Country Profile: Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a small, doubly landlocked principality situated in Central Europe, bordered by Austria and Switzerland. With a population of approximately 40,272, it boasts a high-income economy, heavily integrated with Switzerland's financial system. The government operates as a constitutional monarchy, with a unique blend of democratic and monarchical elements. Despite its size, Liechtenstein ranks highly in GDP per capita, driven by a mixture of industries and a flourishing financial sector.

Geography

Liechtenstein is located in Central Europe, nestled between Austria and Switzerland. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, part of the Alps, with the Rhine Valley making up much of the western region. The country experiences a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and moderately warm summers. It has a total area of 160 square kilometers and is known for being one of the few doubly landlocked countries in the world.

• 160 sq km total area
• 2,599 m highest point (Vorder-Grauspitz)
• 75 km land boundary with Austria and Switzerland
• 41.9% of land is forested (2022)
• 32.3% agricultural land (2022)

People and Society

Liechtenstein's population is estimated at 40,272 in 2024, with a near equal distribution between males and females. The majority are Liechtensteiners, with Swiss and Austrian minorities. The official language is German, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. The nation experiences a low birth rate and a relatively high life expectancy, reflecting its high standard of living.

• 83 years life expectancy (2024)
• 10.3 births/1,000 population (2024)
• 7% of the population identifies as having no religion (2015)
• 15.3% of the population is aged 0-14 years
• 1.69 children born/woman (Total fertility rate, 2024)

Economy

Liechtenstein presents a robust economy characterized by a high GDP per capita and strong integration with Swiss financial systems. As a member of the Schengen Area, it thrives on exports to the US and Eurozone, with a diverse industrial base that includes electronics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Despite its small size, it demonstrates one of the highest GDPs per capita globally.

• $210,600 GDP per capita (2024 est.)
• $8.395 billion GDP (2024 est.)
• 0.2% GDP from agriculture (2022)
• 40.6% GDP from industry (2022)
• 55.6% GDP from services (2022)

Government

Liechtenstein operates as a constitutional monarchy, with a dual governance structure involving both the monarch and a parliament. The reigning prince currently holds significant power, while the Prime Minister oversees government operations. The political environment is stable and characterized by regular elections, with the most recent legislative election held in 2025.

• 25 members in the Diet (Landtag)
• 18 years is the voting age
• 5 years residency requirement for naturalization
• 10 political parties represented in the Diet
• 32% women in legislative positions

Military and Security

Liechtenstein has no regular military forces and relies on the National Police for security. The nation's approach to military affairs emphasizes neutrality and non-involvement in armed conflicts, aligning with its historical stance since World War II.

• 0 military forces
• National Police is responsible for law enforcement

Energy

All residents in Liechtenstein have access to electricity, reflecting the country's commitment to energy accessibility and infrastructure.

• 100% of the population has electricity access (2022 est.)

Environment

Liechtenstein faces some environmental challenges, including local air pollution and waste management. The country is part of numerous international environmental agreements aimed at tackling air pollution and protecting biodiversity.

• 64.6% of municipal solid waste recycled (2015)
• 32,400 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)

Transportation

Liechtenstein has a limited transportation infrastructure, with a small railway system integrated into the Austrian Railway. It also operates a small merchant fleet.

• 9 km of electrified railway (2018)
• 17 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
• 2 heliports (2025)

Communications

Liechtenstein enjoys a high level of internet connectivity, with nearly all residents being internet users. The telecommunication system is largely reliant on foreign services, though domestic media has begun to emerge.

• 97% internet penetration (2023)
• 50,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 20,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	40,272	Estimated for 2024
Area	160 sq km	Total area
GDP	$8.395 billion	Estimated for 2024 at official exchange rate
GDP per capita	$210,600	Estimated for 2024 (purchasing power parity)
Birth Rate	10.3 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	83 years	Estimated for 2024
Urbanization Rate	14.6%	Percentage of urban population in 2023
Electricity Access	100%	Total population with electricity access (2022 est.)
Recycling Rate	64.6%	Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2015 est.)
Unemployment Rate	Not specified	Data not available