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 About Liechtenstein |
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A landlocked country tucked away between Switzerland and Austria, the Principality of Liechtenstein is mostly mountainous, but also includes the sparkling Rhine Valley. The tiny country is divided to eleven communes: Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, and Vaduz.
Liechtenstein is Europe's only absolute monarchy. His Highness Hans-Adam II has the power to hire and fire the government, despite publicly-expressed fears that these powers could precipitate a dictatorship. Liechtenstein’s ruler of 51 years, until his death in November 1989, was His Highness Franz Joseph II. The country is united with Switzerland in a Customs Union and represented by Switzerland abroad.
Liechtenstein has its origins with the Liechtenstein Family of Austria, who acquired the fiefs of Vaduz and Schellenberg in 1699 and 1713. The status of independent principality within the Holy Roman Empire was granted in 1719, and the status of sovereign state was achieved in 1806. The French, under Napoleon, occupied the country for a few years, but Liechtenstein regained its independence in 1815 within the new German Confederation. After the Confederation dissolved in 1868, Liechtenstein disbanded its army of 80 men and declared its permanent neutrality, a status which has been maintained through both world wars. In 1996 a long-running dispute with Russia over the Liechtenstein family's archives, which had been confiscated during the Soviet occupation of Vienna in 1945 and later moved to Moscow, was settled.
In 1919, Liechtenstein entrusted its external relations to neutral Switzerland. After World War II the country developed from mainly an agricultural state to one of the most highly industrialized countries in the world, and became increasingly important as a financial center. Accusations of money laundering have been made against Liechtenstein, and these accusations remain a concern due to Liechtenstein’s sophisticated offshore financial services sector.
Liechtenstein became a member of the Council of Europe in 1978. It joined the UN in 1990, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1991, and both the European Economic Area (EEA) and World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. |
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Location |
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Without an airport or railway station, Liechtenstein is situated in Central Europe between the upper reaches of the Rhine Valley and the Austrian Alps. The country shares borders with Austria to the east and Switzerland to the west. |
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Population |
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Close to 35,000 people live in Liechtenstein. Some 86% of the population is Alemannic, and Italian, Turkish and other groups comprise the remaining 14%. Traditionally, the Roman Catholic church has played a strong role in Liechtenstein.
The population shares German-Swiss traditions, values, social courtesies and behavior, but remains proud of its independent status. |
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Language |
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The official language in Liechtenstein is German, spoken with a dialect of Alemannish. English is also widely spoken. |
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Education |
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The structure of education in Liechtenstein is similar to that of other German-speaking countries. A close collaboration with its two neighbors, Switzerland and Austria, in the fields of economy, education, and culture, has played a significant role in shaping the Principality’s philosophy of education.
Due to its small size, Liechtenstein’s range of educational programs is limited. People in Liechtenstein depend on the collaboration with neighboring countries for much of their access to vocational, professional, and university education. A number of treaties with foreign ministries and departments helps to secure school and university places. The Principality provides financial support of such education abroad. |
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Weather |
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The climate in Liechtenstein is continental. Winters are cold with frequent snow or rain, and humid summers are cool to moderately warm. Average temperatures are 32F (0C) in January, and 65F (18C) in July. Skies are often cloudy throughout the year. |
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Money and Cost of Living |
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By European standards, the cost of living in Liechtenstein is considered moderate to expensive. With a financial service sector and standard of living comparable to those of the metropolitan areas of it's larger European neighbours, Liechtenstein is prosperous, highly industrialized, and a free-enterprise economy. Low business taxes, the maximum tax rate is 18%, as well as easy rules of incorporation have attracted many holding (so-called “letter box”) companies to establish nominal offices in the country.
Recently, Liechtenstein has worked toward dispelling an image as a center for international money-laundering.
Banking hours are Mon-Fri 0830-1630. |
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Currency |
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Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CHF1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of CHF5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes. |
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Health |
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Health insurance is recommended. The standard of medical care is very good, however, there is only one hospital in Liechtenstein. People in need of care often go to neighboring Switzerland and Austria. Every person whose civil residence is in Liechtenstein or who works in Liechtenstein, except for cross-border commuters, is entitled to mandatory health insurance.
Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), and all the benefits of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) apply. Countries have different rules about state medical provision though. In some countries, treatment is free, but in many countries you will have to pay part or all of the cost, and then claim a refund. The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature.
No vaccinations are required to enter Liechtenstein, but it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine immunizations such as hepatitus A and B, and tetanus-diptheria.
Tap water is considered safe to drink, and with regard to food, normal precautions should be observed. |
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Weights and Measures |
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Liechtenstein uses the metric system, with units in grams and kilograms, and milliliters and liters. |
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Electricity |
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Liechtenstein uses 230V and 50Hz electricity with J plugs, which are the round pins with round grounding pins type. |
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