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Liechtenstein

Microstate in the Alps / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Liechtenstein (German: [ˈlɪçtn̩ʃtaɪn]), officially the Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein),[11] is a German-speaking and doubly landlocked microstate located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland.[12] It is the sixth smallest nation worldwide.[13] Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein.

Quick facts: Principality of LiechtensteinFürstentum Liech...
Principality of Liechtenstein
Fürstentum Liechtenstein (German)
Motto: "Für Gott, Fürst und Vaterland"
"For God, Prince and Fatherland"
Anthem: 
Oben am jungen Rhein
(English: "High on the Young Rhine")
Location of Liechtenstein (green)in Europe (agate grey)  –  [Legend]
Location of Liechtenstein (green)

in Europe (agate grey)   [Legend]

Location of Liechtenstein
CapitalVaduz
Largest municipalitySchaan
47°10′00″N 9°30′35″E
Official languagesGerman
Ethnic groups
(2017)[1]
Religion
(2015)[2]
Demonym(s)Liechtensteiner
GovernmentUnitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy
under a semi-direct democracy
 Monarch
Hans-Adam II
 Regent
Alois
Daniel Risch
LegislatureLandtag
Independence as principality
 Union between
Vaduz and
Schellenberg
23 January 1719
12 July 1806
 Separation from
German Confederation
23 August 1866
Area
 Total
160 km2 (62 sq mi) (190th)
 Water (%)
2.7[3]
Population
 2022 estimate
38,387[4] (189th)
 Density
237/km2 (613.8/sq mi) (57th)
GDP (PPP)2013 estimate
 Total
$5.3 billion[5] (149th)
 Per capita
$98,432[6][7][8] (3rd)
GDP (nominal)2020 estimate
 Total
$6.872 billion[9][7][8] (147th)
 Per capita
$180,000[9][6][7][8] (1st)
HDI (2021)Increase 0.935[10]
very high · 16th
CurrencySwiss franc (CHF)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 Summer (DST)
UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Driving sideright
Calling code+423
ISO 3166 codeLI
Internet TLD.li
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Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. It is Europe's fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of 38,749 (as of 2019).[14] Divided into 11 municipalities, its capital is Vaduz, and its largest municipality is Schaan. It is also the smallest country to border two countries.[15]

Economically, Liechtenstein has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity.[16] The country has a strong financial sector centred in Vaduz. It was once known as a billionaire tax haven, but is no longer on any official blacklists of uncooperative tax haven countries. An Alpine country, Liechtenstein is mountainous, making it a winter sport destination.

Liechtenstein is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association, and the Council of Europe. Although not a member of the European Union because it was not designed with microstates in mind, it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland.