People and Society of Luxembourg

Nationality

Luxembourger(s)

Ethnic Groups

Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo) and European (guest and resident workers)

Population

660,809

Population in Major Urban Areas

LUXEMBOURG (capital) 94,000

Medical facilities are widely available. Dial 112 for a medical emergency or the fire department, and 113 for the police. Hospitals in Luxembourg operate on a 24-hour rotation system. We do not advise self-referral to any hospital, with an exception: the “Centre Hospitalier” is always on-call for emergency cases involving children under the age of 14. In Luxembourg City, three major hospitals offer comprehensive general medical and surgical treatment. Additionally, there are two pediatric clinics and two obstetric clinics in Luxembourg City. There are also hospitals in the south of the country (Esch-sur-Alzette) and in the north (Wiltz). For more specialized care, including major burns, transfer to a regional burn center in Belgium or France is necessary. Three medical services (maisons médicales) provide general medical treatment (not suitable for emergency cases) after hours, on weekends, and holidays, when a treating physician is not available. Please see information on all medical facilities in Luxembourg at the following website. Most drugstores are located in Luxembourg City but can also be found throughout the country in all major communes. Drugstores operate on a 24-hour rotation system for after-hours services, including emergency prescriptions. The on-call pharmacy is listed daily in the local newspaper or can be ascertained by calling 112. A doctor's prescription is sometimes necessary for drugs that are sold over the counter in the United States.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Luxembourg consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for life expectancy, reflecting its high standard of living, well-funded public healthcare system, and strong economic prosperity. As of the most recent available data, life expectancy at birth in Luxembourg stands at approximately 82 to 83 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Women in Luxembourg can expect to live to around 84 to 85 years, while men have an average life expectancy of approximately 80 to 81 years. These figures place Luxembourg well above the global average and on par with other leading European nations such as Switzerland, Spain, and Iceland. The country's universal healthcare system, known for its comprehensive coverage and accessibility, plays a central role in supporting long, healthy lives for residents. Luxembourg's healthcare expenditure per capita is among the highest in the European Union, enabling access to advanced medical treatments, preventive care, and specialist services. Several factors contribute to Luxembourg's strong life expectancy outcomes. The country maintains low rates of extreme poverty, high levels of education, and robust environmental regulations that help ensure clean air and water. Luxembourg has also made significant investments in public health infrastructure, including mental health services and programs targeting chronic disease prevention. The aging population is a notable demographic trend in Luxembourg, as it is across much of Europe. The government has responded with policies aimed at sustainable pension funding and long-term care planning to accommodate a growing share of elderly residents. Immigration also plays a meaningful role in shaping demographic statistics, as Luxembourg has one of the highest proportions of foreign-born residents of any country in the world, accounting for nearly half the total population. This concentration of working-age immigrants can influence national health averages in complex ways, generally skewing figures in a favorable direction. Overall, the combination of economic stability, quality healthcare, strong social safety nets, and a high standard of living makes Luxembourg one of the most favorable environments in the world for longevity.

Infant Mortality Rate

Luxembourg maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the country's exceptional healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and robust social support systems. As of the most recent available data, Luxembourg's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 3 to 4 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it consistently among the top-performing nations globally on this critical public health measure. This achievement is the result of decades of sustained investment in prenatal and postnatal care, a highly trained medical workforce, and universal access to healthcare services. Expectant mothers in Luxembourg receive comprehensive prenatal monitoring, and childbirth almost universally takes place in modern, well-equipped hospital facilities. The country's national health insurance system, known as the Caisse Nationale de Santé, ensures that virtually all residents — including non-citizens, who make up a significant portion of the population — have access to medical care without prohibitive out-of-pocket costs. Luxembourg also benefits from strong social policies that support families, including generous parental leave, subsidized childcare, and programs targeting maternal nutrition and infant health. These structural advantages significantly reduce risk factors associated with infant mortality, such as low birth weight, preterm birth complications, and lack of access to neonatal care. Regional comparisons further highlight Luxembourg's performance. The country's infant mortality rate is on par with or lower than many of its European neighbors, including Germany, France, and Belgium, and compares favorably to the European Union average of roughly 3 to 5 deaths per 1,000 live births in recent years. While Luxembourg's rate is impressively low, public health authorities continue to monitor disparities among different socioeconomic and immigrant communities within the country, recognizing that equitable health outcomes require ongoing attention. Nevertheless, Luxembourg's infant mortality statistics stand as a testament to the effectiveness of integrated healthcare and social welfare systems in protecting the lives of newborns and supporting healthy early childhood development.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Roman Catholic87.0%
• Protestants, Jews, and Muslims13.0%

Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language), French

• French
• German
• Luxembourgish

Crime Information

The predominant forms of crime in Luxembourg are non-violent. Such crimes include the theft of valuables through snatching of purses/bags, and breaking and entering of unoccupied homes. Crime is more pronounced in Luxembourg City, especially at bus terminals and the main train station and its surroundings. Street robbery can turn violent if the victim is isolated and cannot seek help from by-passers. You should take common-sense precautions while in Luxembourg; be vigilant with your personal belongings and refrain from carrying visible jewelry and more cash than necessary. Pickpockets often operate in teams, usually one team member distracts the victim while another empties the pockets or bag. You should be especially careful when taking the train to/from Brussels; theft of backpacks, laptops, or other valuables regularly occurs on this route. Luxembourg has many public parks that are safe during the daylight hours, though the volume of low-level drug vending has increased in some of the city parks. You should avoid these parks after dark, though, because they pose a higher risk. During the summer season, you should be particularly alert to purse snatchings and confidence scams against tourists. Incidents of petty crime spike during the annual “Schueberfouer,” a three-week event held every summer. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Luxembourg, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. Criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods abroad. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Luxembourg, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Luxembourg's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Luxembourg are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Arrest notifications in Luxembourg: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.