home | 1945-21st century | country profiles

Liechtenstein (capital Vaduz)

National Anthem: "High above the Young Rhine"

High above the young Rhine is Liechtenstein,
resting on Alpine heights. This beloved homeland,
this dear fatherland was chosen for us by God.
Long live Liechtenstein, blossoming on the young Rhine, happy and faithful! Long live the Prince of the Land.
Long live our fatherland.

Wealth and National Well-Being

World Factbook: "Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and likely the second highest per capita income in the world. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% of state revenues."

Per capita GDP
2008: 141,100, the second largest in the world, after oil rich Qatar.

Budget
2008: better than balances, with revenues 112% of expenditures and 18.8% of GDP.

Import/export

2009: positive, with exports cash value 160% that of imports.

Liechtenstein is in the Alps as benefits economically as a winter sports destination.

Labor for in agriculuture
2007: 1.5%

Infant mortality (deaths before the age of one year per 1,000 live births)
2011: 4.15 deaths

Average life expectancy at birth
2011: 80.31 years

Its currency is the Swiss franc.

People

Population
July 2011: 35,236

Birth and death rates per 1,000 population
2011: births 9.65, deaths 7.61

Living in an urban area
2010: 14% total population

Ethnicities
2000 census: Liechtensteiner 65.6%, other 34.4%

Religions
2002: Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2%

Literacy (10 or older): 100%

Geography

Located in the Alps, between Austria and Switzerland. In area 160 square miles, nine-tenths the size of Washington DC.

Government

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, with a unicameral parliament having 25 members elected by popular vote to four-year terms.

Capital: Vaduz

Recent History

1866: The Germanic Confederation is dissolved and Lichtenstein becomes fully independent. With Austria's economic devastation caused by World War I, Liechtenstein ends its close tie to Austria and enters into a a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Liechtenstein was neutral during World War II (as was Switzerland).

SOURCES:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/