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The Principality of Liechtenstein is a German-speaking microstate nestled between Switzerland and Austria in Central Europe. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a population of 39,315 as of 31 December 2021. Liechtenstein is known for its stunning Alpine landscape, with the Rhätikon Mountains and the Rhine River dominating its geography. The country enjoys a high standard of living, a stable political situation, and a thriving economy driven by tourism, banking, and manufacturing. Its close ties with Switzerland and Austria have influenced its history, culture, and economic development, making it an integral part of the European landscape between these two nations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Border length | 180 km (110 mi) |
| Border tripoints | Swiss-Austrian-German; Swiss-Austrian-Italian; Swiss-Austrian-Liechtenstein |
| Border crossings | Yes, customs checks still occur |
| Border features | Grison Alps, Inn River, Alpine Rhine, Old Rhine, Upper Lake Constance |
| History of relations | Switzerland secured independence from the House of Habsburg in 1386; Austria and Switzerland have maintained diplomatic relations since the Middle Ages |
| Political history | Differed considerably due to Switzerland becoming a Republic early on, while Austria was part of the Habsburg monarchy |
| Economic relations | Austria exported €8.17 billion worth of goods to Switzerland; Switzerland imported €9.73 billion worth of goods from Austria; Switzerland is the largest per capita consumer of Austrian goods and services |
| Education | Around 1,700 Austrian students in Switzerland; more than 1,500 Swiss students in Austria |
| Culture | Switzerland is famous for chocolate, St. Bernard dogs, and Rösti; Austria is known for music and the arts |
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What You'll Learn
- The country of Liechtenstein sits between Switzerland and Austria
- The Rhine river forms a natural border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein
- The Swiss-Austrian border is divided into two parts, separated by Liechtenstein
- The Swiss-Austrian border cuts across the High Alps
- Switzerland replaced Austria as the representative of Liechtenstein's interests abroad in 1919
The country of Liechtenstein sits between Switzerland and Austria
Liechtenstein is a small country, covering an area of just 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) and has a population of around 39,000 people. Despite its small size, Liechtenstein has a strong economy, with a focus on industries such as finance, manufacturing, and tourism. The country is also known for its picturesque Alpine landscape, with mountains, valleys, and rivers.
The relationship between Liechtenstein and its neighboring countries is close and cooperative. Liechtenstein is not a member of the European Union, but it has a customs union with Switzerland, which facilitates trade and economic integration within the region. Additionally, Liechtenstein and Switzerland share a currency, the Swiss franc, which further strengthens their economic ties.
In terms of culture and society, Liechtenstein shares some similarities with both Switzerland and Austria due to their close proximity and shared history. All three countries have a strong tradition of neutrality and peace, and they are known for their stunning mountain landscapes and outdoor activities such as skiing and mountaineering. Liechtenstein also has its own unique culture and traditions, with a rich history and cultural heritage that sets it apart from its larger neighbors.
Overall, the country of Liechtenstein enjoys a unique position between Switzerland and Austria, benefiting from close economic and cultural ties with both countries while also maintaining its own distinct identity and sovereignty.
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The Rhine river forms a natural border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein
The Rhine is one of the major European rivers, with a catchment area of over 85,000 square miles (including the delta). It is also one of the world's most important arteries of industrial transport. The Rhine rises in two headstreams in the Swiss Alps, with the Vorderrhein emerging from Lake Toma at 7,690 feet and the Hinterrhein rising near the Swiss-Italian border. The Rhine flows from the Swiss Alps in a mostly northerly direction, forming a natural border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The river never flows within Liechtenstein. The Rhine then forms the border between Switzerland and Austria until Diepoldsau, where the modern and straight course enters Switzerland, while the original course, or 'Old Rhine', continues as the Swiss-Austrian border until Lustenau. The Rhine then continues as the border between the two countries until both courses enter Lake Constance, where the Swiss-Austrian-German tripoint is located.
The Rhine has been an international waterway since the Treaty of Vienna in 1815 and is navigable for 540 miles, as far as Rheinfelden on the Swiss-German border. The river has been navigable between Basel and Rheinfelden since 1934. The High Rhine forms the border between Germany and Switzerland between Eglisau and Basel, except for the old city centre of Konstanz, which is on the Swiss side of the river. The Rhine then turns north and leaves Switzerland, flowing across a broad, flat-floored valley between the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest uplands. The river then defines much of the Franco-German border, flowing through the German Rhineland. The Rhine turns west in Germany and flows into the Netherlands, where it empties into the North Sea.
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The Swiss-Austrian border is divided into two parts, separated by Liechtenstein
The longer, southern stretch of the Swiss-Austrian border runs across the Grison Alps. The shorter northern stretch follows the Alpine Rhine, except near Diepoldsau and between Lustenau and Lake Constance, where it follows the Old Rhine bed. The Swiss-Austrian-German tripoint is located within Upper Lake Constance.
From the northern Swiss-Austrian-Liechtenstein tripoint, the border follows the Alpine Rhine, which also forms the border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The border passes east of Diepoldsau and reaches Lake Constance at the Rhine delta of the Old Rhine near Rheineck and Gaissau, respectively. The new delta of the straightened Alpine Rhine lies entirely within Austria.
From the Swiss-Austrian-Italian tripoint to the Dreiländerspitze, the border is between the Austrian state of Tyrol and the Swiss canton of Graubünden (Grisons). From Dreiländerspitze to the Swiss-Austrian-Liechtenstein tripoint, the border lies between the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and the canton of Grisons. North of Liechtenstein, the border separates Vorarlberg from the canton of St. Gallen. The ski areas of Ischgl in Austria and Samnaun in Switzerland are connected at high altitude and form a combined cross-border ski area.
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The Swiss-Austrian border cuts across the High Alps
The border between Austria and Switzerland cuts across the High Alps, with the Principality of Liechtenstein nestled between the two countries. The Swiss-Austrian border is divided into two parts and has a total length of 110 miles (180 kilometres). The longer, southern stretch runs across the Grison Alps, while the shorter northern stretch follows the Alpine Rhine, except near Diepoldsau and between Lustenau and Lake Constance, where it follows the Old Rhine bed. The border continues northward to the Austrian-Swiss-German tripoint within Upper Lake Constance.
The Swiss-Austrian border is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, with the Swiss mountains reaching higher peaks than those in Austria. The border traverses the Grison Alps, separating the Austrian state of Vorarlberg from the Swiss canton of Graubünden (Grisons). The ski areas of Ischgl in Austria and Samnaun in Switzerland are connected at high altitude, forming a combined cross-border ski area.
The border follows the Inn River between Martina and Nauders and then runs west towards Samnaun. From the Swiss-Austrian-Italian tripoint, located north of Piz Lad in the Engadin, to the Dreiländerspitze, the border separates the Austrian state of Tyrol from the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The Swiss-Austrian border also shares a tripoint with Italy at the Dreiländerspitze, between Jamspitze and Piz Buin.
The Swiss-Austrian border crossings no longer have passport checks due to Switzerland's accession to the Schengen Area in 2008. However, customs officials from both countries remain present at well-frequented border crossings as they retain the authority to conduct customs checks on travellers, given that Switzerland is outside the EU Customs Union.
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Switzerland replaced Austria as the representative of Liechtenstein's interests abroad in 1919
The Principality of Liechtenstein is a small, doubly landlocked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, with stunning mountain slopes rising above the Rhine valley. The country shares an open border with Switzerland, mostly along the Rhine, but also in the Rätikon range of the Alps.
In 1918, following the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the Liechtenstein government could no longer rely on Austria to meet its monetary and diplomatic needs. In October 1919, Switzerland agreed to safeguard Liechtenstein's interests and citizens abroad. A treaty was signed between the two countries, under which Switzerland assumed the representation of Liechtenstein's interests at the diplomatic and consular levels in countries where Liechtenstein had no representation.
Switzerland's role in representing Liechtenstein's interests abroad has been significant. Swiss consular protection is extended to citizens of Liechtenstein, and Switzerland represents Liechtenstein in countries where it has diplomatic representation and Liechtenstein does not. Switzerland is also empowered to enter into treaties on Liechtenstein's behalf when Liechtenstein is not present during negotiations. This power has been exercised in treaties involving customs duties and procedures.
The close diplomatic and economic relations between Switzerland and Liechtenstein have continued over the years. During World War II, both countries maintained their neutrality. Liechtenstein sought to align itself closely with Switzerland during the war to retain its neutrality and was included in the Swiss national supply. In 1923, Liechtenstein entered into a customs union with Switzerland, although this was later compromised due to conflicting interests regarding accession to the EEA. The treaty was revised in 1994 to grant Liechtenstein more freedom in shaping its foreign policy.
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Frequently asked questions
The microstate of Liechtenstein is nestled between Switzerland and Austria. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a population of 39,315 as of 31 December 2021.
German is the official language of Liechtenstein, spoken by 92% of the population as their main language. However, as a third of the population is foreign-born, languages such as Swiss, Italian, and Turkish are also spoken.
In 1921, Liechtenstein adopted the Swiss franc as its currency.
