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Liechtenstein is a country or territory in Western Europe. Its capital is Vaduz.
Liechtenstein is located in Western Europe, and its capital is Vaduz. It has a population of approximately 40,450 and covers an area of about 160 km². Its official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).
People & place
Economic snapshot
Practical reference
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Liechtenstein is a tiny yet prosperous principality that enchants visitors with its blend of medieval charm and modern affluence. Despite covering just 160 square kilometers, this German‑speaking nation boasts stunning mountain scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and a reputation for financial services and high‑tech industry.
Liechtenstein stretches along the eastern banks of the Rhine River, which forms its western border with Switzerland, while the rugged Alpine terrain dominates the interior. The country’s highest point is the Grauspitz at 2,599 m, offering dramatic cliffs and alpine meadows, whereas the low‑lying Rhine Valley provides fertile farmland and picturesque towns such as Vaduz and Schaan.
Liechtenstein’s culture reflects a harmonious mix of Alpine traditions and contemporary influences. Folk music, yodeling, and the annual “National Day” celebrations showcase its heritage, while local cuisine delights with hearty dishes like Käsknöpfle (cheese noodles) and Ribel (corn porridge). The nation also values arts and education, boasting museums, galleries, and a strong commitment to multilingualism in German, English, and Italian.
Founded in 1719 as a fiefdom of the Holy Roman Empire, Liechtenstein gained full sovereignty in 1806 when it joined the Confederation of the Rhine under Napoleon. Its most pivotal modern moment came in 1921, when the Constitution established a democratic parliamentary system that endures today, positioning the tiny principality as a stable, independent state amidst its larger neighbors.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Capital
Vaduz
Population
40,450 (253 /km²)
Surface Area
160 km²
GDP
$8.24 billion (2023)
GDP per Capita
$206,781 (2023)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
Liechtenstein
Nationality
Liechtenstein
Currency
Swiss franc (CHF - CHf)Phone Code
+423
Top-Level Domain
.li
ISO Codes
LI / LIE
Coordinates
47.2667, 9.53333
Timezones
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
The capital of Liechtenstein is Vaduz.
Liechtenstein has a recorded population of approximately 40,450 people.
Liechtenstein covers an area of about 160 km².
Liechtenstein has a population density of roughly 253 /km² (people per square kilometre).
Liechtenstein has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $8.24 billion as of 2023.
Liechtenstein has a GDP per capita of approximately $206,781.
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc (CHF), with the symbol CHf.
Liechtenstein is located in Western Europe, Europe.
People from Liechtenstein are referred to as Liechtenstein.
The international dialing code for Liechtenstein is +423.
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Liechtenstein is .li.
Liechtenstein uses the Europe/Vaduz time zone.
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Liechtenstein is a tiny yet prosperous principality that enchants visitors with its blend of medieval charm and modern affluence. Despite covering just 160 square kilometers, this German‑speaking nation boasts stunning mountain scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and a reputation for financial services and high‑tech industry.
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