What You Need to Know About Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a very small landlocked country of 160 km². It is ruled by a prince and is therefore a principality and a constitutional monarchy. The country is very sparsely populated as its inhabitants number only 38,000.
It is also a wealthy country with a GDP per capita higher than all countries in Europe. Its capital is Vaduz and the largest city is Schaan. The country’s telephone code is 423, i.e., 00423 or +423.
Table of the Main Geographical Features of Liechtenstein
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Area | 160 km² |
| Capital | Vaduz |
| Population | About 39,000 inhabitants |
| Official language | German |
| Highest point | Grauspitz, 2,599 meters |
| Main rivers | Rhine |
| Geographical region | Central Europe, Alps |
Which Countries Border Liechtenstein?
The countries bordering Liechtenstein are Switzerland and Austria, respectively to the west and south.
Population of Liechtenstein
Currently, the population of Liechtenstein stands at 38,547 inhabitants. Its demographic growth rate is 0.78% annually. This corresponds to a fertility rate of 1.69 children per woman. The birth rate is therefore higher than the mortality rate, which are respectively 0.104% and 0.076%. The average life expectancy of the population is 82 years for both men and women combined, and the average age is 43.4 years, indicating a young population.
What Are the Colors of the Country?
The flag of Liechtenstein consists of two horizontal bands placed one above the other. The color of the top band is blue and the bottom band is red. On the blue band is a golden crown drawn on the hoist side.
Here are the meanings:
- Blue: represents the sky
- Red: represents the fire or embers lit in the hearths
- The crown represents that of the prince and symbolizes the unity of the citizens with the principality.
What Are the Best Cities to Visit in Liechtenstein
Vaduz
Vaduz is both the capital of Liechtenstein and also the most populous city. Indeed, it is famous for the castle of the same name built on a height for a panoramic view. It is also a tourist city. If you are a fan of modern or ancient art, visit the National Art Gallery as well as other interesting museums like the Ski Museum, the Stamp Museum, or the National Museum.
Schaan
Schaan is a city near the capital that is absolutely worth visiting. It is a city offering a panoramic view of the Alps. A terrain for hiking enthusiasts, the city of Schaan has several mountain biking trails. Hikers on foot will also have their ideal trail.
Several ancient museums reflect this city, among them are the Domus Museum and the Schaan Museum. These museums tell the history of the city and trace the culture of the country. The city is also a very active nightlife city because of several shops and bars that are always open.
Planken
It is a very small town in Liechtenstein just 15 minutes from the capital. It is also an excellent place to relax and unwind. The best places in Planken are the Rhine Valley and the elevated spots that will offer you a breathtaking view of the entire city.
Main tourist attractions and places of interest
- Vaduz: The capital, known for its princely castle, modern art museums, and national history museums.
- Vaduz Castle: Residence of the princely family, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the city.
- Malbun: The country’s only ski resort, popular for winter sports and summer hiking.
- Balzers: Town housing the majestic Gutenberg Castle, perfectly preserved.
- Vaduz Stamp Museum: Fascinating museum dedicated to philately, highlighting the history of Liechtenstein’s stamps.
- Schaan: The largest city in the country, with a rich cultural scene and historical sites.
- Rhine River: Offering great opportunities for hiking and cycling along its banks.
Where the cities are located on the Liechtenstein map
Vaduz
On the map, the capital is located inland in Liechtenstein but on the Swiss side. Geographic coordinates: 47° 08′ 30″ north, 9° 31′ 10″ east
Schaan
On the Liechtenstein map, the city of Schaan is located in the central section of the country. It is also crossed by the Rhine River. Geographic coordinates: 47° 9′ 50″ North, 9° 30′ 31″ East
Planken
The city of Planken is located in the central section and in the upper part of Liechtenstein. Geographic coordinates: 47° 11′ 04″ north, 9° 32′ 36″ east.
Liechtenstein climate map
Liechtenstein is essentially an alpine territory, meaning full of reliefs. Indeed, the country’s climate type is a moderate continental climate.
Winter is marked by almost no sunshine and moderate rain often turning into snowfall. This season is also influenced by cold winds coming from the North Pole and Siberia. Winter temperatures hover around zero.
Summer is influenced by southerly winds called foehn. It can be hot in the valleys but thunderstorms occur in the afternoon.
The annual rainfall is about 2000 mm and precipitation is more or less constant throughout the year.
Vaduz
The climate in the capital is quite cold in winter and temperatures hover around 0°C at the beginning of the year. Summer, on the other hand, is quite warm with temperatures around 25°C in mid-year. The annual rainfall is about 950 mm depending on summer thunderstorms. Summer rains give way to frequent snow cover in winter.
Economic Map of Liechtenstein
All 4 economic sectors are represented in Liechtenstein. However, the main activity represented is the tertiary sector which accounts for 55% of GDP.
- Agricultural and forestry sector: 5% of GDP
- Craft and small industry sector represents 40% of GDP
- Service sector represents 30% of GDP
- Research and development represents 7% of GDP.
Administrative Subdivisions and Demolinguistic Data
Administrative Subdivisions
11 municipalities make up the territory of Liechtenstein. The municipalities are called Gemeinden in German. The municipalities have no particular divisions, only Eschen-Nendeln, Mauren-Schaanwald, and Gamprin-Bendern correspond to some agglomerations. Here are the municipalities:
- Vaduz
- Balzers
- Eschen
- Gamprin
- Mauren
- Planken
- Ruggell
- Schaan
- Schellenberg
- Triesen
- Triesenberg
Demolinguistic Data
Most Liechtensteiners are Alemannic speakers. It is a Swiss-German language and indeed the country’s mother tongue. It is also a type of standard German.
Alemannic speakers speak two types of languages:
- High Alemannic: spoken by speakers from the northern section
- Upper Alemannic: spoken by the other speakers in the territory.
