Liechtenstein And Austria: Two Countries, One Unique Relationship

Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked German-speaking microstate in Central Europe, nestled between Switzerland to its west and south, and Austria to its east and north. It is Europe's fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres and a population of 40,023. It is the world's smallest country to border two countries.

Is Liechtenstein landlocked?

Yes, Liechtenstein is one of the world's two doubly landlocked countries, meaning it is a country wholly surrounded by other landlocked countries. It is located in the Central European Alps, bordered to the east by the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, and to the south and west by the Swiss cantons of Grisons and St. Gallen, respectively. The Rhine forms the entire western border of Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein is the sixth-smallest sovereign state in the world by area, covering an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of 40,023, making it the smallest country in the world to border two countries.

What is the population of Liechtenstein?

Liechtenstein is a tiny, doubly landlocked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, with a population of approximately 40,000 people. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe, spanning just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and is home to a little over 40,000 people. This equates to a population density of around 249 people per square kilometre (645 people per square mile).

The population of Liechtenstein is primarily Alemannic-speaking, with a significant proportion of foreign-born residents, mainly from German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The official language is German, although many Liechtensteiners also speak an Alemannic dialect at home.

Liechtenstein's population enjoys a high standard of living, with one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity. The country has a strong financial sector and was once known as a tax haven, although it has taken steps to shed this reputation in recent years.

Liechtenstein has a unique political system that combines elements of absolute monarchy, representative democracy and direct democracy. The reigning Prince, Hans-Adam II, is the head of state and wields significant power, including the ability to veto legislation and dismiss the government.

The population of Liechtenstein is served by a range of public services and infrastructure. There are nine public high schools, a university, and a network of paved roads connecting the country to its neighbours. The country also has a railway line and a public bus system, although it does not have its own airport.

What is the capital of Liechtenstein?

The capital of Liechtenstein is Vaduz. It is located along the Rhine and is home to around 5,696 people. The village's distinctive architecture is displayed in landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. Florin, Government House, Village Hall, the National Art Gallery, and the National Museum. The most prominent landmark of Vaduz is Vaduz Castle, perched atop a steep hill overlooking the village. It is the home of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and the princely family.

Vaduz is the seat of the national parliament and is divided into two electoral districts: the Upper Country (Oberland) and the Lower Country (Unterland). It is one of the few capital cities in the world without an airport.

What language is spoken in Liechtenstein?

The official language of Liechtenstein is German, and it is the smallest of four European countries with a majority of German speakers. The local German dialect is Alemannic, which is spoken by 73% of the population at home. It is quite distinct from Standard German and more closely resembles dialects spoken in neighbouring regions such as Switzerland and Vorarlberg, Austria. In the southern region of Liechtenstein, the Highest Alemannic dialect is spoken, while in the rest of the country, High Alemannic is used.

Alemannic is sometimes considered a language in its own right, rather than a dialect of German. It is spoken by 86% of the country, who are considered "ethnic Alemannic". The dialect is challenging to understand for those who only speak Standard German, especially the Highest Alemannic variety.

In the town of Triesenberg, the Walser German dialect is spoken. Walser is closely related to Swiss Standard German, which is also understood and spoken by most Liechtensteiners.

Liechtenstein's population is one-third foreign-born, with the majority of these being German speakers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Other significant foreign-born populations include Italians and Turks, who make up 14% of the population collectively, and Italian and Turkish are also spoken in the country.

Is Liechtenstein part of the EU?

Liechtenstein is a tiny, doubly-landlocked country located between Switzerland and Austria. It is not a member state of the European Union but does participate in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area.

Liechtenstein's relationship with the EU is heavily shaped by its participation in the EEA, which it joined in 1995. The EEA Agreement regulates most aspects of relations between Liechtenstein and the EU, including participation in the EU internal market and EU agencies and programmes, and Liechtenstein's financial contribution to economic and social cohesion in the EU and the EEA. Liechtenstein also participates in the frequent exchange on foreign policy matters at the ministerial and expert level.

Liechtenstein is not a member of the EU because it is highly protective of its sovereignty. In the absence of political or military power, the country has sought to preserve its sovereignty over the past 300 years through membership in legal communities. It has a semi-constitutional monarchy, with the current head of state being Prince Hans-Adam II. In 2003, a constitutional referendum granted the monarch greater powers, including the ability to dismiss the government, nominate judges, and veto legislation.

Liechtenstein has a very small population of around 40,000 people and is the fourth-smallest country in Europe, with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles). It is also one of the few countries in the world with no debt.

The country has a strong financial sector and has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity. It was once known as a tax haven but has made significant efforts in recent years to reposition itself as a legitimate financial centre.

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