Canton of Esch-sur-Alzette

Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourgish: Esch-Uelzecht) is a canton in southwestern Luxembourg. It is both the second most populous and second most densely populated canton after the canton of Luxembourg. Many people live there because it is close to big cities and has many jobs.

The canton borders two countries: Belgium to the west and France to the south. This makes it a special place where different cultures meet. People from all over come to work, study, or visit.

Esch-sur-Alzette has a rich history and many interesting places to see. It is an important part of Luxembourg, helping the country grow and stay strong.

History

The canton of Esch in Luxembourg started on August 31, 1795. At first, it was called the canton of Soleuvre. But just a little over a year later, on October 22, 1796, its name changed to Bascharage. Over time, the borders of this area changed many times.

In 1802, new rules split the area again, and Bascharage became Bettembourg. But Bettembourg’s borders also shifted. Later, after Luxembourg became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the old French way of organizing places stayed, except for some name changes.

When Belgium took control for a while after 1830, an official worked from Bettembourg to help run things. But in 1834, this person was captured and kept in Luxembourg until other countries helped him be released.

In 1839, a big agreement called the Treaty of London split Luxembourg, which also changed the borders of its areas. Pétange and Differdange joined Bettembourg, though it lost some places to other areas. Because of these changes, in 1842 the main place for the canton moved from Bettembourg to Esch. Even though some people wanted to move it back, it stayed in Esch.

Since then, the canton of Esch has had more changes inside its own borders. For example, in 1856, Leudelange became its own commune after people there asked for it.

Geography

The Esch-sur-Alzette Canton is in the southwest part of Luxembourg. It is the second most crowded area in the country and has many people living there. This canton shares borders with Belgium and France.

Esch-sur-Alzette Canton includes fourteen communes, which are like small towns or villages. These are:

• Bettembourg
• Differdange
• Dudelange
• Esch-sur-Alzette
• Frisange
• Kayl
• Leudelange
• Mondercange
• Pétange
• Reckange-sur-Mess
• Roeser
• Rumelange
• Sanem
• Schifflange

Population

The canton of Esch-sur-Alzette has seen its population grow over the years. It is now the second most populous canton in Luxembourg, and also the second most crowded. This area is located in the southwest part of the country and shares borders with Belgium and France.