The Principality of Liechtenstein

World Factbook as of November 2014: "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 likely the second highest per capita income in the world. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein providing 30% 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% 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."

GDP growth rate
2012: 1.8%
2009: -0.5%

Unemployment rate
2009: 2.8%

Labor force in agriculture
2012: 0.8%

Agriculture products
Wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy products

Import/export
2010: exports $3.325 billion, imports $1.182 billion

Export commondities
small specialty machinery, connectos for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products.

Liechtenstein is in the Alps as benefits economically as a winter sports destination.

Its currency is the Swiss franc. Like Switzerland, it's not a member of the European Union.

People

Population
July 2014: 37,313

Living in an urban area
2014: 14%

Infant mortality rate:
4.33 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy
2014: 81.68 years, ranks 13th

Ethnic groups
2000 census: Liechtensteiner 65.6%, other 34.4%

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

Literacy (10 or older): 100%

Geography

Located in the Alps, between Austria and Switzerland. In area 160 square miles, nine-tenths the size of Washington DC.

Government

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy, with a unicameral parliament having 25 members elected by popular vote to four-year terms.

Capital: Vaduz

Recent History

1866: The Germanic Confederation is dissolved and Lichtenstein becomes fully independent. With Austria's economic devastation caused by World War I, Liechtenstein ends its close tie to Austria and enters into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Liechtenstein was neutral during World War II (as was Switzerland).

SOURCES:
The World Factbook