The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Known as the green heart of Europe the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is situated between Belgium, France and Germany. The country is 84 km (51 miles) long and 52 km (32 miles) wide, encompassing an area of 2586 square kilometres (999 square miles) with a population of 537 000 inhabitants (official estimate January 2013). Although it is one of the smallest European Union Member states, it is probably the most culturally diversified.
Its location, political stability and economic success have attracted a large number of international financial, industrial and commercial groups. The European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank are based in Luxembourg and the country is host to various European institutions including important support functions for the European Parliament and the European Commission. Several other European Institutions having a significant presence. With approximately 150 Banks and many other financial institutions having established offices, Luxembourg is one of Europe's leading financial centres.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a constitutional monarchy, is an independent sovereign state. HRH Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg was born in Betzdorf Castle (Luxembourg) on April 16th, 1955. He married Cuban Maria Teresa Mestre y Batista, whom he had met during his studies in February 1981. The couple has five children: Guillaume (1981), Felix (1984), Louis (1986), Alexandra (1991) and Sébastien (1992). The oldest son Guillaume will become the new Hereditary Grand Duke.