Luxembourg - the Richest Country

Introduction

World Factbook: "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."

Wealth and National Well-Being

Country Comparisons: chart

Public Debt
Zero. "That's right; Liechtenstein doesn't owe anyone cash."

GDP growth rate
2009: -0.5%

Unemployment rate
2009: 2.8%

Labor force in agriculture
2010: 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

Living in an urban area
2010: 14% total population

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

Chief of state: Hans-Adam II (prince, House of Liechtenstein) since 13 Novemnmber 1989. Head of government: Klaus Tschütscher (prime minister) since 25 March 2009, Patriotic Union (center-right).

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 a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Liechtenstein was neutral during World War II (as was Switzerland).