Expand your knowledge of this wonderful little country and increase your chances of being crowned the next pub quiz champion by taking a look at these fun facts about Liechtenstein!
1. Where is Liechtenstein, anyway?
Liechtenstein is a stunning landlocked country in Europe.
It is bordered by Switzerland to the south, west and north and Austria to the north and east.
2. Liechtenstein is pretty special.
In fact, Liechtenstein is one of only two ‘doubly landlocked’ countries, meaning it is not only landlocked, but all the bordering countries are landlocked, too.
3. Get exploring with your compass!
Boasting mountains and valleys, there’s lots to explore in this beautiful country; to discover its beauty for yourself, head for the coordinates 47.1417° N, 9.5233° E.
4. There are hills and valleys for miles to see.
The terrain here is mostly mountainous, with much of the country forming part of the Alps mountain range, with the western third of the country lying in the Rhine Valley – a deep picturesque alpine valley!
5. It’s city-sized.
The total land area of Liechtenstein is 62 square miles (160 square kilometres)…that’s around 1.5 times the size of Manchester, England.
Liechtenstein’s population was 39,327 in 2022…that’s less than 1/10th of the population of Manchester!
6. What do people identify as in Liechtenstein?
Residents here are known as Liechtensteiners.
7. The capital is impressively small.
The capital is Vaduz; it covers an area of 6.7 square miles (17.3 square kilometres) and had a population of 5,000 in 2014.
8. A nice weather balance.
Liechtensteiners enjoy a continental climate with cool and humid summers, followed by cool, snowy winters.
9. It’s a big tourist location, too!
Liechtenstein actually welcomes around 1.5 times its population in tourists each year!
10. Learn the lingo of Liechtenstein!
Despite not sharing a border with Germany, the official language of Liechtenstein is German!
In fact, it is the only German speaking country to not share a border with Germany, and it is the smallest German speaking country in the world!
11. The Euro isn’t the official currency here.
Interestingly, the Swiss Franc is the official currency here, although the Euro is also widely accepted.
12. Lifespans here are long and prosperous.
Liechtensteiners live for an average of 84.4 years (2021).
13. Want to rent Liechtenstein?
In 2011, Airbnb and Xnet teamed up to offer the opportunity to rent Liechtenstein (yes, the whole country!) for the bargain price of approximately £46,000 per night! The price included accommodation for 150, a symbolic key to the state, a wine tasting session, plus the option to have your own temporary currency and street signs!
14. Liechtenstein’s army came back with an extra man.
There is an army story dating from 1868 where it is said that 80 men were sent to guard an Italian mountain pass but saw no action. During their march home they befriended an Austrian and returned to Liechtenstein as an 81-man strong army!
15. Its army days are over.
As a politically neutral country, Liechtenstein no longer has a permanent military.
16. Here’s some stats on exports and industry.
Liechtenstein grows barley, wheat, potatoes and corn; they also rear livestock and produce dairy products here.
Its industry consists of electronics, tourism, metal manufacturing, ceramics, dental products, food products, pharmaceuticals, precision instruments and optical instruments.
Liechtenstein exports dental products, parts for motor vehicles, specialty machinery, electronic equipment, hardware, foodstuffs and optical products.
17. It’s in the top three for…
According to the Central Intelligence Agency, Liechtenstein has the third highest GDP per capita behind Qatar and Luxembourg!
FAQs about Liechtenstein
Do people speak English in Liechtenstein?
Some do - but it’s more likely you’ll get mileage out of interaction by speaking German!
Did Liechtenstein fight during World War II?
No - they were a neutral party.
Is it possible to walk across the whole of Liechtenstein?
Yes - in fact, the Liechtenstein Trail will take you through all of its popular spots! It’s a 75km walk - get training!
Do you know any fun facts about Liechtenstein? Share them in the comments below!
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