Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein Background

The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US.

Liechtenstein Information

• Population: 33,436 (July 2004 est.)
• Nationality: noun: Liechtensteiner(s) adjective: Liechtenstein
• Location:: Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland
• Religions:: Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% (June 2002)
• Ethnic Groups:: Alemannic 86%, Italian, Turkish, and other 14%
• Land Boundaries:: total: 76 km border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km
• Area: total: 160 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 160 sq km
• Coast Line: 0 km (doubly landlocked)
• Climate: continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers
• Terrain: mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third
• Maritime Claims: none (landlocked)
• Land Use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 0% other: 75% (2001)
• Environmental Issues: NA
• Natural Resources: hydroelectric potential, arable land
• Highways: total: 250 km paved: 250 km unpaved: 0 km
• Railways:
• Ports & Harbours: none
• Airports: