Country Profile: Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a landlocked principality located in Central Europe, nestled between Austria and Switzerland. Established as a sovereign state in 1806, it has maintained a neutral stance during conflicts, including World War II. With a population of approximately 40,547, Liechtenstein boasts a robust economy characterized by its low taxes and high GDP per capita, mainly driven by the financial and services sectors. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Liechtenstein combines traditional governance with modern stability.

Geography

Liechtenstein is situated in Central Europe, bordered by Austria to the east and Switzerland to the west. Its total area is 160 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world. The landscape is predominantly mountainous, part of the Alps, with the Rhine Valley lying in the western third of the country. Due to its unique geographical positioning, it is doubly landlocked, sharing no coastline.

160 sq km: Total area of the country.
34 km: Length of the border with Austria.
41 km: Length of the border with Switzerland.
2,599 m: Highest point, Vorder-Grauspitz.
430 m: Lowest point, Ruggeller Riet.
32.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
36.3%: Forest cover (2023).

People and Society

Liechtenstein has a population of about 40,547, with a slight female majority. The ethnic composition includes a majority of Liechtensteiners, with significant Swiss and Austrian minorities. German is the official language, while Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. The country has a median age of 44.4 years, reflecting a mature population structure with growth driven by favorable migration rates.

40,547: Estimated population in 2025.
91.5%: Percentage of the population that speaks German.
73.4%: Proportion of Roman Catholics.
83 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
10.31: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025).
3.8: Infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births (2025).
100%: Access to improved drinking water sources (2022).

Economy

Liechtenstein enjoys a high-income economy and is notable for its participation in the Schengen Area. The economy is heavily integrated with that of Switzerland, using the Swiss franc as its currency. It has one of the highest GDP per capita figures globally, driven by a mix of industry, services, and financial sectors. The country relies significantly on exports to US and Eurozone markets.

$210,600: GDP per capita (2024).
$8.395 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024).
40.6%: Contribution of industry to GDP (2022).
55.6%: Contribution of services to GDP (2022).
2.8%: Inflation rate (2022).
$7.172 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
0.88: Exchange rate of Swiss francs per US dollar (2024).

Government

Liechtenstein functions as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The prince holds significant powers, including appointing the cabinet and leading the country in legislative matters. The Diet (Landtag) is the unicameral legislature, directly elected with a total of 25 seats. The legal system draws from Swiss, Austrian, and German law, ensuring a blend of traditional and contemporary governance.

Prince HANS-ADAM II: Chief of state since 1989.
Prime Minister Brigitte HAAS: Head of government since April 2025.
25: Total seats in the unicameral legislature.
5 years: Residency requirement for naturalization.
18 years: The minimum voting age.
National Day: Celebrated on August 15.
1921: Year the current constitution was adopted.

Military and Security

Liechtenstein does not maintain regular military forces and instead relies on the National Police for security and law enforcement. This approach reflects its status as a neutral country with a low rate of crime and effective governance.

No regular military forces: National Police handles security.
Landespolizei: The official national police force.

Energy

Liechtenstein has achieved 100% electricity access for its population, reflecting a strong infrastructure for energy distribution. The country focuses on sustainable energy solutions, aligning with its environmental commitments.

100%: Electrification rate for the total population (2022).

Environment

The environmental landscape in Liechtenstein is marked by some local air pollution, as well as pollution carried over from neighboring areas. The government is part of various international environmental agreements, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and climate action.

64.6%: Percent of municipal solid waste recycled (2015).
32,400 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
A party to multiple environmental agreements: Including the Climate Change-Paris Agreement.

Transportation

Liechtenstein's transportation network is limited due to its small size, with a few civil aircraft and a small railway system integrated with Austria. The road and local transport facilities are well-developed, ensuring connectivity within and outside the country.

9 km: Total length of railways.
2: Number of heliports.
17: Merchant marine vessels registered (2023).

Communications

Liechtenstein features a robust telecommunications infrastructure, with high rates of internet usage and mobile cellular subscriptions. Broadcast media primarily relies on foreign sources, although local radio and television have developed in recent years.

97%: Internet usage among the population (2023).
51,400: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
26: Fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
50: Broadband fixed subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	40,547	Estimated for 2025
Area	160 sq km	Total land area
GDP (official exchange rate)	$8.395 billion	Estimated for 2024
Real GDP per capita	$210,600	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	10.31 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Life expectancy	83 years	Estimated for 2024
Electrification	100%	Total population (2022)
Infant mortality rate	3.8 deaths/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Urban population	14.6%	Total population (2023)
Waste recycling rate	64.6%	Municipal solid waste (2015)