Moving to Luxembourg

It is one of Europe’s smallest sovereign states, but the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has emerged as a powerful country.

Luxembourg has the second highest per capita GDP in the world with a vibrant economy dependent on banking, steel and industrial sectors. Its productive agricultural sector is highly subsidized by the EU and the government.

In past decades, the country's wealth was based on steel manufacturing, with the ArcelorMittal group headquartered there and considered the number one steel company in the world. Today, with the decline of the steel industry, Luxembourg fearlessly diversified to make a name as an international financial and banking center; it is home to well over 150 banks. Banking has become the largest sector of Luxembourg's economy.

Moreover, there is a favorable climate for foreign investment that has effectively attracted medium, light and high-tech industry. US companies are major foreign investors bringing in big-named players like Goodyear, DuPont and Guardian Industries.

Luxembourg's total landmass is 82 kilometers long and 57 kilometers wide with a population of 505,831. Luxembourg is landlocked by Germany to the east, France to the south and Belgium to the west and north. Aptly dubbed the "Green Heart of Europe," Luxembourg is famous for its splendid scenery. Expats will find a land of heavily forested hills that display fascinating medieval castles and picturesque villages. Its prominent landmark is the Green Hills of Ardennes - a heartland of deep wooded valleys. Expats will appreciate the real beauty of Luxembourg on a warm day between the months of May and October.

Luxembourg has an extremely stable government. The framework is a parliamentary form of government with a constitutional monarchy inherited by male-preference primogeniture. The Grand Duke, Grand Duchess, or the cabinet (consisting of Prime Minister and several other ministers) has executive power, as written in the constitution of 1868.  

Luxembourg City, the capital, lies at the heart of Western Europe and is regarded as one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It is also the seat of government. The country is divided into three districts: Diekirch, Grevenmacher and Luxembourg.

The majority of the population in Luxembourg is Roman Catholic, although the state recognizes other religions such as Judaism, Greek and Russian Orthodox Christianity. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Luxembourg City is called the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and is located in the southern part of Luxembourg. The church is the epitome of late gothic architecture with Renaissance elements and adornments.

The country prides itself on its multilingualism with French, German and Luxembourgish (or Letzeburgesch) as official languages. Luxembourgers' mother tongue or "language of the heart" is Letzeburgesch, which is considered the national language. French and German are commonly used, although, expats will find that many Luxembourgers speak English as this is widely taught in school.

Expats looking for the good life and a well-compensated job should start making their way to Luxembourg. In addition to being a wealthy country, Luxembourg is also one of the safest countries in the world.