# Liechtenstein

> country in Central Europe

**Wikidata**: [Q347](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q347)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liechtenstein)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/liechtenstein

## Summary
Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked sovereign microstate and constitutional monarchy located in Central Europe, specifically within the Alpine region. It is bordered by Switzerland and Austria and is known officially as the Principality of Liechtenstein.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Fürstentum Liechtenstein (Principality of Liechtenstein).
- **Location:** Central/Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland and Austria.
- **Capital:** Vaduz.
- **Government:** Constitutional monarchy (Principality); Head of State is Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein (since 1989); Head of Government is Daniel Risch (since 2021).
- **Area:** 160 square kilometers.
- **Population:** 38,020 (2019); approximately 19,502 males and 19,825 females (2022).
- **Currency:** Swiss Franc (CHF).
- **Inception:** July 12, 1806.
- **ISO Codes:** Alpha-2: LI, Alpha-3: LIE, Numeric: 438.
- **Driving Side:** Right.
- **Calling Code:** +423.
- **Internet TLD:** .li.

## FAQs
**What type of government does Liechtenstein have?**
Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy and a unitary state classified as a principality. The legislative body is the Landtag of Liechtenstein, and the executive body is the Cabinet of Liechtenstein. The head of state is a Prince, while the head of government holds the title of Prime Minister.

**Is Liechtenstein part of the European Union?**
No, Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union. However, it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area, allowing for free movement and close economic integration with the EU.

**What currencies and banking systems does Liechtenstein use?**
The country uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency and does not have its own central bank; monetary policy is managed by the Swiss National Bank.

**How is Liechtenstein's economy performing?**
Liechtenstein has a highly developed economy with a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.935 (2021). Its nominal GDP was approximately 7.19 billion USD in 2021, and the national budget was roughly 1.49 billion CHF in 2021.

**What are the demographic trends in Liechtenstein?**
As of 2022, the death rate is 7.1 per 1,000, and the birth rate is 9.2 per 1,000. The life expectancy is 84 years (2021/2022), and the age of majority and marriageable age is 18. The fertility rate was estimated at 1.45 children per woman in 2014.

## Why It Matters
Liechtenstein serves as a prominent example of a modern European microstate with high economic stability and living standards. Despite its small size, it maintains full sovereignty and is an active participant in international organizations like the United Nations, the WTO, and the EFTA. Its status as a "doubly landlocked" country (one of only two in the world) and its unique fiscal and monetary union with Switzerland make it a distinct case study in European geopolitics and economic integration. Its high Human Development Index (0.935) and high life expectancy reflect a robust social welfare system and quality of life.

## Notable For
- **Doubly Landlocked:** It is one of the few countries in the world bordered exclusively by other landlocked countries (Switzerland and Austria).
- **High HDI:** Consistently ranks very high on the Human Development Index (0.935 as of 2021).
- **Microstate:** One of Europe's smallest sovereign states with an area of only 160 km².
- **Monetary Union:** Uses the Swiss currency and relies on the Swiss National Bank without being part of Switzerland.
- **Low Debt/Taxes:** Features a VAT rate of 7.7% and a high GDP relative to its size.
- **Historical Continuity:** Has existed as a sovereign entity since 1806 and was part of the German Confederation.

## Body

### Geography and Topography
Liechtenstein is situated in the Alps of Central Europe, specifically located in the Rhine Valley. It covers a total area of 160 square kilometers. The country is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with its highest point being Grauspitz at 2,599 meters. The lowest point is the Rhine river at 430 meters. The country is administratively divided into 11 municipalities: Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, and Vaduz. It lies within the UTC+01:00 (CET) timezone (UTC+02:00 during daylight saving).

### Government and Politics
Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy and a unitary state. The Head of State is Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein, who has held the position since November 13, 1989. The executive power is exercised by the Cabinet of Liechtenstein, while the legislative body is the Landtag of Liechtenstein. The current Head of Government (Prime Minister) is Daniel Risch, who took office on March 25, 2021. Previous heads of government include Josef Ospelt (1921–1922), Gustav Schädler (1922–1928), Josef Hoop, Alexander Frick, Gerard Batliner, Alfred Hilbe, Walter Kieber, Hans Brunhart, Markus Büchel, Mario Frick, Otmar Hasler, Klaus Tschütscher, and Adrian Hasler. The foundational legal document is the Constitution of Liechtenstein.

### International Relations and Membership
Liechtenstein joined the United Nations on September 18, 1990. It is a member of numerous international bodies, including the Council of Europe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Criminal Court, Interpol (since 1960), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the World Trade Organization, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) since 1991. It joined the Schengen Area on December 19, 2011. It maintains diplomatic relations with countries such as the United States, Germany (embassy in Berlin), Austria, Switzerland, and even North Korea.

### Demographics and Society
The population has grown steadily, reaching 38,020 in 2019. The gender split is relatively even, with slightly more females (19,825) than males (19,502) recorded in 2022. The official language is German, though Swiss German, Alemannic, and Walser German are also used. The population is largely rural (33,610 in 2022) compared to urban (5,717 in 2022). The country has a very high life expectancy of 84 years as of 2021. Education and social metrics are high, with a retirement age of 64.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy utilizes the Swiss Franc (CHF). In 2021, the nominal GDP was approximately $7.19 billion USD, with a national budget of 1.49 billion CHF. The standard VAT rate is 7.7%. Infrastructure includes right-hand traffic, 230V/50Hz mains voltage using Europlug and SN 441011 sockets, and the telephone country code +423. Emergency numbers include the standard European 112, as well as 117 (Police), 118 (Fire), and 144 (Medical).

### Culture and Symbols
The national motto is "Für Gott, Fürst und Vaterland" ("For God, Prince, and Fatherland"). A tourism slogan used is "Experience princely moments." The national anthem is "Oben am jungen Rhein." Public holidays include New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Feast of the Ascension, Feast of Corpus Christi, the Liechtenstein State Celebration (August 15), Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and Saint Stephen's Day. The flag is defined by the property `flag of Liechtenstein`, and the coat of arms is `coat of arms of Liechtenstein`. The entity is named after the House of Liechtenstein.

### History
The modern state dates its inception to July 12, 1806. It was previously a state in the Confederation of the Rhine (1806–1813) and later a member of the German Confederation from 1815 until 1866. It replaced the entity Q66087897 in political continuity.

### Identifiers and Codes
Liechtenstein is identified by various international codes:
- **ISO 3166:** LI / LIE / 438.
- **License Plate:** FL.
- **NUTS Code:** LI00.
- **IOC Country Code:** LIE.
- **GS1 Country Code:** 760-769.
- **UNDP Country Code:** LIE.
- **M49 Code:** 438.
- **ITU Letter Code:** LIE.
- **FIPS 10-4:** LS.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Liechtenstein.htm)
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3. OpenStreetMap
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6. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/europe)
7. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
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9. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
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11. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/liechtenstein)
12. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
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16. [Source](https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements)
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18. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
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24. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
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33. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
34. [Öffentliche Finanzen](https://www.statistikportal.li/de/themen/staat-und-politik/oeffentliche-finanzen)
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38. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
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