Luxembourg

Luxembourg Geography

Luxembourg, a picturesque nation nestled in Western Europe, is bordered by France, Belgium, and Germany. Covering a total area of 2,586 square kilometers, Luxembourg is characterized by its predominantly undulating uplands and wide, shallow valleys. The northern region of the country transitions into slightly mountainous terrain, while the southeast features a steep descent towards the Moselle floodplain. Despite its compact size, which is marginally smaller than Rhode Island, Luxembourg boasts a diverse landscape. The country enjoys a modified continental climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Notably, 34.5% of its land is forested, and 51.7% is utilized for agriculture, highlighting its rich natural resources. The majority of the population resides in the southern part of Luxembourg, close to the French border, benefiting from the country's strategic location in Europe. Although Luxembourg is landlocked, it plays a significant role in the Atlantic Ocean's Rhine-Maas watershed. Delve deeper into Luxembourg's geography to uncover more about its unique features and natural resources.

Area

land

2,586 sq km

water

0 sq km

total

2,586 sq km

Climate

mild winters and cool summers characteristic of a modified continental climate

Terrain

predominantly undulating uplands accompanied by wide, shallow valleys; the northern region transitions to slightly mountainous terrain; there is a steep descent towards the Moselle floodplain in the southeast

Land use

other

13.9% (2023 est.)

forest

34.5% (2023 est.)

agricultural land

51.7% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 23.8% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0.6% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 27.1% (2023 est.)

Location

located in Western Europe, nestled between France and Germany

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation

lowest point

Moselle River 133 m

highest point

Buurgplaatz 559 m

mean elevation

325 m

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2012)

Map references

Europe

Land boundaries

total

327 km

border countries

Belgium 130 km; France 69 km; Germany 128 km

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

occasional instances of flooding

Geography - note

enclosed by land on all sides

Natural resources

iron ore (currently not mined), cultivable land

Area - comparative

marginally smaller than Rhode Island; roughly half the area of Delaware

Geographic coordinates

49 45 N, 6 10 E

Population distribution

the majority of the population resides in the southern part, along or close to the French border

Major watersheds (area sq km)

Atlantic Ocean drainage

Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km)