Luxembourg

Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839, but gained a larger measure of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany in both World Wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Economic Community (later the European Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 480,222 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Luxembourger(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Luxembourg

Official Language(s): Luxemburgian

Major Languages Spoken: French, German, Luxemburgian

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Country Name (short form): Luxembourg

Country Name (local long form): Grand Duche de Luxembourg

Country Name (local short form): Luxembourg

Name of Capital: Luxembourg

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Luxembourg: Belgium, France, Germany

Land Area: 2586 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Total Land Boundry: 359 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23 June; note - the actual date of birth was 23 January 1896, but the festivities were shifted by five months to allow observance during a more favorable time of year

International Phone Code: 352

Currency Code: euro (EUR)

Internet Country Code: .lu

US Embassy Location: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City

US Embassy Mailing Address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE 09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box 9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail)