Overview
Name
The name probably derives from an early Celtic or Germanic form, "Lucilinburhuc", thought to mean "little fortress." The name first referred to the city and was later used for the country. Its conventional long form is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
Background
Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands after the Congress of Vienna. After Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands in 1839, Luxembourg lost more than half of its territory to Belgium but gained a larger measure of autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Luxembourg gained full independence in 1867 by promising to remain permanently neutral.
Germany overran Luxembourg in both world wars, and its neutrality ended in 1948 when it entered the Benelux Customs Union. It joined NATO the following year, then became one of the six founding countries of the EEC, later the EU, in 1957. In 1999, Luxembourg joined the euro currency zone.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
Climate
Mild winters and cool summers define a modified continental climate. Occasional flooding is a natural hazard.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
People and society
People include Luxembourger, Portuguese, French, Italian, Belgian, German, Spanish and Romania, alongside others. Religious affiliations include Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic, Muslim, other faiths including Buddhist, folk religions, Hindu and Jewish, and unaffiliated people.
Most people live in the south, on or near the border with France.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person
Flag and symbols
The flag has three equal horizontal bands: red at the top, white, and light blue; its colors derive from the Grand Duke's coat of arms. The national symbol is a red rampant lion.
Source: CIA World Factbook · 2026-02-01 · text generated from this source, approved by a person