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...0% of its labor force. Luxembourg has a custom union with Belgium and the Netherlands, and, as a member of the EU, enjoys the advantages of the open European market. It joined with 10 other EU members to launch the euro on 1 January 1999. Languages of Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg. National or official languages: French, Standard German, Luxembourgeois. 422,000 (1998 UN). Literacy rate 100%. Also includes Italian 20,800, Kabuverdianu 3,000, Portuguese 100,000. Information mainly from M. Stephens 1976. Christian. Blind population 204. Deaf population 24,373. Deaf institutions: 1. The number of languages listed for Luxembourg is 3. Of those, all are living languages. Diversity index 0.53. Spoken living languagesFRENCH [FRN] 13,100 or more (1993 Johnstone). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French. More information. GERMAN, STANDARD [GER] 9,200 or more (1993 Johnstone). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, East Middle German. More information. LUXEMBOURGEOIS [LUX] 250,000 first language speakers in Luxembourg, perhaps 50,000 as second language (1998). Population total all countries 300,000. Alternate names: LUXEMBURGISH, LUXEMBURGIAN, LUXEMBOURGISH, LETZBURGISCH, LËTZEBUERGESCH, MOSELLE FRANCONIAN, FRANKISH. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, Moselle Franconian. More information. Luxembourg cooking has been influenced by the cuisine of nearby France and Germany for many years. More recently, it has been inspired by the cuisine of its many Italian and Portuguese immigrants. Luxembourgers usually adopt the best from each culture. When a typical Luxembourg family sits down to its daily meal, the fare normally consists of simple, hearty foods; but when celebrating a special occasion or when entertaining guests, they will serve the finest French cuisine accompanied by excellent local wines. Typical Luxembourg specialties include: Thuringer These tasty little sausages that resemble a spicy version of German Bratwurst are sold by street vendors and at roadside stands. They are inexpensive and delicious. Luxembourg ham A smoke-cured uncooked ham resembling Italian Proscuitto crudo. It is sliced paper-thin and frequently served with fresh bread as an...