Although Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world, this Alpine principality offers a wealth of diversity. Learn more about Liechtenstein, its educational institutions, economy, royal family, and tourism.
General
With an area of 160square kilometers, Liechtenstein is the fourth-smallest country in Europe and the sixth-smallest in the world. The Principality is nestled in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria and is home to 41,000 people.
Liechtenstein has existed for over 300 years and has 11 municipalities. Its highest peak is 2,599 meters above sea level (Grauspitz). The country is 24.6 kilometers long and 12.4 kilometers wide.
The Constitution defines the form of government as a constitutional hereditary monarchy based on democratic and parliamentary principles. Sovereignty is thus vested in both the Prince and the people. In this way, Liechtenstein reconciles two seemingly contradictory principles: the monarchical and the democratic.
The territory of Liechtenstein has been inhabited since the 5th millennium BCE. But it was not until 1719—after Prince Johann Adam had acquired the Schellenberg domain and the County of Vaduz—that the territory was elevated to the status of an Imperial Principality under the name of Liechtenstein. The country gained its sovereignty in 1806.
Tourism
With its many museums, great restaurants, and idyllic landscapes, as well as over 400 km of hiking trails, Liechtenstein has plenty to offer families, outdoor enthusiasts, and leisure travelers.
The best way to discover Liechtenstein? Just start walking—literally. Each of the eleven municipalities offers its own unique highlights for all four seasons: landscapes and sights, art and culture, cuisine, as well as sports and recreation.
The Liechtenstein Trail offers 75 kilometers packed with fascinating stories, sights, magnificent views, idyllic rest stops, and much more for explorers to discover. The best way to hike the Liechtenstein Trail, which passes through every municipality in the country, is to tackle it in several day-long stages.
The culinary range of Liechtenstein cuisine spans from exquisite gourmet menus at restaurants awarded with toques and stars to traditional dishes such as Liechtenstein Käsknöpfle. An astonishingly large number of winemakers in the climatically favorable Rhine Valley devote themselves to crafting fine wines—a destination worth visiting for that alone.
Economy
More than 5,500 companies offer more jobs than there are people living in the Principality. The broadly diversified economic structure and the stable economic and political environment provide attractive conditions for both businesses and workers.
When it comes to entrepreneurship, Liechtenstein—located in the heart of Europe—is a leader: innovative global market leaders, niche players, and globally active industrial companies, a professional financial center, a wide range of businesses, and a spirit of entrepreneurship that permeates every sector define Liechtenstein as a business location.
Education, research, and science are among our country’s most important investments in the future, as they drive innovation in the economy, government, and society. Liechtenstein offers numerous educational and professional development opportunities and has established itself as an attractive educational hub.
The Liechtenstein financial center offers its clients comprehensive market access to the EU and Switzerland and guarantees political and economic stability. With its many years of experience and wide range of services, it combines wealth preservation solutions with fast and innovative regulatory solutions.
