|
LIVING IN LUXEMBOURG WORKING IN LUXEMBOURG ANNUAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS USEFUL PUBLICATIONS LIVING IN LUXEMBOURG Brief History: - 698 Luxembourg is considered to have been founded in when Willibrord, a Northumbrian monk and now the patron saint of Luxembourg, established an abbey in Echternach
- 1815 Luxembourg was granted the status of Grand Duchy by the Congress of Vienna
- 1867 The Treaty of London grants Luxembourg independence
- 1948 Luxembourg enters into the Benelux Customs Union
- 1949 Luxembourg joins NATO
- 1951 Luxembourg is a founder member of the European Coal and Steel Community
- 1957 Luxembourg is a founder member of the European Economic Community (later to become the European Union)
- 1985 Luxembourg signs the SchengenTreaty which allows free movement between Germany, France and the Benelux countries. Schengen is a small village on the Moselle river on the border with both France and Germany. The treaty was signed on a boat in the middle of the river at the point where the three countries meet.
- 1999 Luxembourg joins the Euro currency area
A Few Facts and Figures:
- Luxembourg is approximately 57km across at its widest point east to west (Perlé to Rosport) and 82 km from south to north (Rumelange to Huldange)
- The total population numbers approx. 477.000
- According to the national office of statistics(STATEC) in 2007 there are citizens of 162 different nationalities living in the Grand Duchy.
- The three official languages are French, German and Luxembourgish. English is also widely spoken, along with Italian and Portuguese.
- Of those who cross the border every day to work in Luxembourg 50% are from France, 25% are from France and 25% from Germany
Quality of Life Luxembourg is considered to be one of the safest places with one of the lowest crime rates in the world and ranks 4th in The Economist Quality of Life Index 2007. The standard of living is high and the cultural, leisure and sporting facilities are of the highest standard. Child Benefits and Education Allowances are generous, and the tax system is very favourable to families. You will also enjoy excellent, accesible healthcare. Luxembourg is sandwiched between France, Belgium and Germany. You will soon get used to border hopping and now that we have the Euro it couldn't be simpler. Explore Roman history in Trier, go skiing in the Vosges, play golf in France, visit castles along the Moselle in France and Germany and make sure you try the food in Belgium. Take the TGV to Paris for the day, visit the market in Maastricht , take in a concert in Amnéville near Metz and, and, and....... The list in endless. Luxembourg itself also has much to discover: castles, museums and galleries, beautiful countryside with hundreds of footpaths and cycle tracks, festivals, concerts and sporting events. You will find restaurants serving high-quality cuisine from all over the world as well as local specialities, beer, wine and the famous crémant. WORKING IN LUXEMBOURG Luxembourg has a very stable economy with asolid annual growth rate, low inflation and one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. Since 1929 Luxembourg has developed as an important financial centre. 41.6% of the population are foreigners. It enjoys a strategic position in Europe being surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany and around 140.000 cross border workers come to work in the country every day. It is a safe and welcoming country and is considered one of the most competitive countries in the world for doing business. Multinational comapnies find it easy to retain their own particular brand of corporate culture whilst enjoying the advantages that setting up a business in Luxembourg has to offer. Luxembourg boasts the 5th largest cargo airport and an impressive logistics network and has a skilled, mulitiingual workforce. New businesses are welcomed and encouraged by the authorities who are flexible and open to supporting innovative ideas. It has top level financial and IT services and an excellent basic infrastructure in terms of education, research, healthcare and culture. ANNUAL FESTIVAL AND EVENTS February - 2nd Candlemas. Groups of children carrying lanterns knock on doors and sing a traditional song in exchange for sweets.
- First Sunday in Lent "Buergbrennen". A huge cross made of wood is burnt to chase away the winter.
- Carnaval. From the beginning of Feburary to the end of March but mainly during the week of Shrove Tuesday. Fancy dress parades and parties in the towns and villages.
- Auto Festival. Many bargains to be had on new cars.
March May - Spring Trade Fair, Lux Expo. Discover Luxembourg's wines and crémants www.luxexpo.lu
June- Summer in the City: free concerts and themed weekends in Luxembourg City , also in August and early September. www.summerinthecity.lu
- National Day. Celebrations begin in the evening of the 22nd all over Luxembourg City with a torchlit procession, firework display and free concert. June 23rd is a public holiday and the Grand Duke's official birthday.
JulyAugust - Schouberfouer from end August to mid-September. Huge funfair on the Glacis with fireworks on the last night. www.fouer.lu
September
- Braderie, first Monday in September. Bargains to be had all over town
- Wine Fesitvals along the Moselle. Parade and firework display in Grevenmacher, usually the second Saturday in September www.grevenmacher.lu
November - International Bazaar (last week-end of November). More than 40 countries have their own stands offering traditional dishes, Christmas gift ideas or Arts & Crafts.
December - Christmas markets in Luxembourg City, Esch/Alzette, Trier and many towns along the German side of the Moselle, starting on the first weekend in Advent until Christmas Eve
USEFUL PUBLICATIONS General Information Living In Luxembourg (Books for sale available at our office) Family Guide (Books available for sale at our office) Leisure Activities/Excursions/What's On: Time Out Agendalux www.agendalux.lu 352 Magazine www.352.lu Family Guide (Books available for sale in our office) Business: Working in Luxembourg (Books and CD's available for sale at our office) Paperjam www.paperjam.lu Business Review
|
