Country Profile: Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked nation situated in Central Europe, nestled between Austria and Switzerland. This constitutional monarchy boasts a population of approximately 40,272 people, with a unique cultural blend primarily influenced by German, Swiss, and Austrian heritage. The economy is characterized by its high-income status, reliance on the financial sector, and close ties to the Swiss economy, using the Swiss franc as its currency. Governed under a mixed system of parliamentary democracy and monarchical rule, Liechtenstein maintains its sovereignty since the early 19th century.

Geography

Liechtenstein is located in Central Europe, bordered by Austria to the east and Switzerland to the west. The country's total area is 160 square kilometers, making it about 0.9 times the size of Washington, D.C. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, featuring the picturesque Alps and the Rhine Valley. It is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, meaning it is surrounded entirely by landlocked nations.

160 sq km: Total area of the country.
75 km: Length of land boundaries with Austria and Switzerland.
2,599 m: Highest point, Vorder-Grauspitz.
32.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2022).
41.9%: Forested area of the country (2022).

People and Society

Liechtenstein has a population of around 40,272, predominantly comprised of Liechtensteiners, with notable communities of Swiss, Austrian, and German descent. The official language is German, and the country has a high literacy rate, with education being a priority. The population is characterized by a high median age of 44.2 years and an urbanization rate of 14.6%. The country is known for its cultural heritage and traditions rooted in Roman Catholicism.

40,272: Total population (2024 est.).
1.3: Physicians per 1,000 population (2022).
83 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
10.3 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.).
3.9 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2024 est.).

Economy

Liechtenstein's economy is one of the highest per capita GDPs globally, driven by a blend of manufacturing and services. It participates in the Schengen Area and is integrated with the Swiss economy, utilizing the Swiss franc as its currency. The primary sectors include services (55.6%), industry (40.6%), and agriculture (0.2%). The nation is known for its financial services, precision manufacturing, and has established itself as a hub for international businesses.

$8.288 billion: GDP (2023 est.).
40.6%: Contribution of industry to GDP (2022).
55.6%: Contribution of services to GDP (2022).
$3.217 billion: Estimated exports (2015).
0.88 CHF: Exchange rate for Swiss francs per US dollar (2024 est.).

Government

Liechtenstein is governed as a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Hans-Adam II serving as the chief of state. The legislative framework is a unicameral Diet (Landtag) with 25 members elected through proportional representation. The political system allows for a significant degree of direct democracy, with citizens having the right to propose amendments to the constitution and laws. The country prides itself on its stability and low levels of corruption.

25: Seats in the Diet (Landtag).
18: Minimum voting age.
5 years: Residency required for naturalization.
100%: Citizenship by descent only; no citizenship by birth.
4 years: Term length for Diet members.

Military and Security

Liechtenstein does not maintain regular military forces, relying instead on a National Police force for security and law enforcement. This approach reflects its long-standing neutrality and emphasis on diplomatic relations rather than military engagement.

0: Regular military forces; national defense is primarily police-based.

Energy

Liechtenstein has achieved 100% electrification for its population, ensuring that all residents have access to electricity. This is a key component of its efficient infrastructure, supporting both residential and industrial needs.

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

Environment

The country faces some air pollution due to industrial activities and regional effects, but it has committed to various international environmental agreements to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. Agricultural land makes up a considerable portion of the country, indicating a focus on sustainability.

64.6%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled annually (2015).
0: Total renewable water resources (2017).
10 million cubic meters: Municipal water withdrawal (2020 est.).

Transportation

Liechtenstein has limited transportation infrastructure given its size, with approximately 9 kilometers of railway and a small merchant marine fleet. The transport system is integrated with neighboring Austria and Switzerland, facilitating trade and mobility.

9 km: Total length of railways (2018).
17: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
2: Heliports planned by 2025.

Communications

Telecommunication in Liechtenstein is advanced, with a high percentage of internet users and access to various media services. The country relies heavily on foreign broadcasters for media content but has established some native outlets.

97%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023 est.).
50,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.).
10,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	40,272	2024 estimate
Area (sq km)	160	Total land area
GDP (USD)	$8.288 billion	2023 estimate
Birth rate (per 1,000 population)	10.3	2024 estimate
Life expectancy (years)	83	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	Not specified	Data not available
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
Urban population percentage	14.6%	2023 estimate
Density of physicians (per 1,000)	1.3	2022 estimate
Total area (sq km)	160	Land area