LUXEMBOURG• Founded in 963, Luxembourg became

a grand duchy in 1815 • The only grand duchy in existence

today• Full independence was attained in

1867 from the Netherlands. • Overrun by Germany in both world

wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 and joined NATO in 1949.

• In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of what is now the European Union

• In 1999 it began to use the euro currency.

• Location: Western Europe, between France and Germany

• Area: total: 998 sq mi• Slightly smaller than Rhode Island• Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)• Climate: modified continental with mild

winters, cool summers• lowest point: Moselle River • highest point: Buurgplaatz • Nationality: Luxembourger• Languages: Luxembourgish, German,

French

Luxembourgish

• Moien - HelloAddi or a voir – GoodbyeMerci – Thank youEntschellegt – Excuse meWannechglift – PleasePardon – Sorry

• New Year's Day 1 January • Carnival 23 February

Good FridayEaster Monday May Day 1 May

• Ascension Day 21 May• Whit Monday June

National Day 23 June • Assumption Day 15 August • Luxembourg City Fete 31 August

All Saints Day 1 November All Souls Day 2 November Christmas Day 25 December St. Stephen's Day 26 December

• Population: 503,302 (July 2011)• Official name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg• Government: Constitutional monarchy• Capital: Luxembourg• Chief of State: Grand Duke Henri (2000-

present)• Heir Apparent: Prince Guillaume• Head of Government: Prime Minister

• The Grand Duke can perform executive duties – he has more power to act than other

monarchs we have so far discussed

• Flag adopted 1972• Blue color specified

as “bright blue” • Current design first

used in 1845

Luxembourg is a landlocked

Nation having no coastline

Crown Prince Guillaume

• Born: 1981