Liechtenstein
Microstate in the Alps / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Liechtenstein (/ˈlɪktənstaɪn/ LIK-tən-styne;[11] German: [ˈlɪçtn̩ʃtaɪn] ⓘ), officially the Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein, pronounced [ˈfʏʁstn̩tuːm ˈlɪçtn̩ˌʃtaɪ̯n] ⓘ),[12] is a doubly landlocked German-speaking microstate located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland.[13] Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein of the House of Liechtenstein, currently led by Hans-Adam II. 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 39,790.[14] It is the world's smallest country to border two countries.[15]
Principality of Liechtenstein | |
|---|---|
| Motto: "Für Gott, Fürst und Vaterland" "For God, Prince and Fatherland" | |
| Anthem: | |
![Location of Liechtenstein (green)in Europe (agate grey) – [Legend]](./File:Europe-Liechtenstein.svg) | |
_-_LIE_-_UNOCHA.svg) | |
| Capital | Vaduz |
| Largest municipality | Schaan 47°10′00″N 9°30′35″E |
| Official languages | German |
| Ethnic groups (2017)[1] |
|
| Religion (2020)[2] |
|
| Demonym(s) | Liechtensteiner |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy with elements of a 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 | |
• 2023 estimate | 39,790[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 (2022) |  0.942[10]very high (12th) |
| 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 divided into 11 municipalities. Its capital is Vaduz, and its largest municipality is Schaan. It is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association, and the Council of Europe. It is not a member state of the European Union, but it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland, with its usage of the Swiss franc. Politically, a constitutional referendum in 2003 granted the monarch greater powers, including being able to dismiss the government, nominate judges and veto legislation.[16]
Economically, Liechtenstein has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity.[17] The country has a strong financial sector centred in Vaduz. It was once known as a billionaire tax haven, culminating in a tax affair in 2008, but the principality has since made vast efforts to shed this reputation. An Alpine country, Liechtenstein is mountainous, making it a winter sport destination.