Liechtenstein

Introduction

Background
The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. It became a sovereign state in 1806 and joined the German Confederation in 1815. Liechtenstein became fully independent in 1866 when the Confederation dissolved. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth.

Geography

Area
total : 160 sq km
land: 160 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Natural resources
hydroelectric potential, arable land

People and Society

Population
total: 40,272 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
Liechtensteiner 65.6%, Swiss 9.6%, Austrian 5.8%, German 4.5%, Italian 3.1%, other 11.4% (2021 est.)

Languages
German 91.5% (official, Alemannic is the main dialect), Italian 1.5%, Turkish 1.3%, Portuguese 1.1%, other 4.6% (2015 est.)

Religions
Roman Catholic (official) 73.4%, Protestant Reformed 6.3%, Muslim 5.9%, Christian Orthodox 1.3%, Lutheran 1.2%, other Protestant 0.7%, other Christian 0.3%, other 0.8%, none 7%, unspecified 3.3% (2015 est.)

Population growth rate
0.69% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
constitutional monarchy

Capital
name: Vaduz

Executive branch
chief of state: Prince HANS-ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers on 26 August 1984)
head of government: Prime Minister Brigitte HAAS (since 10 April 2025)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Georg SPARBER (since 1 December 2021)

Economy

Economic overview
high-income European economy; Schengen Area participant; key European financial leader; integrated with Swiss economy and franc currency user; one of the highest GDP per capita countries; relies on US and Eurozone markets for exports

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$7.172 billion (2024 est.)
$7.031 billion (2023 est.)
$6.885 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$210,600 (2024 est.)
$201,200 (2023 est.)
$187,700 (2022 est.)

Exports
$3.217 billion (2015 est.)
$3.774 billion (2014 est.)

Exports - commodities
small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware

Imports - commodities
agricultural products, raw materials, energy products, machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.938, ranking it 17th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)