Luxembourg: A Small, Rich Country
Luxembourg may not be on many people's travel bucket lists. Some of us might not even be able to find it on a map!
So if you don't know anything about this small country in the center of Europe, here's a short introduction.
The name "Luxembourg" actually comes from old Saxon, and means "little fortress." The country was created around a small Roman castle on the Alzette River.
The country's full name is Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A "grand duchy" is a place that's ruled by a "grand duke" or a "grand duchess." Luxembourg is the only grand duchy left in the world.
Many people in this small country speak all of its three official languages: Luxembourgish, French and German.
However, the country is home to a large number of people from around the world. In fact, in the capital — Luxembourg city — 70% of the 135,000 residents are not Luxembourgers.
Luxembourg is the world's richest country, based on gross domestic product per capita — making it richer than places like Singapore and Qatar.
Luxembourg is also a good place for big businesses, because they don't have to pay as much tax as they do in other countries.
Luxembourg is in a useful position in the center of Europe, and it has often been split and shared over the last 1,000 years.
It has been independent since the 1860s, but it was occupied by Germany during both world wars in the 20th century.
It was one of the first members of the European Union (EU) and NATO, and the capital is home to a number of important EU offices.
In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all its public transport free to use — making it easy for travelers to visit its museums, castles and Michelin-starred restaurants!
