Liechtenstein is a small state in Central Europe between Switzerland and Austria. It covers 160.5 km² and has a population of about 41 000. The capital is Vaduz, the largest municipality is Schaan. German is the official language, and the currency is the Swiss franc. The government is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Liechtenstein is a member of the UN, Schengen Area, EEA and EFTA.

History
In 1719 the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg united to form the principality within the Holy Roman Empire. After the German Confederation dissolved in 1866, Liechtenstein retained its full sovereignty and entered a customs union with Switzerland. The principality remained neutral during both World Wars. A 2003 referendum expanded the prince’s powers, solidifying the constitutional monarchy.

Statistics
Population: about 41 000, density: roughly 255 per km². Nominal GDP: around USD 7.5 billion; GDP per capita: about USD 185 000. Unemployment remains below 2 %. Human Development Index (HDI): 0.942 (12th globally).

Industry
Key sectors include financial and trust services, precision machinery production, microelectronics, dental and optical instruments, printing and machine tools. Small family enterprises and specialized workshops form the backbone of the economy.

Religion
Approximately 69.6 % of the population is Catholic, 9.8 % belong to other Christian denominations, and 9.6 % are non-religious. About 6 % are Muslim, and 5 % follow other faiths. Interfaith dialogue is actively supported.

Clothing
In urban areas people dress European smart casual: business attire means a suit or blazer, while daily wear includes trousers with a shirt or sweater. Hiking gear requires a waterproof jacket, layered clothing and sturdy boots. Light clothing is enough in summer, but evenings can be cool. Swimwear is only for pools and spas, not public streets.

Living Standard and Corruption
Liechtenstein ranks among the top countries by GDP per capita and HDI. On the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) it stands around 12th with a score near 83/100. Public-sector corruption is virtually nonexistent, with rare incidents in the private sector.

Wars and Conflicts
Since its foundation the principality has remained neutral. No armed conflicts have taken place on its territory, and it did not participate in the world wars.

Tourism
Tourism in Liechtenstein hinges on Alpine scenery, compact itineraries and world-class museums. You can visit medieval castles, contemporary galleries and mountain trails in a single day. Infrastructure includes marked hiking paths, ski lifts, Rhine cycling routes, professional guides and concierge services.

List of Tourist Attractions
– Vaduz Castle with Rhine viewpoint
– Liechtenstein National Museum
– Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein of modern art
– Postal Museum and philately collections
– Sculpture Park along the Rhine
– Ruins of Schellenberg Castle
– Malbun ski resort
– Triesenberg scenic hiking trail
– Historic printing museum in Schaan

List of Non-Tourist Attractions
– Triesenberg village with Walser architecture
– Alpine dairy farms offering cheese tastings
– Hilti technical center tours in Schaan
– Workshops crafting pewter and bronze items
– Hidden mountain chapels and forest trails in the Madzusch valley

Why Visit
Liechtenstein blends medieval castles with cutting-edge industry, mountain vistas with cultural events. Without mass tourism, short distances make it easy to explore every corner at your own pace.

Safety, Terrorist Threat and Wildlife
Crime rates are extremely low, limited to occasional petty theft. There is virtually no terrorist risk due to strong security cooperation within Schengen. In the mountains you may encounter chamois, deer and wild boar — they are not aggressive but should not be fed or approached closely.

Service Level and Hotels
Vaduz and Schaan offer 3–5-star international hotels, boutique inns and serviced apartments. Service standards match those of Western Europe, with attentive staff and high cleanliness.

Types of Tourism
Cultural-historical tours, mountain trekking, skiing and snowboarding, Rhine cycling, gastronomic experiences, business travel and spa retreats.

Entry Rules
Liechtenstein is in Schengen. Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and most developed countries may stay visa-free up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Others need a Schengen visa. Passports must be valid at least three months after exit.

Transport, Car Rental and Road Rules
Rail services integrate with Swiss Federal Railways. Buses connect all 11 municipalities. Car hire is available in Vaduz and at Zurich Airport. Driving is on the right. A Swiss motorway vignette is required, and winter chains are mandatory in snowy conditions. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside towns, 120 km/h on Swiss motorways. Speed cameras monitor main roads. Dashcams are allowed. Police do not take bribes.

Drinking and Driving
The blood alcohol limit is 0.05 ‰. Exceeding this results in heavy fines and possible license suspension.

Noise Regulations
Quiet hours run from 22:00 to 7:00 and all day on Sundays. Loud music, lawn mowing and other noise are prohibited during these periods, as well as on public holidays.

Daily Budget
Budget travel: from CHF 80 (≈ USD 87) per day (hostel, takeaway meals, public transport). Mid-range: CHF 150–200 (≈ USD 163–217) (3–4-star hotel, cafés, museums). Luxury: from CHF 300 (≈ USD 325) per day.

What Is Not Recommended or Strictly Forbidden
Wild camping outside designated sites, picking protected plants, swimming in the Rhine, flying drones without permission, littering, ignoring waste sorting rules, making noise at night or under the influence of alcohol while driving are all prohibited.

Climate and Best Time to Visit
The Rhine valley has a temperate continental climate, while the mountains are alpine. Summers see daytime highs of 20–25 °C and nights of 10–15 °C. Winters range from –5 to +5 °C with snow cover from December through March. May–September is ideal for hiking and sightseeing; December–March for winter sports.