Country Profile: Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small, doubly landlocked principality located in Central Europe, bordered by Austria and Switzerland. With a population of approximately 40,547, it boasts a high-income economy characterized by financial services and industrial production. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, the country has maintained stability and economic growth, benefitting from its integration with the Swiss economy.
Geography
Liechtenstein is situated in Central Europe, nestled between Austria and Switzerland. The country covers an area of 160 square kilometers and features a mountainous terrain with the Rhine Valley in its western third. It has no coastline, marking it as one of the only two doubly landlocked countries globally.
- 160 sq km: Total area
- 75 km: Total land boundaries with Austria (34 km) and Switzerland (41 km)
- 2,599 m: Highest point (Vorder-Grauspitz)
- 430 m: Lowest point (Ruggeller Riet)
- 32.3%: Agricultural land (2023 estimate)
- 36.3%: Forest area (2023 estimate)
- 0 sq km: Irrigated land (2012)
People and Society
The population of Liechtenstein is estimated at 40,547, with a relatively high life expectancy of 83 years. The society is predominantly composed of Liechtensteiners, with a significant percentage of Swiss and Austrian inhabitants. German is the official language. The population is largely urbanized in the western half along the Rhine River.
- 15.3%: Population aged 0-14 years
- 63.9%: Population aged 15-64 years
- 20.8%: Population aged 65 years and over (2024 estimate)
- 10.31 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 estimate)
- 3.8 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2025 estimate)
- 100%: Access to improved drinking water (2022 estimate)
- 1.3 physicians/1,000: Physician density (2022)
Economy
Liechtenstein features a highly developed, high-income economy that is part of the Schengen Area and utilizes the Swiss franc. The economy relies heavily on financial services and industry, making it one of the countries with the highest GDP per capita in the world.
- $210,600: Real GDP per capita (2024 estimate)
- $8.395 billion: GDP (official exchange rate, 2024 estimate)
- 55.6%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2022 estimate)
- 40.6%: Industry sector contribution to GDP (2022 estimate)
- 0.2%: Agriculture sector contribution to GDP (2022 estimate)
- 2.8%: Inflation rate (2022 estimate)
- $7.172 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 estimate)
Government
Liechtenstein is governed as a constitutional monarchy, with a reigning prince and a parliamentary system. The political structure includes a unicameral legislature and an independent judiciary. The head of state, Prince Hans-Adam II, holds significant powers, while the head of government is the Prime Minister.
- 25: Seats in the legislature (Diet)
- 18 years: Universal suffrage age
- 4 years: Legislative term length
- 10: Seats held by the Patriotic Union in the latest election
- 32%: Percentage of women in the legislature
- 5 October 1921: Date of the latest constitution adoption
- 2/9/2025: Date of the most recent election
Military and Security
Liechtenstein has no regular military forces and primarily relies on its National Police for security. The country maintains a neutral stance in international conflicts.
- 0: Regular military forces
- National Police: Primary security force in Liechtenstein
Energy
All residents of Liechtenstein have access to electricity, reflecting the nation's commitment to modern infrastructure.
- 100%: Electrification rate (2022 estimate)
Communications
Liechtenstein has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with a high penetration of mobile and fixed-line telephones. Internet access is widespread.
- 97%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023 estimate)
- 51,400: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 estimate)
- 20,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 estimate)
Transportation
The transport system in Liechtenstein includes limited railway services and a small merchant marine. The country is well-connected by road to its neighbors, ensuring accessibility.
- 9 km: Total railway length (2018)
- 17: Merchant marine vessels (2023)
- 2: Heliports (2025)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,547 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 160 sq km | |
| GDP (official exchange rate) | $8.395 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Real GDP per capita | $210,600 | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 10.31 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Infant mortality rate | 3.8 deaths/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | Not available | |
| Energy consumption | Not available |
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