Location: Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland
Land Area: 106 sq km ( 61.7 sq. miles)
Coastline: 0 km (0 miles)
Highest Point: Grauspitz 2,599 m (8,524 feet)
Lowest Point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m ( 1,410 feet)
Notable Landmarks: Take a peek...

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with its large European neighbors. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes, the maximum tax rate is 20 percent, and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30 percent of state revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports more than 90 percent of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $825 million (1999 est.)
GDP Per Capita: $25,000 (1999 est.)
Number of Workers: 29,000 of whom 19,000 are foreigners; 13,000 commute from Austria, Switzerland and Germany to work each day. (2001 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 1.3% (2002 est.)
Industries: Electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism, optical instruments.
Currency: Swiss franc What does it look like?

Type of Government: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: Prince Hans Adam II (since 13 November 1989)
Head of Government: Otmar Hasler (since 5 April 2001)
Capital City: Vaduz
Legal Age to Vote: 18
Flag Design: Two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band.
Official Language: German (official), Alemannic dialect.
Religions: Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, other 16.8%.

The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. It became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the U.S.