Nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany lies the small yet mighty country of Luxembourg. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and thriving economy, Luxembourg is a hidden gem that often flies under the radar. But don’t be fooled by its size – this tiny nation packs a punch when it comes to fascinating facts and interesting tidbits. From its multicultural society to its world-class cuisine, there’s a lot to discover about this European treasure. Join us as we delve into the top Luxembourg facts that will leave you amazed and inspired to explore this enchanting country for yourself.
1-5 Fun Facts About Luxembourg
1. People in Luxembourg care about their elections! A whopping 91% of the population turned out to vote in the last election – that’s way higher than the average for other countries in the OECD, which is just 68%. Democracy is alive and well in this little country.
2. While Luxembourg is a secular country, most of its inhabitants are Roman Catholic – about 87%. The rest of the population are Protestants (mostly Lutherans), Jews, and Muslims.
3. If you’re a car lover, you’ll feel right at home in Luxembourg. This little country has the highest rate of car ownership in the world, with a whopping 647 cars per 1,000 people.
4. One interesting-thing about Luxembourg is that euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal here. While this may be a controversial topic in some countries, it’s something that the people of Luxembourg have decided is important.
5. Looking to move to Luxembourg? You’re not alone! With around 170 different nationalities living in the country, it’s a popular choice for ex-pats. The biggest group of immigrants here are Portuguese, who make up about 16.4% of the population.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Luxembourg
6. And interestingly, over 60% of people living in Luxembourg have an immigrant background, according to the country’s Statistics Portal.
7. Got a long commute? You’re not alone in Luxembourg! Almost half of the workforce commutes from another country.
8. If you’re worried about crime, you’ll feel safe in Luxembourg. According to a UN survey, it’s the least likely place in the world to get shot. And with only two jails in the country, they must be doing something right!
9. When it comes to wealth, Luxembourg reigns supreme! It’s officially the richest-country in the world.
10. Luxembourg has a strong sense of identity and independence. Their original motto, “mir welle bleiwe wat mir sinn,” translates to “we want to remain as we are.” It’s a nod to their history of resisting domination by other countries.
11-15 Awesome Facts About Luxembourg
11. Hold onto your hats, folks – public transport in Luxembourg is completely free! They’re the first country in the world to make this happen, so even tourists can take advantage of this perk.
12. However, Luxembourg only has two universities. But don’t let that fool you. Both Sacred Heart University Luxembourg and the University of Luxembourg are top-notch schools.
13. Wine lovers, rejoice! Luxembourg is home to some of the most delicious wines you’ll ever taste. And if you want to try the best of the best, head to Restaurant Chiggeri – they’ve had the longest-wine list in the world for over a decade.
14. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to someone’s home in Luxembourg, it’s customary to bring flowers or a box of chocolates. However, the flowers must be in odd numbers (except for 13, which is considered unlucky).
15. Luxembourg got its name from a castle called Lucilinburhuc, which Count Siegfried of Ardennes bought in 963 C.E.
16-20 Insane Facts About Luxembourg
16. Luxembourg’s gold medal at the 1952 Olympics was so unexpected that the organizers neglected to give the band a score for their national anthem. The musicians “hurriedly improvised a tune which bore little resemblance to the Luxembourg anthem.”
17. Luxembourg is known as a strong financial center and tax haven, attracting companies such as Amazon, Paypal, and Skype to set up their European headquarters there.
18. After being liberated from Nazi occupation in 1944, Luxembourg’s government was so impressed by some of the tax and employment regulations the Nazis had put in place that they decided to keep them.
19. In Luxembourg, being trilingual is a must to graduate from secondary school. That means you need to be fluent in French, German, and Luxembourgish. No pressure!
20. Move over, Superman – Luxembourg has its own hero, Superjhemp! Unlike his American counterpart, Superjhemp has a bit of a belly and draws his power from cheese and beer. And of course, he flies around with his hands in his pockets – because that’s what every Luxembourger does, right?
Bonus Fact:
Luxembourg can claim credit for inventing both the McRib and Chicken McNuggets. That’s right – René Arend, a Luxembourgish chef, was McDonald’s first Executive Chef who came up with these iconic menu items.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Interesting Luxembourg Facts For Kids.
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