-date=3 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903082153/https://www.worldatlas.com/eu/lu/where-is-luxembourg.html|url-status=live}}

File:Luxembourg2022OSM.png, Esch-sur-Alzette, Dudelange, and Differdange.]]

To the east, Luxembourg borders the German Bundesländer of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, and to the south, it borders the French région of Grand Est (Lorraine). The Grand Duchy borders Belgium's Wallonia, in particular the Belgian provinces of Luxembourg and Liège, part of which comprises the German-speaking Community of Belgium, to the west and to the north, respectively.

The northern third of the country is known as the Éislek or Oesling, and forms part of the Ardennes. It is dominated by hills and low mountains, including the Kneiff near Wilwerdange,{{cite web |url=http://www.statistiques.public.lu/fr/publications/horizontales/recueil_communes/recueil_pdf.pdf |title=Mountains in Luxembourg |access-date=24 February 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610225858/http://www.statistiques.public.lu/fr/publications/horizontales/recueil_communes/recueil_pdf.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2007 }}, recueil de statistiques par commune. statistiques.public.lu (2003) p. 20 which is the highest point, at {{convert|560|m}}. Other mountains are the Buurgplaatz at {{convert|559|m}} near Huldange and the Napoléonsgaard at {{convert|554|m}} near Rambrouch. The region is sparsely populated, with only one town (Wiltz) with a population of more than five thousand people.

The southern two-thirds of the country is called the Guttland, and is more densely populated than the Éislek. It is also more diverse and can be divided into five geographic sub-regions. The Luxembourg plateau, in south-central Luxembourg, is a large, flat, sandstone formation, and the site of the city of Luxembourg. Little Switzerland, in the east of Luxembourg, has craggy terrain and thick forests. The Moselle valley is the lowest-lying region, running along the southeastern border. The Red Lands, in the far south and southwest, are Luxembourg's industrial heartland and home to many of Luxembourg's largest towns.

The border between Luxembourg and Germany is formed by three rivers: the Moselle, the Sauer, and the Our. Other major rivers are the Alzette, the Attert, the Clerve, and the Wiltz. The valleys of the mid-Sauer and Attert form the border between the Gutland and the Éislek.

According to the 2012 Environmental Performance Index, Luxembourg is one of the world's best performers in environmental protection, ranking fourth out of 132 assessed countries.{{cite web |url=http://epi.yale.edu/epi2012/rankings |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120505092852/http://epi.yale.edu/epi2012/rankings |title=2012 EPI :: Rankings – Environmental Performance Index |date=5 May 2012 |archive-date=5 May 2012 |website=yale.edu}} In 2020, it ranked second out of 180 countries.{{cite web |title=What is the greenest country in the world? |url=https://www.atlasandboots.com/greenest-country-in-the-world/ |website=ATLAS & BOOTS |date=6 June 2020 |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127213254/https://www.atlasandboots.com/greenest-country-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }} Luxembourg also ranks sixth among the top ten most liveable cities in the world by Mercer's.{{cite web |url=http://newyork-cg.mae.lu/en/News/Luxembourg-City-in-the-top-10-of-the-most-livable-cities |title=MAE – Luxembourg City in the top 10 of the most "livable" cities / News / New York CG / Mini-Sites |website=Newyork-cg.mae.lu |access-date=23 July 2017 |archive-date=29 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629114053/http://newyork-cg.mae.lu/en/News/Luxembourg-City-in-the-top-10-of-the-most-livable-cities }} The country wants to cut GHG emissions by 55% in 10 years and reach zero emissions by 2050. Luxembourg wants to increase its organic farming fivefold.{{cite web |last1=SCHNUER |first1=CORDULA |title=LUX MUST "REDOUBLE ITS EFFORTS" TO MEET CLIMATE TARGETS: OECD |url=https://delano.lu/d/detail/news/lux-must-redouble-its-efforts-meet-climate-targets-oecd/212398#:~:text=Luxembourg%20plans%20to%20cut%20carbon,fold%20increase%20of%20organic%20farming. |website=Delano |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119073514/https://delano.lu/d/detail/news/lux-must-redouble-its-efforts-meet-climate-targets-oecd/212398#:~:text=Luxembourg%20plans%20to%20cut%20carbon,fold%20increase%20of%20organic%20farming. |url-status=live }} It had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 1.12/10, ranking it 164th globally out of 172 countries.{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|last15=Ervin|first15=J.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first17=E.|last18=Goetz|first18=S.|last19=Hansen|first19=A.|last20=Hofsvang|first20=E.|last21=Jantz|first21=P.|last22=Jupiter|first22=S.|last23=Kang|first23=A.|last24=Langhammer|first24=P.|last25=Laurance|first25=W. F.|last26=Lieberman|first26=S.|last27=Linkie|first27=M.|last28=Malhi|first28=Y.|last29=Maxwell|first29=S.|last30=Mendez|first30=M.|last31=Mittermeier|first31=R.|last32=Murray|first32=N. J.|last33=Possingham|first33=H.|last34=Radachowsky|first34=J.|last35=Saatchi|first35=S.|last36=Samper|first36=C.|last37=Silverman|first37=J.|last38=Shapiro|first38=A.|last39=Strassburg|first39=B.|last40=Stevens|first40=T.|last41=Stokes|first41=E.|last42=Taylor|first42=R.|last43=Tear|first43=T.|last44=Tizard|first44=R.|last45=Venter|first45=O.|last46=Visconti|first46=P.|last47=Wang|first47=S.|last48=Watson|first48=J. E. M.|display-authors=1|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|page=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G |s2cid=228082162|doi-access=free}}

In 2024, Luxembourg is ranked 2nd in Environmental Performance Index globally.{{Cite web |title=2024 Environmental Performance Index |url=https://epi.yale.edu/measure/2024/EPI |access-date=8 October 2024 |website=Environmental Performance Index |language=en}}

Luxembourg has an oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb), marked by high levels of precipitation, particularly in late summer. The summers are warm and winters cool.{{cite web |url=http://www.stadtklima.de/webklima/CITIES/Europe/Lx/luxembourg/luxembourg.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928000326/http://www.stadtklima.de/webklima/CITIES/Europe/Lx/luxembourg/luxembourg.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007 |title=Luxembourg |access-date=19 April 2007 |publisher=Stadtklima (Urban Climate) }}

{{Main|Economy of Luxembourg}}

File:BlueEurozone.svg, the EU single market, and the eurozone (dark blue).]]

Luxembourg's stable and high-income market economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and a high level of innovation.{{cite web |url=http://www.globalinnovationindex.org/gii/main/fullreport/files/Global%20Innovation%20Index%202012.pdf |title=The Global Innovation Index 2012 |access-date=22 July 2012 |publisher=INSEAD |archive-date=30 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830114613/http://www.globalinnovationindex.org/gii/main/fullreport/files/Global%20Innovation%20Index%202012.pdf |url-status=live }} Unemployment is traditionally low, though it reached 6.1% by May 2012 after the Great Recession.{{cite web |url=http://www.statistiques.public.lu/en/index.html |title=Statistics Portal // Luxembourg – Home |publisher=Statistiques.public.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=23 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323060606/http://www.statistiques.public.lu/en/index.html |url-status=live }} In 2011, according to the IMF, Luxembourg was the world's second-richest country, with a per capita GDP on a purchasing-power parity (PPP) basis of $80,119.Data refer mostly to the year 2011. [http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2012/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=40&pr.y=9&sy=2011&ey=2011&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%2C218%2C943%2C963%2C686%2C616%2C688%2C223%2C518%2C516%2C728%2C918%2C558%2C748%2C138%2C618%2C196%2C522%2C278%2C622%2C692%2C156%2C694%2C624%2C142%2C626%2C449%2C628%2C564%2C228%2C283%2C924%2C853%2C233%2C288%2C632%2C293%2C636%2C566%2C634%2C964%2C238%2C182%2C662%2C453%2C960%2C968%2C423%2C922%2C935%2C714%2C128%2C862%2C611%2C716%2C321%2C456%2C243%2C722%2C248%2C942%2C469%2C718%2C253%2C724%2C642%2C576%2C643%2C936%2C939%2C961%2C644%2C813%2C819%2C199%2C172%2C184%2C132%2C524%2C646%2C361%2C648%2C362%2C915%2C364%2C134%2C732%2C652%2C366%2C174%2C734%2C328%2C144%2C258%2C146%2C656%2C463%2C654%2C528%2C336%2C923%2C263%2C738%2C268%2C578%2C532%2C537%2C944%2C742%2C176%2C866%2C534%2C369%2C536%2C744%2C429%2C186%2C433%2C925%2C178%2C869%2C436%2C746%2C136%2C926%2C343%2C466%2C158%2C112%2C439%2C111%2C916%2C298%2C664%2C927%2C826%2C846%2C542%2C299%2C967%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a= World Economic Outlook Database-April 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026121520/http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2012/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=40&pr.y=9&sy=2011&ey=2011&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%2C218%2C943%2C963%2C686%2C616%2C688%2C223%2C518%2C516%2C728%2C918%2C558%2C748%2C138%2C618%2C196%2C522%2C278%2C622%2C692%2C156%2C694%2C624%2C142%2C626%2C449%2C628%2C564%2C228%2C283%2C924%2C853%2C233%2C288%2C632%2C293%2C636%2C566%2C634%2C964%2C238%2C182%2C662%2C453%2C960%2C968%2C423%2C922%2C935%2C714%2C128%2C862%2C611%2C716%2C321%2C456%2C243%2C722%2C248%2C942%2C469%2C718%2C253%2C724%2C642%2C576%2C643%2C936%2C939%2C961%2C644%2C813%2C819%2C199%2C172%2C184%2C132%2C524%2C646%2C361%2C648%2C362%2C915%2C364%2C134%2C732%2C652%2C366%2C174%2C734%2C328%2C144%2C258%2C146%2C656%2C463%2C654%2C528%2C336%2C923%2C263%2C738%2C268%2C578%2C532%2C537%2C944%2C742%2C176%2C866%2C534%2C369%2C536%2C744%2C429%2C186%2C433%2C925%2C178%2C869%2C436%2C746%2C136%2C926%2C343%2C466%2C158%2C112%2C439%2C111%2C916%2C298%2C664%2C927%2C826%2C846%2C542%2C299%2C967%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a= |date=26 October 2012 }}, International Monetary Fund. Accessed on 18 April 2012. Its GDP per capita in purchasing power standards was 261% of the EU average (100%) in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tec00114&plugin=1 |title=GDP per capita in PPS |publisher=Eurostat |website=ec.europa.eu/eurostat |access-date=18 June 2020 |archive-date=20 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120063953/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tec00114&plugin=1 |url-status=live }} Luxembourg ranks 13th in The Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom,{{cite web |url=http://www.heritage.org/index/ |title=2011 Index of Economic Freedom |access-date=15 January 2011 |publisher=The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal |archive-date=29 June 2013 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629215405/http://www.heritage.org/index/ }} 26th in the United Nations' Human Development Index, and fourth in the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality of life index.{{Cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/media/pdf/QUALITY_OF_LIFE.pdf |title=World Life Quality Index 2005 |access-date=23 July 2006 |year=2005 |publisher=Economist Intelligence Unit |archive-date=2 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802135752/http://www.economist.com/media/pdf/QUALITY_OF_LIFE.pdf |url-status=live }} It ranked 20th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.{{Cite book |author=World Intellectual Property Organization |year=2024 |title=Global Innovation Index 2024: Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=6 October 2024|page=18 |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.50062 |isbn=978-92-805-3681-2}}

The industrial sector, dominated by steel until the 1960s, has since diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products. During recent decades, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel production. Services, especially banking and finance, account for the majority of the economic output. Luxembourg is the world's second-largest investment fund center (after the United States), the most important private banking center in the eurozone and Europe's leading center for reinsurance companies. Moreover, Luxembourg's government has aimed to attract Internet startups, with Skype and Amazon being two of the many Internet companies that have shifted their regional headquarters to Luxembourg. Other high-tech companies have established themselves in Luxembourg, including 3d scanner developer/manufacturer Artec 3D.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

In April 2009, concern about Luxembourg's banking secrecy laws, as well as its reputation as a tax haven, led to its being added to a "gray list" of nations with questionable banking arrangements by the G20. In response, the country soon adopted OECD standards on exchange of information and was subsequently added into the category of "jurisdictions that have substantially implemented the internationally agreed tax standard".{{cite web |url=http://www.oecd.org/document/51/0,3746,en_2649_33767_43281075_1_1_1_1,00.html |title=Luxembourg makes progress in OECD standards on tax information exchange |publisher=OECD |date=8 July 2009 |access-date=24 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315010302/http://www.oecd.org/ctp/exchange-of-tax-information/luxembourgmakesprogressinoecdstandardsontaxinformationexchange.htm |archive-date= 15 March 2015 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.fidomes.com/newsletter/Report-OECD.pdf |title=A progress report on the jurisdictions surveyed by the OECD Global Forum |date=July 2009 |publisher=OECD |access-date=3 February 2011 |archive-date=21 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195439/http://www.fidomes.com/newsletter/Report-OECD.pdf }} In March 2010, the Sunday Telegraph reported that most of Kim Jong Il's $4 billion in secret accounts was in Luxembourg banks.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/7442188/Kim-Jong-il-keeps-4bn-emergency-fund-in-European-banks.html |title=Kim Jong-il $4bn emergency fund in European banks |date=14 March 2010 |newspaper=Telegraph |last=Arlow |first=Oliver |access-date=5 April 2018 |archive-date=22 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522045226/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/7442188/Kim-Jong-il-keeps-4bn-emergency-fund-in-European-banks.html |url-status=live }} Amazon.co.uk also benefits from Luxembourg tax loopholes by channelling substantial UK revenues, as reported by The Guardian in April 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/apr/04/amazon-fulfilment-less-tax-uk-activities |title=How one word change lets Amazon pays less tax on its UK activities |work=The Guardian |date=4 April 2012 |location=London |first=Ian |last=Griffiths |access-date=17 December 2016 |archive-date=12 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812023557/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/apr/04/amazon-fulfilment-less-tax-uk-activities |url-status=live }} Luxembourg ranked third on the Tax Justice Network's 2011 Financial Secrecy Index of the world's major tax havens, scoring only slightly behind the Cayman Islands.{{cite web |url=http://www.financialsecrecyindex.com/Archive2011/FSI-2011/FSI-Rankings.pdf |title=Embargo 4 October 0.01 AM Central European Times |publisher=Financial Secrecy Index |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404031914/http://www.financialsecrecyindex.com/Archive2011/FSI-2011/FSI-Rankings.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2015 }} In 2013, Luxembourg was ranked the second safest tax haven in the world, behind Switzerland.

In early November 2014, just days after becoming head of the European Commission, Luxembourg's former Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker was hit by media disclosures—derived from a document leak known as Luxembourg Leaks—that Luxembourg had turned into a major European center of corporate tax avoidance under his premiership.{{cite news|title=Luxembourg tax files: how tiny state rubber-stamped tax avoidance on an industrial scale|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/05/-sp-luxembourg-tax-files-tax-avoidance-industrial-scale|website=The Guardian|date=5 November 2014|access-date=12 November 2014|last1=Bowers|first1=Simon|archive-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026015809/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/05/-sp-luxembourg-tax-files-tax-avoidance-industrial-scale|url-status=live}}

Agriculture employed about 2.1% of Luxembourg's active population in 2010, when there were 2,200 agricultural holdings with an average area per holding of 60 hectares.{{cite web |title=Agricultural census in Luxembourg |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Archive:Agricultural_census_in_Luxembourg&oldid=379557 |website=Eurostat |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=25 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625094631/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Archive:Agricultural_census_in_Luxembourg&oldid=379557 |url-status=live }}

Luxembourg has especially close trade and financial ties to Belgium and the Netherlands (see Benelux), and as a member of the EU it enjoys the advantages of the open European market.{{Cite web|title=Gateway to the European market|url=https://www.tradeandinvest.lu/discover-why-luxembourg/invest-luxembourg/gateway-to-the-european-market|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Trade and Invest|language=en-US|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510041647/https://www.tradeandinvest.lu/discover-why-luxembourg/invest-luxembourg/gateway-to-the-european-market/|url-status=live}}

With $171 billion in May 2015, the country ranked 11th in the world in holdings of U.S. Treasury securities.{{cite web |url=http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/tic/Documents/mfh.txt |title=Major foreign holders of treasury securities |publisher=U.S. Department of the Treasury |access-date=3 February 2011 |archive-date=3 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203093252/http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/tic/Documents/mfh.txt |url-status=live }} However, securities owned by non-Luxembourg residents, but held in custodial accounts in Luxembourg, are included in this figure.{{cite web |url=http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/faqs/Treasury-International-Capital/Pages/tic-faqs.aspx |title=What are the problems of geographic attribution for securities holdings and transactions in the TIC system? |publisher=U.S. Treasury International Capital (TIC) reporting system |access-date=3 February 2011 |archive-date=11 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111130725/http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/faqs/Treasury-International-Capital/Pages/tic-faqs.aspx |url-status=live }}

{{As of|2019}}, Luxembourg's public debt totalled $15,687,000,000, or $25,554 per capita. The debt to GDP was 22.10%.{{Cite web|url=https://countryeconomy.com/national-debt/luxembourg|title=Luxembourg National Debt 2019|website=countryeconomy.com|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130124210/https://countryeconomy.com/national-debt/luxembourg|url-status=live}}

The Luxembourg labour market represents 445,000 jobs occupied by 120,000 Luxembourgers, 120,000 foreign residents and 205,000 cross-border commuters. The latter pay their taxes in Luxembourg, but their education is partially financed by their country of residence. Luxembourg's government has never shared its tax revenues with the local authorities on the French border. This system is seen by some as one of the keys to Luxembourg's economic growth, but at the expense of the border countries.{{cite news |title="The miracle of Luxembourg growth has a name, that of frontier" |date=17 February 2021 |newspaper=Le Monde |language=fr |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2021/02/17/le-miracle-de-la-croissance-luxembourgeoise-a-un-nom-celui-de-frontalier_6070223_3232.html |access-date=13 November 2021 |archive-date=14 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114035902/https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2021/02/17/le-miracle-de-la-croissance-luxembourgeoise-a-un-nom-celui-de-frontalier_6070223_3232.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Transport in Luxembourg}}

{{See also|History of rail transport in Luxembourg}}

File:LUX Check-In Schalter.jpg is based at Luxembourg Airport, the country's only international airport.]]

Luxembourg has road, rail and air transport facilities and services. The road network has been significantly modernized in recent years with {{convert|165|km|mi|abbr=on}}{{Cite web|title=Longueur du réseau routier|url=http://travaux.public.lu/fr/statistiques/longueur-reseau-routier.html|access-date=27 April 2021|website=travaux.public.lu|language=fr|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429143849/https://travaux.public.lu/fr/statistiques/longueur-reseau-routier.html|url-status=live}} of motorways connecting the capital to adjacent countries. The advent of the high-speed TGV link to Paris has led to renovation of the city's railway station and a new passenger terminal at Luxembourg Airport was opened in 2008.{{Cite web|title=About Luxembourg Airport|url=https://www.lux-airport.lu/corporate/the-company/our-story/|access-date=27 April 2021|website=Luxembourg Airport|language=en-US|archive-date=20 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220061041/https://www.lux-airport.lu/corporate/the-company/our-story/|url-status=live}} Luxembourg City reintroduced trams in December 2017 and there are plans to open light-rail lines in adjacent areas within the next few years.{{Cite web|date=3 August 2018|title=Trams return to Luxembourg city centre|url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/light-rail/trams-return-to-luxembourg-city-centre/|access-date=27 April 2021|website=International Railway Journal|language=en|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427194624/https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/light-rail/trams-return-to-luxembourg-city-centre/|url-status=live}}

There are 681 cars per 1000 persons in Luxembourg—higher than most of other states, and surpassed by the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and other small states like Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, and Brunei.{{cite web |url=https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=road_eqs_carhab&lang=en |title=List of countries by vehicles per capita |publisher=appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu |access-date=5 November 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204224325/https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=road_eqs_carhab&lang=en |url-status=live }}

On 29 February 2020, Luxembourg became the first country to introduce no-charge public transportation, which is almost completely funded by public taxation.{{cite web |last1=Calder |first1=Simon |title=Luxembourg makes history as first country with free public transport |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/luxembourg-free-travel-train-bus-tram-public-transport-rail-fares-ticket-a9366226.html |website=The Independent |language=en |date=29 February 2020 |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231122507/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/luxembourg-free-travel-train-bus-tram-public-transport-rail-fares-ticket-a9366226.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Telecommunications in Luxembourg}}

The telecommunications industry in Luxembourg is liberalized and the electronic communications networks are significantly developed. Competition between the different operators is guaranteed by the legislative framework Paquet Telecom{{cite web |url=http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/2011/0043/2011A0610A.html |title=Legilux – Réseaux et services de communications électroniques |publisher=Legilux.public.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=13 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913181241/http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/2011/0043/2011A0610A.html }} of the Government of 2011 which transposes the European Telecom Directives into Luxembourgish law. This encourages the investment in networks and services. The regulator ILR – Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation{{cite web |url=http://www.ilr.public.lu/communications_electroniques/index.html |title=Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation – Communications électroniques |publisher=Ilr.public.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=21 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321091649/http://www.ilr.public.lu/communications_electroniques/index.html }} ensures the compliance to these legal rules.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Luxembourg has modern and widely deployed optical fibre and cable networks throughout the country. In 2010, the Luxembourg Government launched its National strategy for very high-speed networks with the aim to become a global leader in terms of very high-speed broadband by achieving full 1 Gbit/s coverage of the country by 2020.{{cite web |url=http://www.mediacom.public.lu/institutions/Institutions_nationales/smc/20100309_ngn/index.html |title=Service des médias et des communications (SMC) – gouvernement.lu // L'actualité du gouvernement du Luxembourg |publisher=Mediacom.public.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820165423/http://www.mediacom.public.lu/institutions/Institutions_nationales/smc/20100309_ngn/index.html |archive-date=20 August 2014 }} In 2011, Luxembourg had an NGA coverage of 75%.{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/dae/document.cfm?action=display&doc_id=1102 |title=Study on broadband coverage 2011. Retrieved on 25 January 2013. |access-date=7 October 2013 |archive-date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510004346/http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/dae/document.cfm?action=display&doc_id=1102 |url-status=live }} In April 2013, Luxembourg featured the sixth highest download speed worldwide and the second highest in Europe: 32,46 Mbit/s.{{cite web |url=http://www.netindex.com |title=Household Download Index. Retrieved on 9 April 2013 |publisher=Netindex.com |date=6 April 2011 |access-date=7 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529015231/http://www.netindex.com/ |archive-date=29 May 2015 }} The country's location in Central Europe, stable economy and low taxes favour the telecommunication industry.{{cite web |url=http://www.bed.public.lu/publications/eurohub.pdf |title=Eurohub Luxembourg – putting Europe at your fingertips |access-date=19 February 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119195535/http://www.bed.public.lu/publications/eurohub.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2008 }}. Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg. August 2008{{Cite web|url=https://www.amcham.lu/publications/why-luxembourg/|title=Why Luxembourg? – AMCHAM|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219105240/https://www.amcham.lu/publications/why-luxembourg/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://newdelhi.mae.lu/en/content/download/23985/164837/file/Financial%20Express%20special%20issue%20on%20Luxembourg.pdf |date=23 June 2009 |title=Financial express special issue on Luxembourg |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=30 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330145935/http://newdelhi.mae.lu/en/content/download/23985/164837/file/Financial%20Express%20special%20issue%20on%20Luxembourg.pdf }}

It ranks second in the world in the development of the Information and Communication Technologies in the ITU ICT Development Index and 8th in the Global Broadband Quality Study 2009 by the University of Oxford and the University of Oviedo.{{cite web |author=pressinfo |url=http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2010/08.html |title=Press Release: New ITU report shows global uptake of ICTs increasing, prices falling |publisher=Itu.int |date=23 February 2010 |access-date=23 April 2010 |archive-date=2 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100502113025/http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2010/08.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.bed.public.lu/key_sectors/ecommerce_and_media/itu_ict_survey/index.html |title=Luxembourg ranks on the top in the ITU ICT survey}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |url=http://www.socsci.ox.ac.uk/news_archive/archived/global_broadband_quality_improves_but_uk_is_lagging |title=Global Broadband Quality Study |publisher=Socsci.ox.ac.uk |access-date=2 April 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |url=http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/newsandevents/Documents/BQS%202009%20final.pdf |title=Global Broadband Quality Study Shows Progress, Highlights Broadband Quality Gap |access-date=13 August 2010 |work=Said Business School, University of Oxford |archive-date=12 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112151228/http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/newsandevents/Documents/BQS%202009%20final.pdf }}

File:Centre Drosbach Luxembourg Signs - June 2012.jpg on the Cloche d'or, in the city of Luxembourg]]

Luxembourg is connected to all major European Internet Exchanges (AMS-IX Amsterdam,{{cite web |url=http://www.ams-ix.net/ |title=ams-ix.net |publisher=ams-ix.net |access-date=7 October 2013 |archive-date=7 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207033041/http://www.ams-ix.net/about/photo-gallery/ |url-status=live }} DE-CIX Frankfurt,{{cite web |url=http://www.de-cix.net/ |title=de-cix.net |publisher=de-cix.net |access-date=7 October 2013 |archive-date=30 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930201218/http://www.de-cix.net/ |url-status=live }} LINX London),{{cite web |url=https://www.linx.net/ |title=linx.net |publisher=linx.net |access-date=7 October 2013 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005122606/https://www.linx.net/ |url-status=live }} datacenters and POPs through redundant optical networks.{{cite web |url=http://www.luxembourgforict.lu/en/it-business-environment/infrastructure/index.html |title=ICT Business Environment in Luxembourg |publisher=Luxembourgforict.lu |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=25 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625071530/http://www.luxembourgforict.lu/en/it-business-environment/infrastructure/index.html }}{{cite web |url=http://www.nasscom.in/upload/GTD/Luxembourg_for_ICT.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721163039/http://www.nasscom.in/upload/GTD/Luxembourg_for_ICT.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |author=Tom Kettels |date=15 May 2009 |title=ICT And E-Business – Be Global from Luxembourg |access-date=13 August 2010 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.pwc.com/lu/en/invest-in-luxembourg/publications.jhtml |title=PricewaterhouseCoopers Invest in Luxembourg |publisher=Pwc.com |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=12 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512013304/http://www.pwc.com/lu/en/invest-in-luxembourg/publications.jhtml }}{{cite web |url=http://www.teralink.lu/Why-Luxembourg |title=Why Luxembourg? A highly strategic position in the heart of Europe |publisher=teralink.lu |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511150549/http://www.teralink.lu/Why-Luxembourg }}{{cite web |url=http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/icteye/DisplayCountry.aspx?code=LUX |title=ITU-T ICT Statistics: Luxembourg |publisher=Itu.int |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=5 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705061802/http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/icteye/DisplayCountry.aspx?code=LUX }} In addition, the country is connected to the virtual meetme room services (vmmr){{cite web |url=http://www.telx.com/enewsletter/content1/telx_ancotel.pdf |title=Telx Partners with German Hub Provider ancotel to Provide Virtual Connections between U.S. and Europe |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=21 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195440/http://www.telx.com/enewsletter/content1/telx_ancotel.pdf }} of the international data hub operator Ancotel.{{cite web |url=http://www.ancotel.de/cms/front_content.php |title=Globale Rechenzentren | Colocation mit niedrigen Latenzen für Finanzunternehmen, CDNs, Enterprises & Cloud-Netzwerke bei Equinix |publisher=Ancotel.de |access-date=2 April 2015 |language=de |archive-date=15 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315073747/http://www.ancotel.de/cms/front_content.php }} This enables Luxembourg to interconnect with all major telecommunication operators{{cite web |url=http://www.ancotel.de/cms/front_content.php?idcat=16 |title=Ancotel – Telecommunication Operator References |publisher=Ancotel.de |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=7 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207102029/http://www.ancotel.de/cms/front_content.php?idcat=16 }} and data carriers worldwide. The interconnection points are in Frankfurt, London, New York and Hong Kong.{{cite web |url=http://www.telx.com/enewsletter/content6/ancote_carriers_609.pdf |title=Networks Accessible in Frankfurt via the VMMR Solution offered by Telx/ancotel |access-date=13 August 2010 |archive-date=21 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195444/http://www.telx.com/enewsletter/content6/ancote_carriers_609.pdf }} Luxembourg has established itself as one of the leading financial technology (FinTech) hubs in Europe, with the Luxembourg government supporting initiatives like the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/0e42aaaa-3587-11e7-99bd-13beb0903fa3 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/0e42aaaa-3587-11e7-99bd-13beb0903fa3 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Luxembourg's politicians pin economic hopes on fintech drive|date=23 June 2017|website=Financial Times|access-date=26 June 2018}}

Some 20 data centers{{cite web |url=http://ict.investinluxembourg.lu/ict/cb-richard-ellis-luxembourg-data-centres |title=European Datacentres: Luxembourg |publisher=Ict.luxembourg.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=8 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708194621/http://ict.investinluxembourg.lu/ict/cb-richard-ellis-luxembourg-data-centres }}{{cite web |url=http://www.mediacom.public.lu/institutions/Institutions_nationales/smc/20100309_ngn/IDC_20White_20Paper_20-_20Luxembourg_20as_20a_20center_20for_20online_20and_20ICT_20business.pdf |title=Luxembourg as a Centre for Online and ICT Business (pdf). |publisher=SMediacom.public.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925104703/http://www.mediacom.public.lu/institutions/Institutions_nationales/smc/20100309_ngn/IDC_20White_20Paper_20-_20Luxembourg_20as_20a_20center_20for_20online_20and_20ICT_20business.pdf }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tradeandinvest.lu/|title=Invest, Innovate, Export | Luxembourg as a smart location for business|website=Trade and Invest|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223211920/https://www.tradeandinvest.lu/|url-status=live}} are operating in Luxembourg. Six data centers are Tier IV Design certified: three of ebrc,{{cite web |url=http://www.ebrc.lu/about-ebrc/datacenter-luxembourg-facilities.html |title=ebrc Datacenter Facilities |publisher=Ebrc.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021071852/http://www.ebrc.lu/about-ebrc/datacenter-luxembourg-facilities.html |archive-date=21 October 2013 }} two of LuxConnect{{cite web |url=http://www.luxconnect.lu/data-center-co-location-services/ict-campus-bettembourg-dc-11 |title=LuxConnect ICT campus Bettembourg DC 1.1 |publisher=Luxconnect.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=1 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501002548/http://www.luxconnect.lu/data-center-co-location-services/ict-campus-bettembourg-dc-11 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.luxconnect.lu/data-center-co-location-services/ict-campus-bissenroost-dc-2 |title=LuxConnect ICT campus Bissen/Roost DC 2 |publisher=Luxconnect.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=7 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307215731/http://www.luxconnect.lu/data-center-co-location-services/ict-campus-bissenroost-dc-2 }} and one of European Data Hub.{{cite web |url=http://uptimeinstitute.com/TierCertification/allCertifications.php?page=1&ipp=All&clientId=85&countryName=&tierLevel= |title=Uptime Tier Certification |publisher=Uptimeinstitute.com |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=6 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506081911/http://uptimeinstitute.com/TierCertification/allCertifications.php?page=1&ipp=All&clientId=85&countryName=&tierLevel= }} In a survey on nine international data centers carried out in December 2012 and January 2013 and measuring availability (up-time) and performance (delay by which the data from the requested website was received), the top three positions were held by Luxembourg data centers.{{cite web |url=http://ict.investinluxembourg.lu/ict/new-data-center-study-luxembourg-pole-position |title=New data center study: Luxembourg in pole position |publisher=Ict.luxembourg.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=4 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504125848/http://ict.investinluxembourg.lu/ict/new-data-center-study-luxembourg-pole-position }}{{cite web |url=http://www.soluxions-magazine.com/Luxembourg-en-pole-position_a2384.html |title=Soluxions magazine: Luxembourg en pole position |work=Soluxions magazine |publisher=Soluxions-magazine.com |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=15 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915050127/http://www.soluxions-magazine.com/Luxembourg-en-pole-position_a2384.html |last1=Rédaction |first1=La }}

Main articles: Energy in Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a high demand for transportation fuels and fossil fuels. But despite that, Luxembourg's climate law sets a goal that by 2030 it would have reduced emission down to 55%. As well as getting 49% of all cars to be electric by 2030. Luxembourg has adopted some measures to reach that goal. Including a carbon tax that encourage renewable generations. Several groups also support energy efficiency.{{Cite web |title=Luxembourg - Countries & Regions |url=https://www.iea.org/countries/luxembourg |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=IEA |language=en-GB}}

{{Main|Health in Luxembourg|Healthcare in Luxembourg}}

According to data from the World Health Organization, healthcare spending on behalf of the government of Luxembourg topped $4.1 Billion, amounting to about $8,182 for each citizen in the nation. Luxembourg allows residents to choose their own doctor. While also having public healthcare cover 80% to 90% of all healthcare costs. The nation of Luxembourg collectively spent nearly 7% of its Gross domestic product on health, placing it among the highest spending countries on health services and related programs in 2010, and 6th place in highest health index of countries in Europe in 2023.

{{Main|Demographics of Luxembourg}}

{{Largest cities

| country = Luxembourg

| stat_ref = 2023

| list_by_pop =

| div_name = Canton

| div_link =

|city_1 = Luxembourg City{{!}}Luxembourg

|div_1 = Luxembourg Canton

|pop_1 = 132,780

|img_1 = Luxemburg.jpg

|city_2 = Esch-sur-Alzette

|div_2 = Esch-sur-Alzette Canton

|pop_2 = 36,625

|img_2 = Esch-sur-Alzette Place de l'Hôtel de Ville 2022-05 ---3.jpg

|city_3 = Differdange

|div_3 = Esch-sur-Alzette Canton

|pop_3 = 29,536

|img_3 = Differdange Centre.jpg

|city_4 = Dudelange

|div_4 = Esch-sur-Alzette Canton

|pop_4 = 21,952

|img_4 = Vue op Diddeleng.jpg

|city_5 = Pétange

|div_5 = Esch-sur-Alzette Canton

|pop_5 = 20,563

|city_6 = Sanem

|div_6 = Esch-sur-Alzette Canton

|pop_6 = 18,333

|city_7 = Hesperange

|div_7 = Luxembourg Canton

|pop_7 = 16,433

|city_8 = Bettembourg

|div_8 = Esch-sur-Alzette Canton

|pop_8 = 11,422

|city_9 = Schifflange

|div_9 = Esch-sur-Alzette Canton

|pop_9 = 11,363

|city_10 = Käerjeng

|div_10 = Capellen (canton){{!}}Capellen Canton

|pop_10 = 11,015

}}

File:Population density in Luxembourg.png. The main urban area, Luxembourg City, is located in the south-center of the country.]]

The people of Luxembourg are called Luxembourgers.{{cite web |url=http://www.eu2005.lu/en/savoir_lux/societe_tradition/lux_type/index.php |title=Luxembourg Presidency – Being a Luxembourger |publisher=Eu2005.lu |date=29 December 2004 |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-date=30 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230111243/http://www.eu2005.lu/en/savoir_lux/societe_tradition/lux_type/index.php |url-status=live }} The immigrant population increased in the 20th century due to the arrival of immigrants from Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, and Portugal; the last comprised the largest group. In 2013 about 88,000 Luxembourg inhabitants possessed Portuguese nationality.{{cite web |title=Population par sexe et par nationalité (x 1 000) 1981, 1991, 2001–2013 |url=http://www.statistiques.public.lu/stat/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=384&IF_Language=fra&MainTheme=2&FldrName=1 |publisher=Le portail des Statistiques |access-date=9 April 2014 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329200943/https://statistiques.public.lu/stat/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=384&IF_Language=fra&MainTheme=2&FldrName=1 |url-status=live }} In 2013, there were 537,039 permanent residents, 44.5% of which were of foreign background or foreign nationals; the largest foreign ethnic groups were the Portuguese, comprising 16.4% of the total population, followed by the French (6.6%), Italians (3.4%), Belgians (3.3%) and Germans (2.3%). Another 6.4% were of other EU background, while the remaining 6.1% were of other non-EU, but largely other European, background.[http://www.statistiques.public.lu/fr/actualites/population/population/2013/04/20130418/20130418.pdf "La progression de la population du Grand-Duché continue: 537 039 résidants au 1er janvier 2013."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113051735/http://www.statistiques.public.lu/fr/actualites/population/population/2013/04/20130418/20130418.pdf |date=13 January 2017 }} Statnews 16/2013, op statec.lu, 18 April 2013. (in French).

Since the beginning of the Yugoslav wars, Luxembourg has seen many immigrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. Annually, over 10,000 new immigrants arrive in Luxembourg, mostly from the EU states, as well as Eastern Europe. In 2000 there were 162,000 immigrants in Luxembourg, accounting for 37% of the total population. There were an estimated 5,000 illegal immigrants in Luxembourg in 1999.{{cite web |url=http://www.compas.ox.ac.uk/publications/papers/Country%20Case%20Luxembourg.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050430134727/http://www.compas.ox.ac.uk/publications/papers/Country%20Case%20Luxembourg.pdf |archive-date=30 April 2005 |title=The Regularisation of Unauthorised Migrants: Literature Survey and Country Case Studies – Regularisation programmes in Luxembourg |access-date=2 September 2006 |author=Amanda Levinson |publisher=Centre on Migration, Policy and Society, University of Oxford }}

{{Main|Languages of Luxembourg|Multilingualism in Luxembourg|Luxembourg literature}}

Luxembourg does not have any "official" languages per se. As determined by the 1984 Language Regimen Act (French: Loi sur le régime des langues), Luxembourgish is the sole national language of the Luxembourgish people. It is considered the mother tongue or "language of the heart" for Luxembourgers and the language they generally use to speak or write to each other. Luxembourgish as well as the dialects in adjacent Germany belong to the Moselle Franconian subgroup of the main West Central German dialect group, which are largely mutually intelligible across the border, but Luxembourgish also has more than 5,000 words of French origin.{{cite web|title=Origins of Luxembourgish (in French)|url=http://www.sprooch.com/sproochbe/conferences/conference1/Les%20origines%20et%20l%27histoire%20de%20la%20langue%20luxembourgeoise.doc|publisher=Migration Information Source|access-date=8 February 2010|archive-date=21 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195439/http://www.sprooch.com/sproochbe/conferences/conference1/Les%20origines%20et%20l%27histoire%20de%20la%20langue%20luxembourgeoise.doc|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=14 December 2000|title=Parlement européen – Lëtzebuergesch léieren (FR)|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/language/apprendrelu_fr.htm|access-date=2 April 2015|publisher=Europarl.europa.eu|archive-date=25 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225170654/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/language/apprendrelu_fr.htm|url-status=live}} Knowledge of Luxembourgish is a criterion for naturalization.{{cite book | editor-last=Bauböck | editor-first=Rainer | editor-last2=Ersbøll | editor-first2=Eva | editor-last3=Groenendijk | editor-first3=C. A. | editor-last4=Waldrauch | editor-first4=Harald | title=Acquisition and loss of nationality: policies and trends in 15 European states. Volume 2, Country analyses | publisher=Amsterdam University Press | location=Amsterdam | date=2006 | isbn=978-90-485-0446-6 | oclc=122909816 | chapter=Luxembourg | first1=Francois | last1=Moyse | first2=Pierre | last2=Brasseur | first3=Denis | last3=Scuto | pages=367–390 | url=https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/83814b06-2b96-4c32-b8d5-670a28f6bc60/340146.pdf | access-date=24 February 2023 | archive-date=24 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224235445/https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/83814b06-2b96-4c32-b8d5-670a28f6bc60/340146.pdf | url-status=live }}

In addition to Luxembourgish, French and German are used in administrative and judicial matters, making all three administrative languages of Luxembourg. Per article 4 of the law promulgated in 1984, if a citizen asks a question in Luxembourgish, German or French, the administration must reply, as far as possible, in the language in which the question was asked.

File:Bank multilingual luxembourg.jpg

Luxembourg is largely multilingual. In 2012, 52% of citizens claimed Luxembourgish as their native language, 16.4% Portuguese, 16% French, 2% German and 13.6% different languages (mostly English, Italian or Spanish).{{Cite web|date=6 January 2016|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_386_en.pdf|title=Europeans and their Languages|access-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106183351/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_386_en.pdf|archive-date=6 January 2016}}{{Cite web|last=STATEC|date=2013|title=Informations statistiques récentes|url=https://statistiques.public.lu/fr/actualites/population/population/2013/04/20130418/20130418.pdf|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920133822/https://statistiques.public.lu/fr/actualites/population/population/2013/04/20130418/20130418.pdf}} Though not the most common mother tongue in Luxembourg, French is the most widely-known language in the country: in 2021, 98% of citizens were able to speak it to a high level.{{Cite web|title=What languages do people speak in Luxembourg?|url=http://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/languages/languages-spoken-luxembourg.html|access-date=13 September 2021|website=luxembourg.public.lu|language=en|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621143934/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/languages/languages-spoken-luxembourg.html|url-status=live}} The vast majority of Luxembourg residents are able to speak it as a second or third language.{{Cite web|date=12 August 2020|title=D'Lëtzebuergescht, bald eng langue morte?!|url=https://guykaiser.lu/dletzebuergescht-bald-eng-langue-morte/|access-date=16 October 2021|website=Guy Kaiser Online|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016163621/https://guykaiser.lu/dletzebuergescht-bald-eng-langue-morte/|url-status=live}} {{As of|2018}}, much of the population was able to speak multiple other languages: 80% of citizens reported being able to hold a conversation in English, 78% in German and 77% in Luxembourgish, claiming these languages as their respective second, third or fourth language.

Each of the three official languages is used as a primary language in certain spheres of everyday life, without being exclusive. Luxembourgish is the language that Luxembourgers generally use to speak and write to each other, and there has been a recent{{When|date=December 2023}} increase in the production of novels and movies in the language.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} At the same time, the numerous expatriate workers (approximately 44% of the population) generally do not use it to speak to each other.{{Cite web|last=STATEC|date=2013|title=Informations statistiques récentes STATEC|url=https://statistiques.public.lu/fr/actualites/population/population/2013/04/20130418/20130418.pdf|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920133822/https://statistiques.public.lu/fr/actualites/population/population/2013/04/20130418/20130418.pdf}}

Most official business and written communication is carried out in French, which is also the language mostly used for public communication, with written official statements, advertising displays and road signs generally in French. Due to the historical influence of the Napoleonic Code on the legal system of the Grand Duchy, French is also the sole language of the legislation and generally the preferred language of the government, administration and justice. Parliamentary debates are mostly conducted in Luxembourgish, whereas written government communications and official documents (e.g. administrative or judicial decisions, passports, etc.) are drafted mostly in French and sometimes additionally in German.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Although professional life is largely multilingual, French is described by private sector business leaders as the main working language of their companies (56%), followed by Luxembourgish (20%), English (18%), and German (6%).Les langues dans les offres d'emploi au Luxembourg (1984–2014), Université du Luxembourg, IPSE Identités, Politiques, Sociétés, Espaces, Working Paper, Juin 2015

German is very often used in much of the media along with French and is considered by most Luxembourgers their second language. This is mostly due to the high similarity of German to Luxembourgish but also because it is the first language taught to children in primary school (language of literacy acquisition).{{cite web |url=http://www.eu2005.lu/fr/savoir_lux/lux_publications/a_propos_langues/a_propos_langues.pdf |title=À propos des langues |access-date=1 August 2006 |pages=3–4 |publisher=Service Information et Presse |language=fr |archive-date=27 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927052425/http://www.eu2005.lu/fr/savoir_lux/lux_publications/a_propos_langues/a_propos_langues.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Due to the large community of Portuguese origin, the Portuguese language is fairly prevalent in Luxembourg, though it remains limited to the relationships inside this community. Portuguese has no official status, but the administration sometimes makes certain informative documents available in Portuguese.https://www.alphatrad.com/news/portuguese-in-luxembourghttps://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/zfs-2012-0004/html

Even though Luxembourg is largely multilingual today, some people claim that Luxembourg is subject of intense francization and that Luxembourgish and German are in danger of disappearing in the country. This would make Luxembourg either a unilingual Francophone country, or at best a bilingual French- and English-speaking country sometime in the far future.{{Cite web|date=25 February 2021|title=Lëtzebuergesch gëtt ëmmer méi aus dem Alldag verdrängt|url=https://www.moien.lu/letzebuergesch-gett-verdrangt/|access-date=16 October 2021|website=MOIEN.LU|language=lb|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016173831/https://www.moien.lu/letzebuergesch-gett-verdrangt/}}{{Cite news|title=Katar auf Europäisch|language=de|work=Tages-Anzeiger|url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ausland/europa/katar-auf-europaeisch/story/12415559|access-date=16 October 2021|issn=1422-9994|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016173829/https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ausland/europa/katar-auf-europaeisch/story/12415559|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Luxembourgish#Endangered status claims}}

{{Main|Religion in Luxembourg}}

File:Notre Dame Cathedral Luxembourg.JPG, Luxembourg City]]

Luxembourg is a secular state, but the state recognizes certain religions as officially mandated religions. This gives the state a hand in religious administration and appointment of clergy, in exchange for which the state pays certain running costs and wages. Religions covered by such arrangements are Catholicism, Judaism, Greek Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Russian Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, Calvinism, Mennonitism, and Islam.{{cite web |url=http://www.wort.lu/articles/5957651.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522103349/http://www.wort.lu/articles/5957651.html |archive-date=22 May 2008 |title=D'Wort article (German) |access-date=24 July 2007 |publisher=wort.lu |language=fr }}

Since 1980, it has been illegal for the government to collect statistics on religious beliefs or practices.{{cite web |url=http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/1979/0291104/0291104.pdf#page=2 |title=Mémorial A, 1979, No. 29 |access-date=1 August 2006 |format=PDF |publisher=Service central de législation |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822072540/http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/1979/0291104/0291104.pdf#page=2 |archive-date=22 August 2006 }} A 2000 estimate by the CIA Factbook is that 87% of Luxembourgers are Catholic, including the grand ducal family, with the remaining 13% being Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims, and those of other or no religion.{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/luxembourg/ |title=World Factbook – Luxembourg |access-date=13 January 2007 |date=19 December 2006 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109075735/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/luxembourg |url-status=live }} According to a 2010 Pew Research Center study, 70.4% are Christian, 2.3% Muslim, 26.8% unaffiliated, and 0.5% other religions.{{cite web |url=http://features.pewforum.org/grl/population-percentage.php |title=Table: Religious Composition by Country, in Percentages | Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project |publisher=Features.pewforum.org |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101080244/http://features.pewforum.org/grl/population-percentage.php |archive-date=1 January 2013 }}

According to a 2005 Eurobarometer poll,[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf Eurobarometer on Social Values, Science and technology 2005] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060524004644/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf |date=24 May 2006 }} – page 11 44% of Luxembourg citizens responded that "they believe there is a God", whereas 28% answered that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force", and 22% that "they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force".

{{See also|List of secondary schools in Luxembourg}}

File:Université du Luxembourg Campus Limp Bâtiment central 2008.jpg is the only university based in the country.]]

Luxembourg's education system is trilingual: the first years of primary school are in Luxembourgish, before changing to German; while in secondary school, the language of instruction changes to French.{{cite web |url=http://www.unavarra.es/tel2l/eng/luxembourg.htm |title=The Trilingual Education system in Luxembourg |access-date=9 June 2007 |publisher=Tel2l – Teacher Education by Learning through two languages, University of Navarra |archive-date=26 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626050947/http://www.unavarra.es/tel2l/eng/luxembourg.htm |url-status=live }} Proficiency in all three languages is required for graduation from secondary school. In addition to the three national languages, English is taught in compulsory schooling and much of the population of Luxembourg can speak English. The past two decades have highlighted the growing importance of English in several sectors, in particular the financial sector. Portuguese, the language of the largest immigrant community, is also spoken by large segments of the population, but by relatively few from outside the Portuguese-speaking community.{{cite web |url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/language/apprendrelu_fr.htm |title=Parlement européen – Lëtzebuergesch léieren (FR) |publisher=Europarl.europa.eu |date=14 December 2000 |access-date=9 May 2010 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511073133/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/language/apprendrelu_fr.htm |url-status=live }}

The University of Luxembourg is the only university based in Luxembourg. In 2014, Luxembourg School of Business, a graduate business school, was created through private initiative and received the accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of Luxembourg in 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/adm/amin/2017/08/29/b2648/jo|title=Arrêté ministériel du 29 août 2017 portant accréditation de " Luxembourg School of Business " (LSB) en tant qu'établissement d'enseignement supérieur spécialisé et du programme d'études à temps partiel " Master of Business Administration " (MBA) offert par l'établissement précité. – Legilux|website=legilux.public.lu|access-date=6 December 2018|archive-date=23 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123142908/http://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/adm/amin/2017/08/29/b2648/jo|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/work-and-study/studying-in-luxembourg/universities.html|title=Higher Education Institutions|website=www.luxembourg.public.lu|language=en|access-date=25 April 2023|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425170447/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/work-and-study/studying-in-luxembourg/universities.html|url-status=live}} Miami University, an American university, maintains the Dolibois European Center satellite campus in Differdange.{{cite web|url=http://www.units.miamioh.edu/luxembourg/|title=Home {{!}} John E. Dolibois European Center {{!}} Miami University|website=www.units.miamioh.edu|access-date=28 December 2016|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112220721/http://www.units.miamioh.edu/luxembourg/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Health in Luxembourg|Healthcare in Luxembourg}}

According to data from the World Health Organization, healthcare spending on behalf of the government of Luxembourg topped $4.1 Billion, amounting to about $8,182 for each citizen in the nation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.euro.who.int/en/countries/luxembourg/data-and-statistics|title=World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe|website=www.euro.who.int|access-date=3 December 2017|archive-date=6 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106153330/http://www.euro.who.int/en/countries/luxembourg/data-and-statistics|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SHA|title=Health Expenditure and Financing|website=stats.oecd.org|access-date=29 November 2017|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210153513/https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=SHA|url-status=live}}.Luxembourg allows residents to choose their own doctor. While also having public healthcare cover 80% to 90% of all healthcare costs. The nation of Luxembourg collectively spent nearly 7% of its Gross domestic product on health, placing it among the highest spending countries on health services and related programs in 2010,{{Cite web|url=https://healthmanagement.org/c/hospital/issuearticle/overview-of-the-healthcare-system-in-luxembourg|title=Overview of the Healthcare System in Luxembourg|website=Health Management EuroStat|access-date=1 December 2017|archive-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208174807/https://healthmanagement.org/c/hospital/issuearticle/overview-of-the-healthcare-system-in-luxembourg|url-status=live}} and 6th place in highest health index of countries in Europe in 2023.{{Cite web |title=Health index of countries in Europe in 2023 {{!}} Statista |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1376355/health-index-of-countries-in-europe/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241230041407/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1376355/health-index-of-countries-in-europe/ |archive-date=2024-12-30 |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Statista |language=en}}

{{Main|Culture of Luxembourg|National symbols of Luxembourg}}

File:Edward Steichen.jpg, photographer and painter]]

Luxembourg has been heavily influenced by the culture of its neighbours. It retains a number of folk traditions, having been for much of its history a profoundly rural country. There are several notable museums, located mostly in the capital. These include the National Museum of History and Art (NMHA), the Luxembourg City History Museum, and the new Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (Mudam). The National Museum of Military History (MNHM) in Diekirch is especially known for its representations of the Battle of the Bulge. The Historic city of Luxembourg city including its fortification is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, on account of the historical importance of its fortifications.{{cite web |url=http://shanghai.mae.lu/en/The-Grandy-Duchy-of-Luxembourg/Culture |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722155017/http://shanghai.mae.lu/en/The-Grandy-Duchy-of-Luxembourg/Culture |archive-date=22 July 2011 |title=Culture |work=Ministère des Affaires Etrangères, Luxembourg |url-status=live }}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2020}}

The country has produced some internationally known artists, including the painters Théo Kerg, Joseph Kutter and Michel Majerus, and photographer Edward Steichen, whose The Family of Man exhibition has been placed on UNESCO's Memory of the World register, and is now permanently housed in Clervaux. Editor and author Hugo Gernsback, whose publications crystallized the concept of science fiction, was born in Luxembourg City. Movie star Loretta Young was of Luxembourgish descent.{{Cite web|date=3 December 2021|title=Vol. 5 Luxembourgers in the United States: Loretta Young|url=http://washington.mae.lu/en/actualites/2021/LorettaYoung.html|access-date=15 April 2021|website=washington.mae.lu|language=en|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415211851/https://washington.mae.lu/en/actualites/2021/LorettaYoung.html|url-status=live}}

Luxembourg was a founding participant of the Eurovision Song Contest, and participated every year between 1956 and before it was relegated after the 1993 competition, with the exception of 1959. Although Luxembourg was free to participate again in 1995, it chose not to return to the competition before 2024. It has won the competition a total of five times, 1961, 1965, 1972, 1973 and 1983 and hosted the contest in 1962, 1966, 1973, and 1984. Only nine of its 38 entries before 2024, and none of its five winning entries, were performed by Luxembourgish artists.{{Cite web|date=30 July 2020|title=🇱🇺 No Eurovision return for Luxembourg in 2021|url=https://escxtra.com/2020/07/30/luxembourg-eurovision-2021/|access-date=6 June 2021|website=ESCXTRA.com|language=en-GB|archive-date=23 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823075240/https://escxtra.com/2020/07/30/luxembourg-eurovision-2021/|url-status=live}} On its 2024 return, this was, however, with a particular emphasis on promoting music and artists from Luxembourg.{{Cite web |date=12 May 2023 |title=Luxembourg to return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/luxembourg-return-eurovision-2024 |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514012411/https://eurovision.tv/story/luxembourg-return-eurovision-2024 |url-status=live }}

Luxembourg was the first city to be named European Capital of Culture twice. The first time was in 1995. In 2007, the European Capital of Culture was to be a cross-border area consisting of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland in Germany, the Walloon Region and the German-speaking part of Belgium, and the Lorraine area in France.{{cite web |date=June 2008 |title=Luxembourg and Greater Region, European Capital of Culture 2007 |url=http://www.mcesr.public.lu/presse/annee_culturelle_2007/portail_luxembourg_2007/Rapport_final_anglais.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503184358/http://www.mcesr.public.lu/presse/annee_culturelle_2007/portail_luxembourg_2007/Rapport_final_anglais.pdf |archive-date=3 May 2011}} The event was an attempt to promote mobility and the exchange of ideas, crossing borders physically, psychologically, artistically and emotionally.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Luxembourg was represented at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, from 1 May to 31 October 2010 with its own pavilion.{{cite web |url=http://www.sepb.gov.cn/english/downloads/Expo2010.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721012004/http://www.sepb.gov.cn/english/downloads/Expo2010.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |title=Environmental Report for Expo 2010 Shanghai China |date=June 2009 |page=85 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.luxembourgforbusiness.lu/sites/default/files/file/Programme%20Luxembourg%20Commercial%20Week%20at%20Expo%202010.pdf |title=Luxembourg pavilion at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai |access-date=4 March 2010 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925205712/http://www.luxembourgforbusiness.lu/sites/default/files/file/Programme%20Luxembourg%20Commercial%20Week%20at%20Expo%202010.pdf }} The pavilion, designed as a forest and fortress, was based on the transliteration of the word Luxembourg into Chinese, "Lúsēnbǎo", which when directly translated, means "forest and fortress". It represented Luxembourg as the "Green Heart in Europe".{{cite news |url=http://www.2010shanghai.eu/images/stories/eu-pavilions/luxembourg-pavilion/luxembourg.pdf |title=Luxembourg pavilion displays green heart of Europe |newspaper=Shanghai Daily |date=12 November 2007 |access-date=24 December 2011 |archive-date=16 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016173632/http://www.2010shanghai.eu/images/stories/eu-pavilions/luxembourg-pavilion/luxembourg.pdf }}

{{Main|Sport in Luxembourg}}

{{further|Luxembourgish Sportspeople of the Year}}

File:Charly Gaul 1959 (cropped).jpg in his cycling career.]]

Unlike most countries in Europe, sports in Luxembourg are not concentrated upon a particular national sport, but instead encompass a number of sports, both team and individual. Despite the lack of a central sporting focus, over 100,000 people in Luxembourg, out of a total population of 660,000, are licensed members of one sports federation or another.{{cite web |url=http://www.coe.int/T/E/cultural_co-operation/Sport/Monitoring_fulfillment/Anti-Doping_Convention/4.Luxembourg.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623101906/http://www.coe.int/T/E/cultural_co-operation/Sport/Monitoring_fulfillment/Anti-Doping_Convention/4.Luxembourg.asp |archive-date=23 June 2004 |title=Luxembourg |access-date=25 November 2006 |year=2003 |publisher=Council of Europe }} The Stade de Luxembourg, situated in Gasperich, southern Luxembourg City, is the country's national stadium and largest sports venue in the country with a capacity of 9,386 for sporting events, including football and rugby union, and 15,000 for concerts.{{cite web |title=Stade de Luxembourg (Stade National) – StadiumDB.com |url=http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/lux/stade_de_luxembourg |website=stadiumdb.com |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010153128/http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/lux/stade_de_luxembourg |url-status=live }} The largest indoor venue in the country is d'Coque, Kirchberg, north-eastern Luxembourg City, which has a capacity of 8,300. The arena is used for basketball, handball, gymnastics, and volleyball, including the final of the 2007 Women's European Volleyball Championship.{{cite web |title=Infrastructure |url=https://www.coque.lu/en/qui-sommes-nous/infrastructure |website=www.coque.lu |access-date=29 August 2021 |language=en |date=22 February 2019 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001185332/https://www.coque.lu/en/qui-sommes-nous/infrastructure |url-status=live }} Hess Cycling Team is a Luxembourgish women's road cycling team.{{Cite web|url=https://firstcycling.com/team.php?l=37441|title=2023 Hess Cycling Team|website=FirstCycling.com|access-date=6 June 2024|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211043449/https://firstcycling.com/team.php?l=37441|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Cuisine of Luxembourg}}

File:JuddMatGaardebounen Beer.JPG, served with boiled potatoes and Diekirch beer]]

Luxembourg cuisine reflects its position on the border between the Latin and Germanic worlds, being heavily influenced by the cuisines of neighbouring France and Germany. More recently,{{when|date=April 2022}} it has been enriched by its many Italian and Portuguese immigrants.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=A history of migration |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/population/emigration-immigration.html |access-date=22 June 2024 |website=luxembourg.public.lu |language=en}}

Most native Luxembourg dishes, consumed as the traditional daily fare, share roots in the country's folk dishes, the same as in neighbouring Germany.{{Cite web |last=Pokrud |first=Kathleen |date=2 February 2022 |title=The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: A Culinary Story |url=https://expatlifeinthailand.com/the-grand-duchy-of-luxembourg-a-culinary-story%EF%BF%BC/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Expat Life in Thailand |language=en-GB |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128180157/https://expatlifeinthailand.com/the-grand-duchy-of-luxembourg-a-culinary-story%EF%BF%BC/ |url-status=live }}

Luxembourg sells the most alcohol in Europe per capita.{{cite web |url=http://www.finfacts.ie/Private/bestprice/alcoholdrinkconsumptionpriceseurope.htm |title=World/Global Alcohol/Drink Consumption 2009 |publisher=Finfacts.ie |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=12 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512161159/http://www.finfacts.ie/Private/bestprice/alcoholdrinkconsumptionpriceseurope.htm |url-status=live }} However, the large proportion of alcohol purchased by customers from neighbouring countries contributes to the statistically high level of alcohol sales per capita; this level of alcohol sales is thus not representative of the actual alcohol consumption of the Luxembourg population.{{cite web |url=http://www.sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/esp2007-obj-01.pdf |title=Consommation annuelle moyenne d'alcool par habitant, Catholic Ministry of Health |work=sante.gouv.fr |year=2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112184246/https://www.sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/esp2007-obj-01.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2012 }}

Luxembourg has the second highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita with Japan ranked at number one and Switzerland following Luxembourg at number three.{{cite web | url=https://www.chefspencil.com/density-of-michelin-starred-restaurants/ | title=Countries with the Highest Density of Michelin-starred Restaurants | date=21 September 2021 | access-date=30 July 2022 | archive-date=10 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810201105/https://www.chefspencil.com/density-of-michelin-starred-restaurants/ | url-status=live }}

The main languages of media in Luxembourg are French and German. The newspaper with the largest circulation is the German-language daily Luxemburger Wort.{{cite web |url=http://www.wort.lu/ |title=Luxemburger Wort |work=Wort.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=29 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929024331/http://www.wort.lu/ |url-status=live }} Because of the strong multilingualism in Luxembourg, newspapers often alternate articles in French and articles in German, without translation. In addition, there are both English and Portuguese radio and national print publications, but accurate audience figures are difficult to gauge since the national media survey by ILRES is conducted in French.{{cite web|title=TNS ILRES – Home|url=https://www.tns-ilres.com/cms/Home|access-date=2 April 2015|publisher=Tns-ilres.com|archive-date=20 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320053118/https://www.tns-ilres.com/cms/Home}}

Luxembourg is known in Europe for its radio and television stations (Radio Luxembourg and RTL Group). It is also the uplink home of SES, carrier of major European satellite services for Germany and Britain.{{Cite web|title=SES SA – Company Profile and News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/SESG:FP|access-date=10 June 2021|website=Bloomberg Markets|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610075729/https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/SESG:FP|url-status=live}}

Due to a 1988 law that established a special tax scheme for audiovisual investment, the film and co-production in Luxembourg has grown steadily.{{cite web |url=http://www.eu2005.lu/en/savoir_lux/culture/pays_cine/index.php |title=Luxembourg, a film country |publisher=Eu2005.lu |date=29 December 2004 |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421235925/http://www.eu2005.lu/en/savoir_lux/culture/pays_cine/index.php |archive-date=21 April 2010 }} There are some 30 registered production companies in Luxembourg.{{cite web |url=http://en.filmfund.lu/the-film-fund/mission/index.php |title=Film Fund Luxembourg |publisher=En.filmfund.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=19 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119225619/http://en.filmfund.lu/the-film-fund/mission/index.php }}{{cite web |url=http://www.cna.public.lu/film/infos-pratiques/index-professionnels/societes-production-studios/index.html |title=Luxembourgish Film Production Companies |publisher=Cna.public.lu |access-date=2 April 2015 |archive-date=30 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330145936/http://www.cna.public.lu/film/infos-pratiques/index-professionnels/societes-production-studios/index.html |url-status=live }}

Luxembourg won an Oscar in 2014 in the Animated Short Films category with Mr Hublot.{{Cite web|date=2 March 2014|title=Oscars 2014 Winners: The Complete List|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscar-winners-2014-full-list-results-86th-academy-awards-kodak-theater-684748/|access-date=10 June 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=MRC|language=en-US|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724122811/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscar-winners-2014-full-list-results-86th-academy-awards-kodak-theater-684748/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of Luxembourgers}}

{{Portal|Luxembourg}}

• Outline of Luxembourg
• Disability in Luxembourg

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{Cite book |language=fr |first=Jean-Marie |last=Kreins |year=2003 |title=Histoire du Luxembourg |edition=3rd |publisher=Presses Universitaires de France |location=Paris |isbn=978-2-13-053852-3}}
• {{Cite book |first=Ruth |last=Putnam |author-link=Ruth Putnam (author) |year=1918 |title=Luxemburg and Her Neighbours |publisher=G. P. Putnam's |location=New York }}
• {{Cite book |last=Thewes |first=Guy |title=Les gouvernements du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg depuis 1848 |url=http://www.gouvernement.lu/publications/download/gouvernements_1848_2.pdf |access-date=10 July 2007 |edition=Édition limitée |date=July 2003 |publisher=Service Information et Presse |location=Luxembourg City |language=fr |isbn=2-87999-118-8 |archive-date=9 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709064705/http://www.gouvernement.lu/publications/download/gouvernements_1848_2.pdf |url-status=live }}

{{refend}}

{{refbegin}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195440/http://www.mediacom.public.lu/comm_elec/plan_action_TIC-mars2009/Plan_d_action_TIC_-_LU2009.pdf Plan d'action national luxembourgeois en matière de TIC et de haut-débit]*
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195439/http://www.luxembourgforict.lu/en/news/2009/10/Lu-Cix/Lucix_EN.pdf Inauguration of LU-CIX]
• [https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/artistic-creation.html Art and Culture in Luxembourg] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418132501/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/artistic-creation.html |date=18 April 2023 }}

{{refend}}

{{Sister project links|voy=Luxembourg}}

• [https://luxembourg.public.lu/en.html The Official Portal of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418132354/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en.html |date=18 April 2023 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120829212536/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/luxembourg.htm Luxembourg] from UCB Libraries GovPubs
• [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/luxembourg/ Luxembourg] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109075735/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/luxembourg |date=9 January 2021 }}. The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency.
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17548470 Luxembourg profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721064544/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17548470 |date=21 July 2018 }} from the BBC News
• [https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Luxembourg_2009.pdf Luxembourg's Constitution of 1868 with Amendments through 2009, English Translation 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016014646/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Luxembourg_2009.pdf |date=16 October 2014 }}
• {{wikiatlas|Luxembourg}}

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Category:Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean

Category:Member states of the United Nations

Category:NUTS 1 statistical regions of the European Union

Category:NUTS 2 statistical regions of the European Union

Category:OECD members

Category:States and territories established in 1815

Category:States of the German Confederation