LE LUXEMBOURG
| The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a very tiny country
of only 2,587 square km with a population of about one half a million
people. Prince Edward Island is more than double the size of
Luxembourg. It is a world-important steel producing nation, with
about one-sixth of the population involved in this industry.
Despite a recent decline in steel production during the past few
decades, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated.
Services, especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the
economy.
Luxembourg has a Parliament and a Prince, thereby making it a Constitutional Monarchy. The Prince picks the representatives to the upper chamber while the lower chamber is elected by the people. Luxembourg was the last country in Europe to give women the right to vote. One of Luxembourg's most famous people was King Wenceslas, king of Luxembourg in the 1300s. You're probably familiar with the Christmas carol called "Good King Wenceslas". Like Switzerland, Luxembourg was officially neutral during the second world war, but it was invaded and occupied by the German Army. Today, Luxembourg is the seat of the European Parliament. Luxembourg may not be as big a tourist draw as its superpower neighbours, but its charms are unique and its people proud of their heritage and of their homeland. Just in case you doubt it, take a look at the writing on the wall: the nation's motto is inscribed everywhere throughout the capital... "We want to remain what we are." |
