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.
Principality of Liechtenstein | |
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Motto: "Für Gott, Fürst und Vaterland" "For God, Prince and Fatherland" | |
Anthem: | |
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Capital | Vaduz |
Largest municipality | Schaan 47°10′00″N 9°30′35″E |
Official languages | German |
Ethnic groups (2017)[1] |
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Religion (2015)[2] |
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Demonym(s) | Liechtensteiner |
Government | Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy under a semi-direct democracy |
• Monarch | Hans-Adam II |
• Regent | Alois |
Daniel Risch | |
Legislature | Landtag |
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) | ![]() very high · 16th |
Currency | Swiss franc (CHF) |
Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
Driving side | right |
Calling code | +423 |
ISO 3166 code | LI |
Internet TLD | .li |
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[update]).[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.