Luxembourg: Tiny European Country and Tax Haven

Luxembourg’s independent history dates back to 963 A.D. Later in 1060 A.D. Conrad took the title of Count of Luxembourg and from the 15th to 18th century the Luxembourg duchy was held by Spain, France and Austria turn by turn. During the two world wars Luxembourg was under German occupation until its liberation by Allied troops in 1944. Luxembourg played a major role in the formation of the UN, Benelux, EEC, EU and NATO thus attesting to its internationalist approach. The country is a tax haven and the banking system offers complete secrecy thereby giving rise to potential frauds. The country is a parliamentary democracy with titular monarchy headed by Grand Duke Henri.

Luxembourg Facts and Stats:

· National Name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

· Capital: Luxembourg

· Total area: 2,586 sq km

· Population: 472,000 (UN, 2008)

· Currency: Euro

· Languages: French, German, Luxembourgish

· Ethnicity/ Races: Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo), and European (guest and worker residents)

· Religion: Roman Catholic 87%; Protestant, Jewish, Islamic 13% (2000)

· GDP (Per Capita): $79,000 (2007 est.)

· Life Expectancy: 76 years (men), 82 years (women) (UN)

· Literacy: 100% (2003 est.)

Luxembourg Geography and Climate:

Luxembourg is a tiny European country juxtaposed between France in the south, Germany to the north and Belgium to its west. The northern quarter of Luxembourg is known as the Oesling and is dotted by numerous hills and mountains including the Kneiff, Luxembourg’s highest peak measuring 560 mts. Oesling is very sparsely populated as compared to the southern 2/3rd called the Gutland, which is much more diverse geographically.

Luxembourg features a marine west coast climate with high rainfall, particularly in late summer.

Luxembourg Culture and Tradition:

Owing to its small size and shared history Luxembourg culture has notable elements of its neighbours with a number of indigenous folk traditions still persisting. The city of Luxembourg is itself a World Heritage Site owing to its marvellous fortifications. The Luxembourg art scene is fairly vibrant with renowned painters like Joseph Kutter, Michel Majerus and photographer of the stature of Edward Steichen. Luxembourg is a trilingual country with German, French and Luxembourgish speakers although the majority population are Roman Catholics.

Luxembourg Economy:

Luxembourg was a steel hub for a long period of time but later on diversified into many other sectors like chemicals, rubber, finance and services. Today Luxembourg is a leading tax haven and banking magnet that together account for majority of Luxembourg GDP. On account of the high income, low population and inflation Luxembourg has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world and its citizens live in considerable prosperity and affluence. Luxembourg is also home to number of international institutions.

Luxembourg Tourist Attractions:

Luxembourg has many beautiful places to see that are a reflection of its rich historical past. The Grand Ducal Palace in the historic city of Luxembourg is the seat of the Grand Duke and Duchess and also the venue of official ceremonies and receptions. The Moselle Valley is the principal Luxembourg wine yard, which are located on sides of the gentle slopes of the Moselle River.

Other Luxembourg Places to Visit include:

· Notre Dame Cathedral

· The Casemates

· The US Military Cemetery

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