Though Luxembourg is a tiny country, only 998 square miles, there are three official languages spoken there and most of the people speak all three of them: Lëtzebuergesch, French and German. French is the language used in the courts, law, and the civil service. Luxembourg is bordered by France on the south, Belgium on the west and north, and West Germany on the east. The people of this small country are very proud of their distinct, national character and some families even paint the country's national motto on their houses. Translated, the motto means, "We want to remain what we are."

The northern third of the country is called the Oesling. Here there are the beautiful highlands and the mountains of the Ardennes. The southern two-thirds are called the Gutland, which means "the good land." The best farmland, many rivers, and most of the country's towns and villages are located here. People enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, boating, horseback riding, golf, swimming, and ice-skating. There are sixteen national walking paths and walking tours are organized over the weekends and on holidays. You can take a leisurely boat ride along the Mosel River which borders the west of Germany, and look out at vineyards, castles, and the river traffic. There are dozens of castles, some of them more than a thousand years old. With all its medieval castles, beautiful valleys, paths along the rivers and simple villages, Luxembourg has been called a fairyland. There are many small churches with beautiful frescoes that give the country a special charm.

Luxembourg City, the capital, is one of Europe's most interesting and historic cities. Almost fourteen miles of tunnels were blasted in the sandstone walls of the cliff above the Pétrusse River for the defense of the city against the invading French troops back in the 18th century. Today, visitors to the city enjoy touring these tunnels where once upon a time cannons were set up to face the invaders.

The country's second largest city, Esch-sur-Alzette, is located eleven miles southwest of Luxembourg City. This is the capital of the country's industrial district, and even though the iron-ore deposits of that region are now mostly depleted, many visitors are drawn to the city's cultural centers, its beautiful parkland and rose garden.