Luxembourg

Luxembourg, officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a small landlocked country in Western Europe. It borders Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. The capital and largest city is Luxembourg City. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy; the head of state is Grand Duke Henri. The national legislature is the Chamber of Deputies. Luxembourg is a founding member of NATO and of the European Union, and uses the euro. It has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world and a highly developed economy focused on financial services, logistics, and information technology.

The country covers 2,586 square kilometers and features rolling hills, river valleys, and forested uplands, including the Ardennes in the north and the Mullerthal in the east. The major rivers are the Alzette and the Sauer. The population is about 645,000 people; the capital is Luxembourg City. The official languages are Luxembourgish, French, and German; Luxembourgish is the vernacular, while French and German are widely used in administration and education. A substantial share of residents are foreign-born, reflecting the country's international role.

History and institutions: Luxembourg's modern state emerged in the 19th century as an independent Grand Duchy after the 1867 London Treaty. It was occupied by Germany during World War II and rebuilt in a European framework, joining NATO and the European Communities. It hosts several EU institutions and international organizations, including the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Investment Bank, in Luxembourg City. The old city and fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country maintains a multilingual culture, high public services, and a high standard of living.