The Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a small, doubly landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland to its west and by Austria to its east. Together with Uzbekistan, Liechtenstein is one of the world's two landlocked countries to be surrounded entirely by other landlocked countries. Mountainous, it is a winter sports resort, though it is perhaps best-known as a tax haven. Despite this it is not heavily urbanized (like the Principality of Monaco or Gibraltar) but many cultivated fields and little farms characterize its landscape both in the north (Unterland) and in the south (Oberland). It is the smallest German-speaking country in the world.
The Prince of Liechtenstein is among the world's wealthiest heads-of-state, with an estimated wealth of 2 billion dollars. The country's population enjoys one of the world's highest standards of living. Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy headed by its ruling prince or Fürst. The current prince is Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, who succeeded upon his father's death in 1989. The parliament of Liechtenstein, the Landtag, consists of 25 representatives chosen by the people. A cabinet of five members is responsible for daily political matters.
Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps. The entire western border of Liechtenstein is formed by the river. Measured north to south, the country is only about 15 miles (24 km) long. In its east, Liechtenstein rises to higher altitudes; its highest point, the Grauspitz, reaches 2,599 metres (8,527 ft). Despite its alpine location, prevailing southerly winds make the climate of Liechtenstein rather mild. In winter, the mountain slopes are well suited to winter sports. Liechtenstein is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; i.e., a landlocked country wholly surrounded by other landlocked countries. The other is Uzbekistan. It is the only country with a predominantly German-speaking population that does not share a border with the Federal Republic of Germany. Liechtenstein is the sixth-smallest independent nation in the world, by land area. The five independent countries smaller than Liechtenstein are Vatican City, Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu, and San Marino. See List of countries and outlying territories by total area.
Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country of Europe, after the Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino. Its population is primarily ethnic Alemannic, though its resident population is approximately one third foreign-born, primarily German speakers from the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria, and the Swiss Confederation, other (Latin) Swiss, Italians and Turks. Foreign-born people make up two-thirds of the country's workforce. Nationals are referred to by the plural: Liechtensteiners. Liechtenstein is a country with a very high standard of living, higher than Switzerland or the United States.
Due to Liechtenstein's small size, the country has been strongly affected by external cultural influences, most notably those originating in the southern German-speaking areas of Europe, including Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland, and the Tyrol. The Historical Society of the Principality of Liechtenstein plays a role in preserving the culture and history of the country.
As an alpine country, the main opportunity for Liechtensteiners to excel is in winter sports such as downhill skiing: Hanni Wenzel won two gold medals in the 1980 Winter Olympics. With nine medals overall (all in alpine skiing), Liechtenstein has won more Olympic medals per capita than any other nation. The country's single ski area is Malbun.
