Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked Alpine principality between Switzerland and Austria, smaller than Manhattan, and one of the world's wealthiest countries by GDP per capita.
Geography & landscape
Liechtenstein sits in Western Europe, in the northern hemisphere of Europe. With an area of approximately 160 km², it is a compact territory, set in the northern hemisphere and exposed to the temperate climate band typical of its latitude. Its capital, Vaduz, lies near coordinates 47.17°, 9.55°.
The country shares the cultural and geographic context of Europe, with neighbouring states and trade routes shaped by its position in the wider Western Europe region. Topography, watersheds and coastline (where present) define the practical realities of agriculture, settlement and transport across Liechtenstein.
People & society
The population of Liechtenstein is around 40K. Communities, dialects and customs vary by region, and the country’s sense of identity is shaped by its history, its borders and the everyday rhythms of its towns and cities.
The official language is German, used in government, education and most public life. Regional dialects, minority languages and immigrant communities add further linguistic texture.
Government & politics
Liechtenstein is structured as a constitutional monarchy. Political authority is exercised through institutions based primarily in Vaduz, with the head of state and head of government performing constitutional roles defined by the country’s legal framework. Domestic policy, foreign relations and the administration of public services all flow from this constitutional core.
Economy & currency
The official currency of Liechtenstein is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Monetary policy, banking, taxation and trade are managed nationally, often in coordination with regional and international institutions. Major economic activity tends to cluster around Vaduz and other principal urban centres, with secondary economies built on the country’s natural resources, manufacturing capacity and service industries.
Culture & everyday life
The cultural footprint of Liechtenstein shows up in cuisine, music, sport, religious life, festivals and design. National holidays mark the country’s historical pivots; family meals, café culture and street life follow patterns rooted in geography and tradition. International audiences usually meet Liechtenstein through its sport, its music, its food, or the global diaspora that carries those things abroad.
Travel essentials
The capital, Vaduz, is the natural starting point for first-time visitors. International dialling uses the country code +423, and clocks are set to the CET (UTC+1) time zone. ISO standards identify Liechtenstein as LI (alpha-2) and LIE (alpha-3) — useful when booking flights, decoding number plates, or matching customs paperwork. The flag, 🇱🇮, appears at every border post and on every passport.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table below to compare key metrics at a glance.
| Metric | Value | Unit / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Capital city | Vaduz | — |
| Continent | Europe | — |
| Sub-region | Western Europe | — |
| Population | 40K | people |
| Area | 160 | km² |
| Currency | Swiss Franc (CHF) | — |
| Calling code | +423 | international dialling |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | standard time |
| Government type | Constitutional monarchy | — |
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | LI | 2-letter code |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | LIE | 3-letter code |
| Latitude | 47.17 | degrees |
| Longitude | 9.55 | degrees |
Did you know?
Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan are the only two doubly landlocked countries on Earth — surrounded only by other landlocked countries.
