Differdange
Differdange (French pronunciation: [difɛʁdɑ̃ʒ]; Luxembourgish: Déifferdeng [ˈdɜɪ̯fɐdeŋ] ⓘ or (locally) Déifferdang [ˈdɜɪ̯fɐdɑŋ]; German: Differdingen [ˈdɪfɐdɪŋən]) is a commune with town status in south-western Luxembourg, 17 miles (27 km) west from the country's capital. It lies near the borders with Belgium and France and it is located in the canton of Esch-sur-Alzette. With a population of around 29,500, Differdange is the country's third largest city. It is also the main town of the commune, and other towns within the commune include Lasauvage, Niederkorn, Fousbann, and Oberkorn.
Differdange
Déifferdeng, Déifferdang | |
|---|---|
Commune | |
City center of Differdange | |
|
Coat of arms Brandmark | |
Map of Luxembourg with Differdange highlighted in orange, and the canton in dark red | |
| Coordinates: 49.5222°N 5.8917°E | |
| Country | Luxembourg |
| Canton | Esch-sur-Alzette |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Guy Altmeisch (LSAP) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 22.18 km2 (8.56 sq mi) |
| • Rank | 45th of 100 |
| Highest elevation | 427 m (1,401 ft) |
| • Rank | 30th of 100 |
| Lowest elevation | 277 m (909 ft) |
| • Rank | 79th of 100 |
| Population (2023) | |
| • Total | 29,536 |
| • Rank | 3rd of 100 |
| • Density | 1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi) |
| • Rank | 5th of 100 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| LAU 2 | LU0000202 |
| Website | differdange.lu |
Differdange is an industrial town that was home to much of Luxembourg's steel production, much of its development occurred during its heyday. Today, Differdange still remains an important industrial center, with ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel producer, retaining the ARBED steel plant in the town.
Notable landmarks in Differdange include the Maison de Soins de Differdange, an ancient Cistercian abbey dating back to 1235 and the Differdange Castle, located on a hill in the centre of the town, which dates from 1577 and is now used by Miami University. As such, Differdange is home to Miami University's Dolibois European Center, the university's European campus branch where students study abroad.
Differdange is also home to football team FC Differdange 03.