Liechtenstein Europe - Pictures of Vaduz, Travel, Economy and Map

Geography

Country name: Principality of Liechtenstein (local: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein).

Capital: Vaduz.

Government type: hereditary constitutional monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis.

Independence: 23 January 1719 Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established; 12 July 1806 established independence from the Holy Roman Empire.

Administrative divisions: 11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz.

Terrain: mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third .

Total area: 160 km².

Highest point: Grauspitz 2,599 m (lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m).

Climate: continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers.

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.