Luxembourg Flag

Luxembourg Flag

Luxembourg Flag

Luxembourg's central location at the 'crossroads of Europe' has resulted in it being ruled by many other nations prior to its gaining of full independence in 1848. The House of Luxembourg, which was founded in 1060 by Count Conrad, became a duchy in 1354. Passing to the dukes of Burgundy in 1443, it was inherited by the Spanish Hapsburgs in 1555, being ruled by Austria from 1715 until t was ceded (with Belgium) to France during the Napoleonic Wars. Made a grand duchy in 1815, with the Dutch king, William I, as its sovereign, in 1830, the Belgian provinces of the Netherlands and Luxembourg joined in revolt. Although Belgium became an autonomous kingdom as a result, Luxembourg remained part of it until 1839, when the western part was ceded to Belgium, the remaining portion being reorganized as a sovereign and independent state in 1848.

Luxembourg did not have a flag until 1830, when patriots flew the national colors of red, white and blue that were derived from the 13th-century arms of the grand duke of Luxembourg. Even though Luxembourg revolted against Dutch rule, the current Luxembourg flags of both nations are similar, although the Luxembourg flag is longer than the flag of the Netherlands and the blue is of a lighter shade.