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Geography of Luxembourg

Set in the northwestern part of Europe, Luxembourg is a landlocked country with its capital being Luxembourg City. One of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg is an independent state of diverse landscape that covers 2,586 square kilometres, being only 57 kilometres wide and 85 kilometres long. It neighbours France, Germany and Belgium. To the north, the so-called Oesling region is dominated by low mountains and hills, forming part of the Ardennes Mountains. The highest point in the country, Kneiff, which is 560 meters high, can be found here. To the south of the country is the Gutland region, which is more populated and diverse, as well as fertile.

In the central part of Luxembourg is located the Luxembourg plateau, which is large and flat, and often referred to as the Green Heart of Europe. The eastern part of the country is covered by dense forest and deep valleys with riverbanks with vineyards growing along them. In the very southern end of the country, the Red Lands are set, containing most of the large towns in Luxembourg. In Luxembourg run three rivers that separate it from Germany, these being Sauer, Our and Moselle. The other major rivers are Wilts and Clevre, Attert and Alzette. The climate of Luxembourg is marked by many periods of rain, especially in the summer. The country is part of the West European Continental climatic region, and has a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers, with a high percentage of rainfall. The sunniest months are between May and August, and this is the best period to visit the country. The flora in Luxembourg is characterized by beech, oak, willow and Black Alder trees. The fauna is presented by the European Otter. The natives in Luxembourg have Celtic base with a blend of German and French.

The population was formed by immigrants from Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, and Portugal. The immigration flow is still strong and every year more than 10,000 new immigrants come to Luxembourg, making up almost 37% of the total population. There are three official languages in Luxembourg, these being French, German and Luxembourgish, which is similar to the local German dialect spoken in nearby Germany. Each of the three languages is used in certain special spheres. The business matters are usually done in French, the language of the media and churches in German, while Luxembourgish is used in common conversation. English is also taught in schools. Italian and Portuguese are the languages of the two largest immigrant groups.