Need info about Luxembourg (country, place, people, German)
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We're particpating in a geography fair, researching Luxembourg with a list of provided questions. Some things are simply dry research, but others are not. I've listed them below, and would appreciate any responses. Thanks.
What does your flag mean?
How many people live there?
What kind of people live there?
What kind of houses do they live in?
Where do they go to school?
Can you homeschool there?
What is the main religion?
Can Christians freely pray and worship?
How many Christians are there?
Are there missionaries there?
What do kids do for fun?
Can you describe an average day for a kid your age?
What would be a favorite meal or dessert?
How many people are in an average family?
What do you think makes this country so interesting?
Curious, I was stationed at an American air base in Germany that was about 30 minutes from the Luxembourg border. The country is beautiful and we enjoyed visiting there often. The Luxembourgers even were strong supporters of the base and many groups and individuals have toured the base. Every year they hold a parade to honor our saving them in World War II. The American Cemetery is the burial ground for many American heroes, including General George S. Patton.
I'd like to offer some insight about Luxembourgers (and Western Europeans) approach to religion. As you may already know, most Europeans are Catholic or Protestant, with Muslim and other religions followed in smaller percentages. They have a very different take on religion than we do. They are very devout and worship occupies what they feel is the proper perspective in the grand scheme of things. They've worshipped many centuries before the United States was even thought of and it's doubtful that they would need missionaries from the U.S. (or anywhere else) to convert them. Can Christians freely pray and worship? Of course they can! Luxembourgers enjoy the same freedoms we enjoy. There is, however, no debate about public prayer as we have in this country. There is a very strong separation between church and state and prayer at both government and private functions is just not performed. Any politician who announced he "talks to God" would be run out of office. While Europeans are very strong of faith, they also feel that their faith is a private matter rather than something that is freely discussed with everyone they might meet. Europeans are often taken aback with our readiness to ask about religion and witness about ours.
Luxembourg has excellent public schools. Homeschooling is not permitted. In the fifth grade, it is decided whether a child will be put in a "university" track or will go on to an apprenticeship program. This seems early by our standards , but students and parents know this and prepare accordingly. Since public universities are free to everyone who meets entrance requirements, everyone is eligible, regardless of background. Students that cannot meet the entrance requirements but whose parents have money may go to a private college or study abroad in such countries as the U.S.
The apprenticeship programs are looked on very favorably in Europe. The doctor or banker understands that he would be unable to live without the mechanic or plumber, so crafts- and tradespeople occupy an honorable place in Europe.