The Principality of Liechtenstein (or simply Liechtenstein) is a microstate located in Europe. Liechtenstein is unique because it is “doubly landlocked,” which means that it is surrounded by other landlocked countries. It is only one of two nations that is doubly landlocked, with Uzbekistan being the second.
According to estimates from 2017, Liechtenstein has a population of 35,547 inhabitants spread across 62 square miles of land area. Liechtenstein is one of the least densely populated countries with about 587.9 people per square mile. Liechtenstein is also the fourth smallest nation in Europe by population and the smallest nation to border two countries.
Liechtenstein is divided into 11 municipalities. The capital is Vaduz, which is a town with a population of about 5,450 people. The largest municipality by population is Schaan, which is home to nearly 6,000 people.
Liechtenstein has one of the highest GDPs in the world primarily due to its strong financial sector, which brings in about 20,000 commuters. Liechtenstein is a participant in the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. The nation is also a member of the European Free Trade Association, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations.
Approximately one-third of the nation’s population was born in another country. Most of the foreign population comes from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The official language of Liechtenstein is German, and the Alemannic dialect is most commonly spoken. The official religion of the nation is Catholicism, which is practiced by nearly 76% of the total population. Nearly 86% of the population practices some form of Christianity. The largest minority religion in the country is Islam, which is practiced by over 5% of the population.