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 Luxembourg / Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Location: Western Europe, between France and Germany
Geographic coordinates: 49 45 N, 6 10 E
Map references: Europe
Area:
total: 2,586 sq km
land: 2,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Land boundaries:
total: 359 km
border countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138
km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: modified continental with mild winters, cool summers
Terrain: mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow
valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope
down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Moselle River 133 m
highest point: Burgplatz 559 m
Natural resources: iron ore (no longer exploited), arable
land
Land use:
arable land: 24%
permanent crops: 1%
permanent pastures: 20%
forests and woodland: 21%
other: 34%
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (including Belgium) (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: air and water pollution in
urban areas
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile
Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test
Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Environmental Modification,
Law of the Sea
Geography - note: landlocked
Geography
Luxembourg (country), officially Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, country
in western Europe, bounded by Belgium on the north and west, Germany
on the east, and France on the south.
With Belgium and the Netherlands, Luxembourg forms the Low, or Benelux,
Countries. The country has an area of 2586 sq km (998 sq mi).
Climate
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg enjoys a temperate climate without
extremes. It profits from the beneficial and moderating influence
of the sea, but the sea winds (SW or NW) shed a great part of their
moisture before reaching the Luxembourg frontiers. The period from
May to mid October is particularly suitabale for vacations.
While July and August are the warmest, May and June are the sunniest
months. September and October often offer an "Indian Summer". During
the season summer clothes may be worn, with good shoes for the many
hikes and, as precaution, a raincoat, sweater or other woollens.
Background:
Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent
state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory
to Belgium in 1839, but gained a larger measure of autonomy.
Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany in both
World Wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into
the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following
year.
In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of
the European Economic Community (later the European Union) and in
1999 it joined the euro currency area.
Luxembourg is one of Europe's oldest and smallest independent countries.
It lies in northwestern Europe where Germany, France, and Belgium
meet.
It covers only 2,586 square kilometres. For Luxembourg's total population,
see the Facts in brief table with this article. Luxembourg has scenic
areas of rolling hills and dense forests.
The whitewashed houses of the country's small towns and villages
cluster around medieval castles and churches.
Luxembourg is one of the world's most industrialized countries.
Most of its industries are located in the southwest corner of the
country.
Luxembourg is one of Europe's oldest and smallest independent countries.
It lies in northwestern Europe where Germany, France, and Belgium
meet. It covers only 2,586 square kilometres.
For Luxembourg's total population, see the Facts in brief table
with this article. Luxembourg has scenic areas of rolling hills
and dense forests. The whitewashed houses of the country's small
towns and villages cluster around medieval castles and churches.
Luxembourg is one of the world's most industrialized countries.
Most of its industries are located in the southwest corner of the
country.
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