Liechtenstein Europe

The Principality of Liechtenstein (Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a landlocked alpine country between Austria and Switzerland. It is one of the smallest independent nations in the world, with an area of 160 km². The capital is Vaduz.

Despite its limited natural resources, Liechtenstein is one of the few countries in the world with more registered companies than citizens.

Liechtenstein is a picturesque country that occupies a part of the Rhine River Valley in the Alps. The tiny nation is nestled between Austria on the north and east and Switzerland on the west and south. Its entire western border with Switzerland is formed by the Rhine. The river valley is narrow in the mountainous south, but it widens to form fertile lowlands in the north.

Liechtenstein is a principality, a territory ruled by a prince. Like its Swiss neighbor, with which it is closely tied, Liechtenstein is a neutral nation. In 1921 Liechtenstein adopted the Swiss franc as its national currency, and in 1924 it entered into a customs union with Switzerland. The borders between both nations are open. Swiss customs officials are responsible for safeguarding the border with Austria and for representing Liechtenstein abroad. Liechtenstein has not maintained an army since 1868.