Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – is a state situated in Western Europe. It borders on Belgium in the North and the West, on Germany in the East and on France in the South. Luxembourg along with Belgium and the Netherlands makes up the so-called Benelux, with the total area of the country being 2,586 sq. km.

The population of Luxembourg is 425,000 people; average density is 164 people per square kilometer. Ethnic groups are the Germans and the French. Languages: German and French (both official) and Luxembourgian (a language of Germanic Language Group).

The capital of the country is Luxembourg. Major cities: Luxembourg (76,000 people), Esch-sur-Alzette (24,000 people), Differdange (15,700 people), Dudelange (14,700 people). Administratively Luxembourg is divided in two counties, which in their turn are divided into cantons and these into municipalities.

The Head of the State is Grand Duke Henri. He exercises his executive powers individually, forms the Government, commands military forces. All citizens enjoy equal rights, the rights of each individual being strictly observed irrespective of his or her social status.

State order of Luxembourg is a constitutional hereditary monarchy. The Head of the State is Grand Duke Henri (in power since October 7, 2000). In accordance with the Constitution (effective since 1868) the Grand Duke exercises his executive powers individually; defines procedures for the formation of Government  and its composition, ratifys and promulgates laws, appoints civil and military positions, commands military forces, concludes international treaties etc.

The history of Luxembourg takes record from 963, when Count Sigefroi of the Ardennes had the first fortress erected at the place of an Old Roman dwelling known as "the Gibraltar of the North". Different rulers of Europe possessed this territory at different time periods  what undoubtedly influenced the formation of local cultural values and traditions. The edifices built here are traditional for all West Europian countries and at the same time they strike out a line of their own. The Saint Quirin Rock Chapel (VI-XV centuries), the Saint Michel Church (1519), the Palace of Justice of the Renaissance period (XVII) and the baroque Notre Dame (XVII) present works of decorative art  of the ancient city.

In 1990ies Luxembourg became one of the most prosperous countries of Western Europe with a highly developed industry. Banking and finance came to be the staples of the country’s economy. Luxembourg is one of  Europe's financial centers and at present there are  240 representative offices of foreign banks attracted into the country in late 70ies by the most favourable EU laws on banking which guarantee secrecy of bank deposits.

The Luxembourg’s authorities use their best endeavours to preserve unique fascination of this old European city. Important principle: wealthy citizens are not allowed to shock their neighbour houses’ owners by demonstrating proper luxury. All citizens enjoy equal rights, the rights of each individual being strictly observed irrespective of his or her social status. There are no exceptions even for the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. These restrictions are aimed at honouring principles of social equality marked by respectful attitude towards all members of society that became  standard both for the authorities and the citizens of Luxembourg.