Luxembourg are mostly of German and French background but have a distinct national consciousness. The population of Luxembourg (2001 estimate) is 442,972, giving the nation an overall population density of 171 persons per sq km (444 per sq mi). The principal cities are centers of industrial production. The capital and largest city is Luxembourg City, also known as Luxembourg-Ville, with a population (1998) of 79,500. Other valuable cities are Esch-sur-Alzette (population, 1998 estimate, 24,600), Differdange (16,800), and Dudelange (16,400).