Skip to main content
CountryReports

Select language

ENEnglishESEspañolZH中文HIहिन्दीFRFrançais
Sign In
Liechtenstein flag

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein

Capital:Vaduz
Population:38,749
Currency:Swiss Franc (CHF)
Language:German (official), Alemannic dialect
Liechtenstein Landscape

Declare Your Relationship to Liechtenstein

See full leaderboard →

CountryReports Community

  • Studying1
  • From Liechtenstein0
  • Liechtenstein heritage1
  • Visited0
  • Want to visit4

Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Liechtensteiners have a strong musical tradition. Brass bands and vocal ensembles are common in rural ares while the cities have operetta companies. Liechtenstein has a high literacy rate. Both primary and secondary education are administered by the central government and children must attend until the age of 16. Students then either receive vocational training or prepare for the Matura or university entrance exam.

Liechtenstein Landscape

Alpine Crown Between Two Giants

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

JoinORSign InInstant Access $2

Holidays

  • Assumption Day

    8/15

    Religious

Dates of Interest

  • August 15th

How do people greet each other in Liechtenstein?

Liechtensteiners typically greet each other with a handshake, along with common spoken greetings.

Do

  • Shake hands when greeting
  • Use "Gruezi" or "Grüss Gott" as common greetings
  • Use "Hoi!" as an informal greeting

What are dining customs like in Liechtenstein?

The midday meal (Zmittag) is the main meal of the day, while breakfast (Zmorga) and the evening meal (Znacht) are lighter.

Good to know

  • Breakfast (Zmorga) is coffee with bread and jam
  • Zmittag typically includes soup, salad, a main dish, and dessert
  • Znacht is usually a light open-faced sandwich with meats
  • Try Käsknöfle: noodles baked with grated cheese and fried onions, served with applesauce or salad
  • Other favorites include Hafaläb and Törkarebl

How should travelers dress in Liechtenstein?

Neat, conservative, Western-style clothing is common, with traditional Trachten costumes reserved for festivals and special occasions.

Do

  • Wear neat, conservative Western-style clothing

Good to know

  • Traditional costumes (Trachten) are only worn for festivals or special occasions
  • Women's costume: gathered waist, full-length skirt, and apron
  • Men's costume: knee-length breeches, flat black hat, and a loden woolen jacket

What is family life like in Liechtenstein?

Most Liechtensteiners marry in their late twenties after completing their schooling, and the average family has two children.

Good to know

  • Many people finish schooling before marrying
  • The average family has two children
  • Many married women work outside the home

What do people do for fun in Liechtenstein?

Sports are hugely popular, with over a third of the population belonging to the National Sports Union, alongside cultural pursuits like bands and choirs.

Good to know

  • Winter: nighttime skiing
  • Summer: soccer, hiking, and bicycling
  • Cultural activities include brass bands, vocal ensembles, and choirs
  • Cities host operetta companies

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Liechtenstein

View all 20 photos

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
Swiss franc (CHF)
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers
Premium Content

Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.

View full travel guide

Recipes

Featured Dish

Frikadellen Broetchen — Meatball Sandwich

Main Dish

Browse all 2 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Early Feudal Roots

    1342 – 1719

    The County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg, the two fiefs that would form Liechtenstein, existed as minor territories within the Holy Roman Empire. The Austrian House of Liechtenstein acquired Schellenberg in 1699 and Vaduz in 1712, consolidating holdings that enabled the family to attain the status of an imperial prince. This period laid the dynastic and territorial foundations for the principality.

  2. Holy Roman Principality

    1719 – 1815

    Emperor Charles VI elevated the united territories to the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein in 1719, granting the Liechtenstein dynasty a seat in the Imperial Diet. Napoleonic France occupied the territory briefly in the early nineteenth century, dissolving the Holy Roman Empire in 1806 and making Liechtenstein formally sovereign. The Congress of Vienna in 1815 then incorporated the principality into the German Confederation.

  3. German Confederation Era

    1815 – 1866

    As a member of the German Confederation, Liechtenstein navigated the tensions of German nationalism and the rivalry between Austria and Prussia. The principality maintained a token army of 80 men and remained closely aligned with Austrian interests. When the Confederation dissolved following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Liechtenstein seized the opportunity to declare full independence and permanent neutrality, disbanding its military entirely.

  4. Neutrality & Swiss Alignment

    1866 – 1945

    Following independence, Liechtenstein pursued a policy of strict neutrality, respected by all belligerents in both World Wars. Economic devastation after World War I severed longstanding ties with Austria, prompting a customs and monetary union with Switzerland in 1923 and the entrustment of foreign affairs to Bern in 1919. Women remained without the vote until 1984, reflecting the principality's slow pace of democratic reform during this period.

  5. Financial Center & Integration

    1945 – 1990

    Post-war Liechtenstein leveraged low corporate taxes and favorable banking laws to transform itself into one of Europe's wealthiest states per capita. The principality joined the Council of Europe in 1978, signaling greater engagement with European institutions. Concerns over banking secrecy and money laundering began to emerge alongside the remarkable economic prosperity, setting the stage for later regulatory reforms.

  6. Modern Liechtenstein

    1990 – present

    Liechtenstein joined the United Nations in 1990, EFTA in 1991, and the European Economic Area and WTO in 1995, fully integrating into the global order while retaining its non-EU status. Prince Hans-Adam II, who ascended in 1989, pursued constitutional reforms that expanded princely powers in 2003, and transferred day-to-day governance to Crown Prince Alois in 2004. The country has since strengthened anti-money-laundering legislation and concluded legal assistance treaties, modernizing its financial sector.

Overview

The Austrian Liechtenstein family acquired the fiefs of Vaduz and Schellenberg in 1699 and 1713 respectively, and they became an independent principality under the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 under the name Liechtenstein. The French, under Napoleon, occupied the country for a few years, but Liechtenstein regained its independence in 1815 within the new German Confederation.

Premium ContentJoinORSign In
Instant Access $2

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1719

    Principality of Liechtenstein was created within the Holy Roman Empire.

    Principality of Liechtenstein was created within the Holy Roman Empire.

  2. 1815

    Liechtenstein becomes a member of the German Confederation until 1866.

    Liechtenstein becomes a member of the German Confederation until 1866.

  3. 1866

    Liechtenstein becomes fully independent.

    Liechtenstein becomes fully independent.

  4. 1939 – 1945

    Outbreak of World War II. Liechtenstein remains neutral.

    Outbreak of World War II. Liechtenstein remains neutral.

  5. 1984

    In Lichtenstein women gained the right to vote.

    In Lichtenstein women gained the right to vote.

  6. 1990

    Liechtenstein joins the United Nations.

    Liechtenstein joins the United Nations.

  7. 2004

    Crown Prince Hans-Adam hands over day-to-day running of Liechtenstein to his son Prince Alois.

    Crown Prince Hans-Adam hands over day-to-day running of Liechtenstein to his son Prince Alois while remaining head of state.

Premium Content

Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.

View expanded history

Interesting Facts

  • Liechtenstein lies on the east bank of the Rhine River south of Lake Constance between Austria and Switzerland. It consists of low valley land and Alpine peaks.

  • Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps.

Premium Content

See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.

View all interesting facts

Geography and Environment

Terrain
mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third
Climate
continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers
Natural Hazards
NA
Current Environmental Issues
NA
Premium Content

Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.

View full geography

People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

German (official), Alemannic dialect

  • German

Population

Population
38,749
Population in Major Urban Areas
VADUZ (capital) 5,000
Nationality Noun
Liechtensteiner(s)
Ethnic Groups
Alemannic 86%, Italian, Turkish, and other 14%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 10 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Liechtenstein ranks among the highest in the world, reflecting the principality's exceptional standard of living, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and stable socioeconomic conditions. The average life expectancy across the total population sits at approximately 82 to 83 years, with women generally outliving men by several years — women living to around 85 years on average, while men can expect to live to approximately 80 to 81 years. These figures place Liechtenstein consistently at or near the top of global life expectancy rankings, comparable to neighboring Switzerland and other wealthy European nations such as Japan, Sweden, and Norway. The principality benefits from a comprehensive, high-quality healthcare system that emphasizes preventive care, early diagnosis, and access to specialist treatment. Residents enjoy easy access to medical facilities both within Liechtenstein and across the border in Switzerland, with whom Liechtenstein maintains close cooperation on health services. Several factors contribute to these favorable outcomes. Liechtenstein has one of the lowest poverty rates in the world and virtually no unemployment, meaning residents experience relatively low levels of economic stress — a well-documented contributor to long-term health. Air quality in the country is consistently good, and the Alpine environment encourages active outdoor lifestyles. The population has access to clean drinking water, excellent sanitation, and nutritious food. The country's small population — hovering around 38,000 to 39,000 people — makes healthcare management more straightforward and allows for a highly personalized approach to medical services. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular illness remain manageable due to proactive health campaigns and regular medical check-ups encouraged by national health policy. For travelers and students researching Liechtenstein, these statistics serve as an indicator of the overall quality of life in the principality. Long life expectancy, when paired with low infant mortality rates and high educational attainment, paints a picture of a society in which residents thrive across every stage of life.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Liechtenstein ranks among the highest in the world, reflecting the principality's exceptional standard of living, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and stable socioeconomic conditions. The average life expectancy across the total population sits at approximately 82 to 83 years, with women generally outliving men by several years — women living to around 85 years on average, while men can expect to live to approximately 80 to 81 years. These figures place Liechtenstein consistently at or near the top of global life expectancy rankings, comparable to neighboring Switzerland and other wealthy European nations such as Japan, Sweden, and Norway. The principality benefits from a comprehensive, high-quality healthcare system that emphasizes preventive care, early diagnosis, and access to specialist treatment. Residents enjoy easy access to medical facilities both within Liechtenstein and across the border in Switzerland, with whom Liechtenstein maintains close cooperation on health services. Several factors contribute to these favorable outcomes. Liechtenstein has one of the lowest poverty rates in the world and virtually no unemployment, meaning residents experience relatively low levels of economic stress — a well-documented contributor to long-term health. Air quality in the country is consistently good, and the Alpine environment encourages active outdoor lifestyles. The population has access to clean drinking water, excellent sanitation, and nutritious food. The country's small population — hovering around 38,000 to 39,000 people — makes healthcare management more straightforward and allows for a highly personalized approach to medical services. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular illness remain manageable due to proactive health campaigns and regular medical check-ups encouraged by national health policy. For travelers and students researching Liechtenstein, these statistics serve as an indicator of the overall quality of life in the principality. Long life expectancy, when paired with low infant mortality rates and high educational attainment, paints a picture of a society in which residents thrive across every stage of life.
Premium Content

Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.

View full people and society

Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Liechtenstein
Full Country Name
Principality of Liechtenstein
Local - Long
Fuerstentum Liechtenstein
Local - Short
Liechtenstein

Government Structure

Government Type
hereditary constitutional monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis
Legal System
local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive Branch
chief of state: Prince HANS-ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15 August 2004, HANS-ADAM II transferred the day-to-day official duties of the ruling prince to ALOIS, but HANS-ADAM II retains the status of chief of state head of government: Head of Government Daniel RISCH (since 25 March 2021) and Deputy Head of Government Sabine MONAUNI (since 25 March 2021) cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament (Landtag), confirmed by the monarch elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag is usually appointed head of government by the monarch, and the leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag is usually appointed deputy head of government by the monarch
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote under proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 7 February 2021 (next to be held in February 2025) Election results: percent of vote by party - VU 35.9%, FBP 35.9%, FL 12.9%, DU 11.1%, independent 4.2%; seats by party - VU 10, FBP 10, FL 3, DU 2
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal or Obergericht
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
5-Oct-21
Independence
23 January 1719 Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established; 12 July 1806 established independence from the Holy Roman Empire
National Holiday
Assumption Day, 15 August

Capital City

Capital Name
Vaduz
Capital - geographic coordinate
47 08 N, 9 31 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

may be a conflation from the Latin vallis (valley) and the High German diutisk (meaning "German") to produce Valdutsch ("German valley"), which over time simplified and came to refer specifically to Vaduz, the town

Military

Branches: no regular military forces; National Police maintains close relations with neighboring forces

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

United States Embassy Bern

Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern, Switzerland

Telephone: (41) (31) 357-7011 (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.)

Emergency phone: after-hours/weekends: (41) (31) 357-7777

Facsimile: (41) (31) 357-7280

United States Consular Agency Zurich

Dufourstrasse 101, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland

Telephone: (41) (43) 499-2960 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Facsimile: (41) (43) 499-2961

Email: zurich-ca@state.gov

United States Consular Agency Geneva

Rue Versonnex 7, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland

Telephone: (41) (22) 840 -5160 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Facsimile: (41) (22) 840-5162.

Email: geneva-CA@state.gov

Mailing address: U.S. Consular Agency, c/o U.S. Mission, 11, Rte.de Pregny, 1292 Chambesy, Switzerland

Premium Content

Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.

View full government details

Economy

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial services sector and living standards on a par with its large European neighbors.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Swiss Franc (CHF)
GDP Real Growth Rate
1.8%
Premium ContentJoinORSign In
Instant Access $2

News & Weather

Current Weather

Loading current conditions…
Loading forecast…

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Liechtenstein?
The population of Liechtenstein is approximately 38,749.
How do people greet each other in Liechtenstein?
Liechtensteiners typically greet each other with a handshake, along with common spoken greetings. Do: Shake hands when greeting Use "Gruezi" or "Grüss Gott" as common greetings Use "Hoi!" as an informal greeting
What are dining customs like in Liechtenstein?
The midday meal (Zmittag) is the main meal of the day, while breakfast (Zmorga) and the evening meal (Znacht) are lighter. Breakfast (Zmorga) is coffee with bread and jam Zmittag typically includes soup, salad, a main dish, and dessert Znacht is usually a light open-faced sandwich with meats Try Käsknöfle: noodles baked with grated cheese and fried onions, served with applesauce or salad Other favorites include Hafaläb and Törkarebl
How should travelers dress in Liechtenstein?
Neat, conservative, Western-style clothing is common, with traditional Trachten costumes reserved for festivals and special occasions. Do: Wear neat, conservative Western-style clothing Traditional costumes (Trachten) are only worn for festivals or special occasions Women's costume: gathered waist, full-length skirt, and apron Men's costume: knee-length breeches, flat black hat, and a loden woolen jacket
What is family life like in Liechtenstein?
Most Liechtensteiners marry in their late twenties after completing their schooling, and the average family has two children. Many people finish schooling before marrying The average family has two children Many married women work outside the home
What do people do for fun in Liechtenstein?
Sports are hugely popular, with over a third of the population belonging to the National Sports Union, alongside cultural pursuits like bands and choirs. Winter: nighttime skiing Summer: soccer, hiking, and bicycling Cultural activities include brass bands, vocal ensembles, and choirs Cities host operetta companies
What is the capital of Liechtenstein?
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and serves as the political and cultural heart of the principality. Situated along the Rhine River, Vaduz is home to the national government, the Liechtenstein State Museum, and the iconic Vaduz Castle, the hilltop residence of the ruling princely family. Despite its small size, the city functions as a hub for the country's prominent financial services sector and attracts considerable tourist interest given its storied royal heritage.
Where is Liechtenstein located?
Liechtenstein is a small landlocked principality in Central Europe, situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps. It lies on the east bank of the Rhine River, south of Lake Constance, nestled between Austria to the east and Switzerland to the west. One of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, Liechtenstein is entirely surrounded by other landlocked nations, making its geographic position notably distinctive among European states.
What countries border Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein shares borders with just two countries: Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east. Despite its small territorial extent, Liechtenstein maintains close economic and political ties with both neighbors. Its relationship with Switzerland is particularly deep — the two countries share a customs union, an open border, and a common currency, a partnership that took shape in the aftermath of World War I when Liechtenstein sought economic stability.
What is the religion of Liechtenstein?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Liechtenstein, practiced by approximately 76 percent of the population. Protestantism accounts for roughly 7 percent of residents, while a notable portion of the population — around 11 percent — identifies with no religious affiliation or an unspecified belief. The Catholic faith has historically shaped the country's cultural and civic life, and the principality retains a strong Catholic institutional presence in its schools and public ceremonies.
What currency is used in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its official currency. The adoption of the Swiss Franc dates to the early 1920s, when economic hardship following World War I led Liechtenstein to dissolve its monetary ties with Austria and enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Today, Liechtenstein has no central bank of its own and relies entirely on Swiss monetary policy, reflecting the exceptionally close economic integration between the two countries.
What language is spoken in Liechtenstein?
German is the official language of Liechtenstein and is used in government, education, and formal communication. In everyday life, most residents speak Alemannic, a regional dialect of German closely related to the dialects spoken in neighboring Switzerland and the Austrian province of Vorarlberg. Standard High German is taught in schools and used in official written contexts. Liechtenstein maintains a high literacy rate, and its education system, administered by the central government, requires attendance through age 16.
What is the geography of Liechtenstein like?
Liechtenstein occupies a compact territory in the European Alps, characterized by a striking contrast between the flat, fertile lowlands of the Rhine River valley in the west and the rugged Alpine peaks that rise in the east. The country is one of the smallest in Europe by area, yet its terrain ranges from valley farmland at relatively low elevation to mountainous ridgelines exceeding 2,500 meters. This combination of valley and Alpine landscape supports both agriculture in the lowlands and winter sports tourism in the highlands.
What is Liechtenstein known for?
Liechtenstein is known above all as a major international financial center, having leveraged low tax rates and favorable banking laws since World War II to develop one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world. The country is also a significant producer of precision instruments, dental products, and industrial ceramics through its export-oriented manufacturing sector. Culturally, Liechtenstein has a strong tradition of brass bands and choral singing, particularly in rural communities. Its postage stamps — highly regarded by philatelists worldwide — have historically served as a meaningful source of government revenue.

Last reviewed 2026

Video LibraryCompareArticlesGlobal ContentActivitiesLessonsRecipesBlogInternet CitationGlossary