The most interesting fact about Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small Western European state. Despite its tiny size, this country is one of the richest in the world. The history of this state is fraught with many mysteries. Modern development of the country is ahead of many Western European powers. What is the secret? In this article, we will discuss the history and the present of this tiny state. Perhaps some interesting fact about Luxembourg will surprise you.

Government Structure and Policy

• The official name of the country is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It comes from the word "lucilinburch", which translates as "small town".
• Luxembourg is by far the only duchy in the world.
• The head of this state is the Duke Henri (since 2000).
• The capital is Luxembourg. It is considered one of the quietest and safest in the world.
• Another interesting fact about Luxembourg. This country is the homeland of Robert Schumann, the famous French politician and foreign minister. He is the creator of the plan, during which the "Coal and Steel Association" was formed - the first European community.
• Travelers will be interested to know that the main state language here is Luxembourgish. It is a mixture of different dialects - French, German and Dutch. It should be noted that these languages are also official in Luxembourg. In addition, most of the population is fluent in English.

Society and economics

• Speaking about the development of this state, we should note such an interesting fact about Luxembourg: here the highest level of GDP per capita in the world. It is several times higher than the average in Europe.
• To date, the Duchy has the highest level of minimum wage in the world.
• In Luxembourg - one of the best formations in the world. Literacy of the population here is 100%.
• Luxembourg has the largest number of banks in the world.
• The Duchy occupies the first place in Europe in terms of the level of economic freedom.
• The population of Luxembourg has the largest number of mobile phones in the world (15 for 10 people).
• The business is developing very actively in the country. In terms of its effectiveness, it occupies 3 places in Europe (after Finland and Denmark).
• In Luxembourg, the most crowded roads in the world. At the same time there is never a traffic jam here.
• Luxembourg is one of the founders and active members of the EU, NATO, UN.

History

Every traveler or just an interested person knows what Luxembourg is at the present stage. Interesting facts about the country in our days can be listed endlessly. But not everyone knows what this state was in ancient times.

The most interesting facts about Luxembourg from history.

• In the Middle Ages, this country was three times larger. Previously, the Duchy included the vast territory of the Belgian province of Luxembourg.
• The descendants of the ruling dynasty of this country succeeded three times to occupy the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. They were Henry II, Charles IV and Sigismund.
• The territory of Luxembourg has repeatedly become the arena of the struggle between strong European states. So, in the XV century. These lands were under the rule of France, and in 1555 - Spain. At the beginning of the XIX century. Luxembourg was transferred to the management of the Netherlands. In 1839 the territory was divided into 2 parts. The first was under the rule of Belgium, and the other became part of the German confederation.

Culture

Despite the fact that you can endlessly list interesting facts about Luxembourg, for children and tourists the most fascinating and informative will be information about the culture and traditions of this state.

• Since the VII century. The main art center in the country was the monastery in Echternach. His masters became famous for their beautiful miniatures, which combined Irish and Germanic traditions.
• Most Luxembourg medieval castles and fortresses have not survived to this day.
• The culture of this state was formed under the strong influence of other Western European powers. It should be noted that the musical art of Luxembourg was formed on the basis of Germanic traditions. A striking example of this is the annual festivals in Echternach.
• Almost none of the Luxembourg artists have become famous outside their homeland.
• Edward Steichen (the founder of American photography) is a native of this small state.

sights

Each tourist will be interested to know the following facts about Luxembourg and its sights.

• One of the main places worth visiting is the casemates of Bock. These mysterious passages in the rock Le Bock, built in the XVII century. Today, in some old apartment buildings, there are still underground passages to the casemates of Bock.
• Wine path is the most "tasty" attraction in the country. It is located along the frontier with Germany Mosel River from Schengen to Remich. Interestingly, the most delicious grapes grow on the Luxembourg side, as the fertile valleys are located on the southern slope and receive more sun. Luxembourg wines from the Moselle valley are known all over the world. In addition, beer, liqueurs, juices, mineral waters are established on this territory.

Interesting cities and places in Luxembourg

• Viaden is one of the most picturesque cities in Luxembourg. It is located near Vilce at the foot of the old fortress. In this town once lived V. Hugo. Today there is a museum on the site of his house. It is very popular with tourists.
• Ehternah - a city that rightfully can be considered a museum in the open. Here are located the ancient abbey, one of the oldest churches in Europe - St. Peter and Paul, the pavilion of Louis XV, the canyon "Wolf's Mouth" and other equally interesting sights. Echternach is considered one of the most popular tourist centers in Luxembourg.
• "Luxembourg Switzerland" is a special region and the most picturesque place of the Grand Duchy. It is located in the north-east of the country. Its name is due to its similarity with the most beautiful mountainous regions of Switzerland. This area is famous for its numerous caves, unique flora and fauna, and also the Beaufort fortress.

Interesting facts about the city of Luxembourg

• Luxembourg is the capital of the Grand Duchy.
• The city is located at the confluence of two rivers: Petryus and Alzet.
• Luxembourg is divided into 24 districts. However, tourists, as a rule, are only interested in 4. Among them are the Upper and Lower towns. The first is a historical center, where the main sights of the capital are located.

• The second is the territory on the opposite bank of the Alzet river, where the main banks, factories, companies' boards are located. Of special interest to tourists is the area of the Railway Station and Kirchberg (here are all the main buildings of the European Union).
• Another interesting fact about Luxembourg: the two main metropolitan areas (Lower and Upper Town) are interconnected by a multitude of bridges. There are more than 100 of them.
• In Luxembourg there are many interesting sights. That is why the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sights of the capital

Luxembourg, despite its tiny size, is rich in various historical monuments and attractions. Here is the residence of the Grand Duke, a large number of bridges and cathedrals.

• Consider interesting facts about the Palace of the Duke (Luxembourg). Until the end of the XIX century. This building served as the town hall, the residence of the French administration and the Dutch governors. Only in 1890 this palace became the residence of the Luxembourg dukes. Very interesting story building the building. Until the XVI century. In its place was the church of the Franciscans. In 1554, it was destroyed by a thunderbolt and the entire Upper city was burnt. That is why a new large town hall was built, which today is the residence of the Luxembourg dukes.
• The bridge of Adolf is a national symbol of the state. It is located in the beautiful valley of the Petrius River. Its construction began in 1900-m. The first stone in the bridge was laid personally by the Duke of Adolf.