10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LUXEMBOURG

Nestled in the heart of Western Europe is the tiny nation of Luxembourg. Despite its size, Luxembourg have a lot to offer. Scenery landscape, quaint towns, a bustling city, picturesque countryside, castles and lots more, Luxembourg has it all. There’s so much beauty and wealth packed in this nation of just 2,586 km².

Here are 10 interesting facts about Luxembourg.

1. IT IS ONE OF THE SMALLEST COUNTRY’S IN THE WORLD.

With an area encompassing 2,586 km², Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the one. It is more than 10 times smaller than neighboring Belgium and it is slightly smaller than the US state of Rhode Island.

2. IT IS THE RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

With a GDP of $140,694, Luxembourg is the richest nation in the world according to Global finance.

Its GDP per capita of $140,694 makes it the world’s richest. The unemployment rate is just over 5%, and the average life expectancy is 82 years. Healthcare, education and public transportation are free for all citizens.

The economy of Luxembourg is largely dependent on banking and service sectors, steel and the industrial sector.

3. IT IS THE LAST GRAND DUCHY LEFT IN THE WORLD

A Grand Duchy is a sovereign territory that is ruled by a Grand Duke and Luxembourg is the last Grand Duchy left in the world today. The country’s official name is ‘The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg’ and it is currently ruled by Grand Duke Henri who ascended the throne in the year 2000. Don’t mistake a Grand Duke for a dictator, his powers are regulated by the constitution.

4. THE COUNTRY HAS 3 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES.

Luxembourgish also called Lëtzebuergesch, French and German are the three official languages of Luxembourg. Foreigners make up to 50% of the population and because of this fact, languages such as; English, Portuguese, Italian, Arabic, Farsi, Slavic and Nordic languages are also spoken in the country. So, Luxembourgers are basically trilingual. According to a 2018 study of the Ministry of National Education, 98% of the Luxembourg population speaks French, 80% speaks English, and 78% speaks German. Luxembourgish is used by 77% of the population.

5. WE WANT TO REMAIN WHAT WE ARE.

The motto of Luxembourg is “Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn” and it translates to “We want to remain what we are”. The motto was gotten from a poem written by Michael Lena in 1859. The motto expresses Luxembourg’s desire to be independent. The country have been dominated and ruled by Spain, France, Austria, Netherland and Germany.

6. “LITTLE FORTRESS”

Luxembourg’s name was gotten from a castle built in the 10th and was called ‘ Lucilinburhuc’ meaning, ‘The little fortress ‘. A fitting name for small but mighty Luxembourg.

7. LUXEMBOURG HAS THE HIGHEST MINIMUM WAGE IN EUROPE.

Workers in Luxembourg receives a minimum wage of €1,923 per month making it the highest in Europe. Not surprising, Luxembourg has one of the highest cost of living in the world.

8. IT IS ONE OF THE SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Luxembourg has very low crime rates making it the safest country in Europe to travel and one of the safest in the world. Interestingly, there are just two prisons in the country and 1,300 Police officer. Nonetheless, Luxembourg is a very safe country and one of the best countries to raise a family. The country also offers a great nightlife.

9. LUXEMBOURG HAVE ONE OF THE HIGHEST CAR OWNERSHIP RATES IN THE WORLD.

Luxembourg has the highest car ownership rate in the EU member states, a position they’ve held for 30 years. They continue to top the list with 648 cars for every 1000 inhabitants as a study in 2019 proves.

10. LUXEMBOURG IS ONE OF THE MOST LGBT+ FRIENDLY NATION IN THE WORLD.

Luxembourg is a very gay-friendly country. In fact, its prime minister, Xavier Bettel, was the first European Union leader to marry someone of the same sex when he married his partner, Gauthier Destenay in 2015. In 2014, 83% of the population voted in favor of same sex marriage.

Okay, I’ve got two bonus facts about Luxembourg.

11. THE RESTAURANT WITH THE LONGEST WINE LIST

The restaurant Chiggeri in Luxembourg’s capital, Luxembourg city, holds the record for the restaurant with the longest wine list. The Restaurant Chiggeri has a wine list of over 1,746 labels. Luxembourg also produces award winning wines like the Crémant de Luxembourg.

12. NEARLY HALF OF ITS POPULATION ARE IMMIGRANTS.

47.1% of Luxembourg’s population are immigrants. Majority of which comes from Portugal, Belgium and Germany. Because of the yearly flow of immigrants, Luxembourg has the fastest growth rate in Europe.

Luxembourg is a beautiful country and visiting Luxembourg is worthwhile. Medieval castles dots Luxembourg’s forest that covers one third of the country and there’s always one to see. If you want to escape city life, pay a visit to one of Luxembourg’s quaint towns in the countryside.