It comprises two principal regions: the Oesling in the north as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland ("good country") in the south.[5] With an area of 2,586 square kilometres (998 sq mi), it is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe.[6] Luxembourg had a population of 524,853 in October 2012, ranking it the 8th least-populous country in Europe.[7]