Luxembourg Du. Luxemburg, province (1991 pop. 232,813), 1,706 sq mi (4,419 sq km), SE Belgium, in the Ardennes, bordering on the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the east and on France in the south. The chief towns are Arlon (the capital), Bastogne , and Marche-en-Famenne. The province is drained by the Ourthe, Semois, and Lesse rivers. It is mainly agricultural, producing grain, rye, clover, and potatoes. Pigs and cattle are raised, and there is dairy farming. Tobacco is grown, iron is mined, and timber is exported. The population is largely French-speaking, although Letzeburgesch, a Low German dialect, is spoken in the east. The province was detached from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 1839. In World War II it was a major battleground in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec., 1944-Jan., 1945). Tourism is extensive, especially in the Ardenne highlands.

Luxembourg A small country between France, Germany, and Belgium. Independent since 1815, it was divided between its larger, northern part, which became part of Belgium, and its southern part, which remained a Grand Duchy in 1915. Officially recognized as a neutral state since 1867, the Grand Duchy was nevertheless occupied by German troops during World Wars I and II. In 1948, it joined a customs union with the Netherlands and Belgium which became the Benelux Customs Union in 1960. It also became an enthusiastic member of the European Community, and of all projects promoting further European integration. This resulted partly from its geographical position at the heart of Europe, and partly from the direct benefit which it derived as one of the three main administrative centres of the European Union, as the seat of the European Court of Justice and the Secretariat of the European Parliament. It also benefited from the large-scale presence of banking, and of a modern steel industry. In 2000 Luxembourg had the world's highest per capita GDP. From 1984, it was governed by a coalition of the Christian Social People's Party and the Social Workers' Party, led by Santer. In 1995, the latter was succeeded by Jean-Claude Juncker, who from 1999 led a coalition with the Democratic (Liberal) Party. In 2000, Archduke Jean (b. 1921) abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Henri.

Luxembourg

Land and Climate

Luxembourg divides geographically into the forested Ardennes plateau and the fertile Bon Pays in the s. In the e, the Moselle and Sauer river valleys provide fertile farmland. Luxembourg has a temperate climate. Forests cover c.20% of Luxembourg, farms 25%, and pasture another 20%.

History and Politics

In the 11th century, the County of Luxembourg formed one of the largest fiefs of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1354, Luxembourg became a Duchy. In 1482, it passed to the Habsburg dynasty, and in the 16th century it became part of the Spanish Netherlands. In 1714, it passed to Austria. Occupied by France during the Napoleonic Wars, it became a Grand Duchy at the Congress of Vienna (1815). In 1839, Belgium acquired a large part of the Duchy. In 1867, Luxembourg was recognized as an independent state, and the European powers guaranteed its neutrality. Germany occupied Luxembourg in both World Wars. In 1948, Luxembourg joined NATO. In 1960, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg formed the economic union of Benelux. Luxembourg was one of the six founders of the European Community (EC). In 1964, Prince Jean became Grand Duke. After 1994 elections, the Christian Social People's Party (CD) and the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (SOC) formed a coalition government. Jean-Claude Juncker (CD) replaced Jacques Santer as prime minister. In 1999, Luxembourg joined the euro. In 2000, Grand Duke Jean abdicated in favour of his son, Henri.

Economy

There are rich deposits of iron ore, and Luxembourg is a major producer of iron and steel. Other industries include chemicals, textiles, tourism, banking, and electronics. Major crops include cereals, fruits, and grapes. The city of Luxembourg is a major centre of administration and finance. Luxembourg has the highest per capita income in the world (2000 GDP per capita, US$36,400).

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.luxembourg.co.uk