Capital: Vaduz

Land: 160 sq km

Currency (code): Swiss franc (CHF)

Exchange rates: Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.1973 (2007), 1.2539 (2006), 1.2452 (2005), 1.2435 (2004), 1.3467 (2003)

Population: 34,498 (July 2008 est.)

Age structure: ¾ 0-14 years: 16.9% (male 2,892/female 2,927)

¾ 15-64 years: 69.8% (male 11,905/female 12,180)

¾ 65 years and over: 13.3% (male 1,964/female 2,630) (2008 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.713% (2008 est.)

Religions: Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% (June 2002)

Climate: The climate is temperate. Average temperatures range from 30°F (-1°C) in January to 70°F (21°C) in July. Annual precipitation averages about 40 inches (102 centimeters). The climate is strongly influenced by the Föhn, a warm southerly wind. The Föhn was one of

Page 1 of 5 Liechtenstein

the three “national plagues” that once endangered the country.

Language: The language spoken in Liechtenstein is German. The primary foreign languages taught in schools are English and French.

General Attitudes: Liechtensteiners are proud of their high standard of living and modern achievements, but they cherish tradition as well. They value hard work and a good sense of humor. Conservative, deliberate, and pragmatic, they are also sincere and warmhearted. Many view Liechtenstein as one of the most beautiful spots on earth and consider it lucky that the country is so small and unimportant. For instance, it has escaped war since the end of the 18th century. People tend to know each other well. This familiarity creates a sense of personal responsibility but also encourages gossip and envy. The small society depends on the commitment of its citizens to participate; many are involved in the community in some way. Liechtensteiners like to talk politics, and they take their civic duties seriously. Liechtensteiners’ sense of national identity is closely linked to their respective communes and to the country’s landscape.

The prince plays an important role in public life and enjoys far-reaching constitutional rights. In contrast to other European monarchs, his tasks are not just representational. Although the topic of the monarch governmental powers often raises controversy, Liechtensteiners have always held the monarchy in high esteem.

In addition to current debate on constitutional reform, Liechtenstein faces the challenge of defining its

Page 2 of 5 Liechtenstein

place in international society. A more active foreign policy has recently opened Liechtenstein to the outside world. This has heightened the country’s awareness of being a distinct nation but also of the limits of independence. Political efforts to participate in European integration are likely to have a profound impact on the way Liechtensteiners view themselves.

Greetings: In business settings or after a long absence, a handshake is appropriate. To wave or nod to somebody across the street is acceptable. When passing on the street or entering a store, people commonly greet one another verbally. The traditional terms to address strangers are either the Swiss German Grüezi or the Grüss Gott used in and southern . Both terms mean “Greetings.” Among friends and acquaintances, young and old greet each other with a short Hoi. Most people use the familiar du form of address, and young people generally use first names. However, this habit of linguistic familiarity is common only among locals—not foreigners. Tschau (from the Italian Ciao) is commonly said upon parting, as is the German Tschüss (Bye). The prince is addressed as Durchlaucht (Your Serene Highness). Greetings in languages other than German are also acceptable; keeping silent when a greeting is expected might be considered impolite. English, French, and Italian are the foreign languages most likely to be understood.

Labor force: 29,500 of whom 13,900 commute from Austria, , and Germany to work each day (31 December 2001)

Labor force - by ¾ agriculture: 2%

Page 3 of 5 Liechtenstein

occupation: ¾ industry: 47%

¾ services: 51% (31 December 2001)

Unemployment rate: 1.3% (September 2002)

Inflation rate (consumer 1% (2001) prices):

Natural resources: hydroelectric potential, arable land

Exports: $2.47 billion (1996)

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% (2006)

Imports: $917.3 million (1996)

Imports – commodities: agricultural products, raw materials, energy products, machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Imports - partners: EU, Switzerland (2006)

References:

Page 4 of 5 Liechtenstein

“Liechtenstein.” CultureGrams World Edition. 2008. ProQuest. .

“Liechtenstein.” THE WORLD FACTBOOK. 2008. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY. .

“Liechtenstein.” Factsheet. May, 2007. Economist Intelligence Unit.

Page 5 of 5