Central Europe, between Austria
and Switzerland
Lowest point: Ruggeller Riet
430 m
Highest point: Grauspitz 2,599
m
Capital: Vaduz
Religion: Roman Catholic 76.2%,
Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2%
Languages Spoken: German
(official), Alemannic dialect
See also: Languages
spoken in Europe, Languages of
the world
Information & Brief History
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 US.
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Liechtenstein
