Liechtenstein

Geography:

Location Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland Area total: 160 sq km Natural resources hydroelectric potential, arable land

People:

Population 33,145 (July 2003 est.) Nationality noun: Liechtensteiner(s) Ethnic groups Alemannic 86%, Italian, Turkish, and other 14% Religions Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% (June 2002) Languages German (official), Alemannic dialect

Government:

Country name conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein conventional short form: Liechtenstein local short form: Liechtenstein local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein Government type hereditary constitutional monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis Capital Vaduz Administrative divisions 11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz Independence 23 January 1719 Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established; 12 July 1806 established independence from the Holy Roman Empire Executive branch chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Diet is usually appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of the largest minority party in the Diet is usually appointed the deputy head of government by the monarch cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch head of government: Head of Government Otmar HASLER (since 5 April 2001) and Deputy Head of Government Rita KIEBER-BECK (since 5 April 2001)

Economy:

GDP purchasing power parity - $825 million (1999 est.) GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $25,000 (1999 est.) Industries electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism, optical instruments Agriculture – products wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy products Exports – commodities small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products Exports – partners EU 62.6% (Germany 24.3%, Austria 9.5%, France 8.9%, Italy 6.6%, UK 4.6%), US 18.9%, Switzerland 15.7% Imports – commodities agricultural products, raw materials, machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles Imports – partners EU, Switzerland Currency Swiss franc (CHF)

Fiscal year calendar year